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Coronavirus live updates: 'compulsory quarantine' on all arrivals to Hong Kong from mainland China – latest news Coronavirus live updates: 'compulsory quarantine' on all arrivals to Hong Kong from mainland China – latest news
(32 minutes later)
Thousands on board Diamond Princess cruise ship in offshore quarantine in Japan after 10 people test positive, as China death toll passes 490Thousands on board Diamond Princess cruise ship in offshore quarantine in Japan after 10 people test positive, as China death toll passes 490
Turkey will now also be taking temperatures of all arriving airline passengers in new prevention measures aimed at halting the spread of a virus outbreak that has killed hundreds of people in China, AP reports.
Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said thermal cameras installed at Turkish airports would begin screening all arriving passengers Thursday. Previously, Turkey was screening travelers from China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea and Malaysia.
Turkey joins Italy, which announced earlier today that they would be screening all passengers. Last week, Italy barred all commercial flights to and from China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, the same day two Chinese tourists from hard-hit Wuhan tested positive for the new type of coronavirus in Rome.
To boost precautions, the Italian health ministry and civil protection agency announced they would use thermo-scanners on all arriving passengers. “It is clear that this is a temporary measure, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told The Associated Press.
The Department of Health said 468 people in the UK have now tested negative for coronavirus, according to a report by PA Media.
All the 1,500 people who arrived on direct flights from Wuhan in January have either left the UK or are now outside the 14-day incubation period for the virus.
Rachael Maskell, the MP for York Central, has criticised the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.Rachael Maskell, the MP for York Central, has criticised the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
York Press reports that Maskell called on the Government to ‘get a grip’ after it emerged that the York student with coronavirus spent a night in student accommodation.York Press reports that Maskell called on the Government to ‘get a grip’ after it emerged that the York student with coronavirus spent a night in student accommodation.
“The student did access student accommodation—Vita Student accommodation—despite our being told they had not,” she said through a point of order in the House of Commons. “There is confusion over how information is being gathered and shared, which could have a serious impact on public confidence in how the coronavirus is being managed.”“The student did access student accommodation—Vita Student accommodation—despite our being told they had not,” she said through a point of order in the House of Commons. “There is confusion over how information is being gathered and shared, which could have a serious impact on public confidence in how the coronavirus is being managed.”
Maskell added: “The government need to get a grip as we may be in the early stages of the management of this infection.”Maskell added: “The government need to get a grip as we may be in the early stages of the management of this infection.”
Sean, who didn’t want to give his last name, said it was “incredibly eerie in Beijing today”. The 34-year-old manager of an English language school said there was heavy snow and few people on the street. “I worked from a cafe today, and was the only one inside.”Sean, who didn’t want to give his last name, said it was “incredibly eerie in Beijing today”. The 34-year-old manager of an English language school said there was heavy snow and few people on the street. “I worked from a cafe today, and was the only one inside.”
He described the Foreign Office’s advice to ‘leave China’ last night as “a huge over-reaction and disregard for expats that actually live here and call China their home”.He described the Foreign Office’s advice to ‘leave China’ last night as “a huge over-reaction and disregard for expats that actually live here and call China their home”.
Sean added: “It’s not simply a matter of hopping on a plane, it’s a huge undertaking. It seemed to be a decision disconnected from the reality.”Sean added: “It’s not simply a matter of hopping on a plane, it’s a huge undertaking. It seemed to be a decision disconnected from the reality.”
He pointed out that Beijing is thousands of kilometres from Hubei, the epicentre of the outbreak. “It seems strange to refer to China as a whole, we are talking about a country almost the size of Europe, and to evacuate the entire territory seems a bit much,” Sean said.He pointed out that Beijing is thousands of kilometres from Hubei, the epicentre of the outbreak. “It seems strange to refer to China as a whole, we are talking about a country almost the size of Europe, and to evacuate the entire territory seems a bit much,” Sean said.
A Southampton student who went into isolation after feeling ill after returning from China has been given the all-clear from the new coronavirus, PA media reports.A Southampton student who went into isolation after feeling ill after returning from China has been given the all-clear from the new coronavirus, PA media reports.
Paramedics were sent to the Mayflower halls of residence at the University of Southampton on Monday to take the student to hospital after they contacted the NHS saying they felt ill.Paramedics were sent to the Mayflower halls of residence at the University of Southampton on Monday to take the student to hospital after they contacted the NHS saying they felt ill.
The student has since been discharged and allowed to return to their accommodation.The student’s flatmates have been told to self-isolate as a precaution and communal areas of the flat and lifts were deep-cleaned.The student has since been discharged and allowed to return to their accommodation.The student’s flatmates have been told to self-isolate as a precaution and communal areas of the flat and lifts were deep-cleaned.
A university spokesman said: “The student concerned at our Mayflower halls has tested negative for the new coronavirus, so has the all-clear.”A university spokesman said: “The student concerned at our Mayflower halls has tested negative for the new coronavirus, so has the all-clear.”
Here’s an explainer on what self-isolation actually means.Here’s an explainer on what self-isolation actually means.
Thousands of medical staff in Hong Kong have gone on strike in a bid to get the government to completely seal the border with mainland China, AP reports.Thousands of medical staff in Hong Kong have gone on strike in a bid to get the government to completely seal the border with mainland China, AP reports.
Hong Kong’s hospital authority says 4,600 medical staff, mainly nurses, didn’t turn up for work on Wednesday.Hong Kong’s hospital authority says 4,600 medical staff, mainly nurses, didn’t turn up for work on Wednesday.
The medical union disputes the authority’s figure and said about 7,000 people took part in the strike. The group wants the government halt cross-border travel and prevent the spread of a new virus.The medical union disputes the authority’s figure and said about 7,000 people took part in the strike. The group wants the government halt cross-border travel and prevent the spread of a new virus.
Opposition lawmakers have criticised the decision of Hong Kong leader, Carrie Lam, to quarantine all people arriving from the mainland for 14 days instead of shutting the remaining two land border checkpoints. They said it could lead to more people from the mainland coming to Hong Kong to seek treatment that would further burden the city’s already taxed medical facilities.Opposition lawmakers have criticised the decision of Hong Kong leader, Carrie Lam, to quarantine all people arriving from the mainland for 14 days instead of shutting the remaining two land border checkpoints. They said it could lead to more people from the mainland coming to Hong Kong to seek treatment that would further burden the city’s already taxed medical facilities.
Some Britons in China have been in touch with the Guardian to say they have no plans to leave the country any time soon.Some Britons in China have been in touch with the Guardian to say they have no plans to leave the country any time soon.
Sharon Moan, a chemistry teacher who lives with her husband and two children in Shanghai, said she is baffled by the foreign office’s advice.Sharon Moan, a chemistry teacher who lives with her husband and two children in Shanghai, said she is baffled by the foreign office’s advice.
“Life here is very calm. We have few restrictions and feel that everything the local government has put in place is for everybody’s benefit. We actually only began to panic when we read Western media news reports that do not reflect what is happening here. We don’t feel it’s necessary and many of our colleagues feel the same.“Life here is very calm. We have few restrictions and feel that everything the local government has put in place is for everybody’s benefit. We actually only began to panic when we read Western media news reports that do not reflect what is happening here. We don’t feel it’s necessary and many of our colleagues feel the same.
“We feel unsupported by the consulate as there is no clear explanation as to why they have made this announcement. This is our home and the foreign office hasn’t actually given us a good reason to leave it. We have no plans to leave and will carry on regardless.”“We feel unsupported by the consulate as there is no clear explanation as to why they have made this announcement. This is our home and the foreign office hasn’t actually given us a good reason to leave it. We have no plans to leave and will carry on regardless.”
Dr Rob Burton, a 65-year-old academic living in a state of self-quarantine in Hangzhou with his Chinese wife, said he is under no illusion that she would be allowed entry to the UK.Dr Rob Burton, a 65-year-old academic living in a state of self-quarantine in Hangzhou with his Chinese wife, said he is under no illusion that she would be allowed entry to the UK.
“I have a life here and my semester at the Communication University of Zhejiang is due to start on 24 February. I feel that the attitude by the foreign office towards British nationals who are married to foreign spouses is toxic. I’m not going to say goodbye to my wife and leave her stranded on her own. Who would do that? It would actually be easier for me to get my English dog, Snooky, and Chinese cat, Fluffy Bum (named in honour of Spike Milligan), home than it would my wife.“I have a life here and my semester at the Communication University of Zhejiang is due to start on 24 February. I feel that the attitude by the foreign office towards British nationals who are married to foreign spouses is toxic. I’m not going to say goodbye to my wife and leave her stranded on her own. Who would do that? It would actually be easier for me to get my English dog, Snooky, and Chinese cat, Fluffy Bum (named in honour of Spike Milligan), home than it would my wife.
“I was actually in Wuhan in November so have had a few weeks of wondering if I have been infected. We have been inside for 15 days now and have only been to the supermarket twice. It becomes a psychological test as you become more stir crazy as the rumours mount up. That said, there is a huge effort going on by ordinary Chinese people which I don’t see much about in the foreign press.”“I was actually in Wuhan in November so have had a few weeks of wondering if I have been infected. We have been inside for 15 days now and have only been to the supermarket twice. It becomes a psychological test as you become more stir crazy as the rumours mount up. That said, there is a huge effort going on by ordinary Chinese people which I don’t see much about in the foreign press.”
Israeli media is reporting around 15 Israeli citizens are on the cruise ship. The public broadcaster, Kan Radio, interviewed one of the Israeli passengers on board.Israeli media is reporting around 15 Israeli citizens are on the cruise ship. The public broadcaster, Kan Radio, interviewed one of the Israeli passengers on board.
Q: Hello Nicole Ben-David. We’re calling to ask how you guys are managing while stranded and in quarantine at sea.Q: Hello Nicole Ben-David. We’re calling to ask how you guys are managing while stranded and in quarantine at sea.
“We’re well. A bit confused, a bit worried but, all in all, we’re doing well. We were supposed to disembark yesterday and to finish our 15-day tour. They informed us that it seems that we have an epidemic. They examined all of us. This morning they informed us that they had found ten people who were infected. As of 6:30 this morning, we’ve been asked not to leave our rooms. We’re inside the rooms.“We’re well. A bit confused, a bit worried but, all in all, we’re doing well. We were supposed to disembark yesterday and to finish our 15-day tour. They informed us that it seems that we have an epidemic. They examined all of us. This morning they informed us that they had found ten people who were infected. As of 6:30 this morning, we’ve been asked not to leave our rooms. We’re inside the rooms.
They’ve given us food and beverages. They gave us free internet access beginning yesterday or the day before, when they announced that they were beginning the examinations. This morning they informed us that we were going to have to remain on board the ship for at least 14 days in quarantine. It isn’t clear to us whether we’re going to have to remain in our rooms for 14 days or on board the ship. For the time being, we’re in our rooms and we’re not allowed to leave them.”They’ve given us food and beverages. They gave us free internet access beginning yesterday or the day before, when they announced that they were beginning the examinations. This morning they informed us that we were going to have to remain on board the ship for at least 14 days in quarantine. It isn’t clear to us whether we’re going to have to remain in our rooms for 14 days or on board the ship. For the time being, we’re in our rooms and we’re not allowed to leave them.”
Q: Are any of the people who were diagnosed as being infected with coronavirus Israeli?Q: Are any of the people who were diagnosed as being infected with coronavirus Israeli?
“They haven’t given us information about who the people who got sick are. Out of the Israelis, we’re a family with ten people, and I know that there are another two [Israeli] couples. We saw them completing the tour. As far as I can tell, none of the Israelis have been infected.”“They haven’t given us information about who the people who got sick are. Out of the Israelis, we’re a family with ten people, and I know that there are another two [Israeli] couples. We saw them completing the tour. As far as I can tell, none of the Israelis have been infected.”
Q: How anxious are you, finding yourselves quarantined inside a cabin on board a ship out at sea? That must be an unpleasant experience.Q: How anxious are you, finding yourselves quarantined inside a cabin on board a ship out at sea? That must be an unpleasant experience.
“We’re trying to keep our sense of humour and our cool. This is just the first day. As long as we’re healthy, and aren’t sick, and we’re getting food and beverages and the TV works… we’re trying to remain optimistic and to remain calm.“We’re trying to keep our sense of humour and our cool. This is just the first day. As long as we’re healthy, and aren’t sick, and we’re getting food and beverages and the TV works… we’re trying to remain optimistic and to remain calm.
“To tell you that this isn’t something that makes me anxious? It does make me anxious. Yes, it does. But we don’t really have much in the way of choices.”“To tell you that this isn’t something that makes me anxious? It does make me anxious. Yes, it does. But we don’t really have much in the way of choices.”
A hotel worker in the northern Italian city of Verona has tested negative for coronavirus.A hotel worker in the northern Italian city of Verona has tested negative for coronavirus.
The woman, who was isolated after coming down with a fever, is a member of staff at the same hotel where a Chinese couple being treated for the virus in Rome stayed for one night.The woman, who was isolated after coming down with a fever, is a member of staff at the same hotel where a Chinese couple being treated for the virus in Rome stayed for one night.
Doctors at Rome’s Lazzaro Spallanzani hospital for infectious disease said the couple were in a “stable” condition after their health deteriorated on Tuesday. Twenty people who had contact with the couple, from Wuhan but who have not shown symptoms of the virus, are still under observation at the hospital.Doctors at Rome’s Lazzaro Spallanzani hospital for infectious disease said the couple were in a “stable” condition after their health deteriorated on Tuesday. Twenty people who had contact with the couple, from Wuhan but who have not shown symptoms of the virus, are still under observation at the hospital.
Meanwhile, Italy’s three-month suspension of flights from China, Hong, Macau and Taiwan sparked a diplomatic row with Taiwan.Meanwhile, Italy’s three-month suspension of flights from China, Hong, Macau and Taiwan sparked a diplomatic row with Taiwan.
A representative from the Taiwanese government has urged Italy to drop the ban, arguing that the island is not part of China and that cases of the virus there have been limited.A representative from the Taiwanese government has urged Italy to drop the ban, arguing that the island is not part of China and that cases of the virus there have been limited.
Italy on Wednesday began scanning passengers arriving on all international flights at its airports. Thermal scanners had previously only been used on passengers arriving from areas affected by the virus. At Rome’s Fiumicino airport, the checks have also been extended to domestic flights.Italy on Wednesday began scanning passengers arriving on all international flights at its airports. Thermal scanners had previously only been used on passengers arriving from areas affected by the virus. At Rome’s Fiumicino airport, the checks have also been extended to domestic flights.
Here’s a report from Josh Taylor, a Guardian reporter based in Melbourne, that the Australian government is considering sending its citizens evacuated from Wuhan to isolated mining camps if Christmas Island reaches capacity for people being quarantined.Here’s a report from Josh Taylor, a Guardian reporter based in Melbourne, that the Australian government is considering sending its citizens evacuated from Wuhan to isolated mining camps if Christmas Island reaches capacity for people being quarantined.
The home affairs minister, Peter Dutton, admitted there is the possibility that Christmas Island could reach capacity if the outbreak continues to spread. He said one option would be for people to share rooms, or potentially even open up other locations away from the rest of the Australian population.The home affairs minister, Peter Dutton, admitted there is the possibility that Christmas Island could reach capacity if the outbreak continues to spread. He said one option would be for people to share rooms, or potentially even open up other locations away from the rest of the Australian population.
“There are isolated mining camps or the prospect of hotels that you could take over. But I think we’ll look at all of those in order of what we think is the best response, but all of this is in the spirit of preparation.”“There are isolated mining camps or the prospect of hotels that you could take over. But I think we’ll look at all of those in order of what we think is the best response, but all of this is in the spirit of preparation.”
Australia has confirmed its 14th case of the coronavirus.Australia has confirmed its 14th case of the coronavirus.
Dr Jeannette Young, the chief health officer, said the latest case was the fourth confirmed positive test of novel coronavirus in Queensland. She said:Dr Jeannette Young, the chief health officer, said the latest case was the fourth confirmed positive test of novel coronavirus in Queensland. She said:
African governments remain under pressure from citizens to arrange their evacuation from China amid fears of the outbreak reaching the continent.African governments remain under pressure from citizens to arrange their evacuation from China amid fears of the outbreak reaching the continent.
So far, most have resisted the calls but Kenyan officials have said they will evacuate 85 of their citizens who are under lockdown in Wuhan city, when restrictions on movements are lifted by Chinese authorities.So far, most have resisted the calls but Kenyan officials have said they will evacuate 85 of their citizens who are under lockdown in Wuhan city, when restrictions on movements are lifted by Chinese authorities.
The Star newspaper in Nairobi reported the decision along with comments from Kenya’s ambassador to China, Sarah Serem, who last week said Kenya “will not risk further infection by flying any citizens back from China on the basis that it would be better if Kenyans in China were monitored and protected as China found a way to terminate the highly infectious virus.The Star newspaper in Nairobi reported the decision along with comments from Kenya’s ambassador to China, Sarah Serem, who last week said Kenya “will not risk further infection by flying any citizens back from China on the basis that it would be better if Kenyans in China were monitored and protected as China found a way to terminate the highly infectious virus.
“I don’t think Kenya is ready to deal with the virus. The government of China is in a better position to deal with the virus and bringing Kenyans in China back to Kenya will only further expose the rest to the danger of infection,” the newspaper quoted the ambassador as saying.“I don’t think Kenya is ready to deal with the virus. The government of China is in a better position to deal with the virus and bringing Kenyans in China back to Kenya will only further expose the rest to the danger of infection,” the newspaper quoted the ambassador as saying.
Serem’s comments underline the significant concerns over the potential consequences of an outbreak of the virus in Africa. The World Health Organization said yesterday the coronavirus outbreak “is a high risk globally and Africa has close ties with China and other Asian countries”.Serem’s comments underline the significant concerns over the potential consequences of an outbreak of the virus in Africa. The World Health Organization said yesterday the coronavirus outbreak “is a high risk globally and Africa has close ties with China and other Asian countries”.
Dr Michel Yao, the emergency operations programme manager in WHO’s regional office for Africa, said health officials were prioritising stopping transmission from affected countries and ensuring that capacity exists to isolate and to provide appropriate treatment to any confirmed cases.Dr Michel Yao, the emergency operations programme manager in WHO’s regional office for Africa, said health officials were prioritising stopping transmission from affected countries and ensuring that capacity exists to isolate and to provide appropriate treatment to any confirmed cases.
“What we are emphasising to all countries is that at least they have early detection because we know how fragile is the health system in the African continent and these systems are already overwhelmed by many ongoing disease outbreaks,” Yao told reporters.“What we are emphasising to all countries is that at least they have early detection because we know how fragile is the health system in the African continent and these systems are already overwhelmed by many ongoing disease outbreaks,” Yao told reporters.
Many airlines have suspended or restricted flights to China from Africa, where there is yet to be a confirmed case of the virus.Many airlines have suspended or restricted flights to China from Africa, where there is yet to be a confirmed case of the virus.
An Australian on a flight out of virus-struck Wuhan to Auckland has written for the Guardian on the stress of his evacuation.An Australian on a flight out of virus-struck Wuhan to Auckland has written for the Guardian on the stress of his evacuation.
He wrote:He wrote:
British nationals on holiday have spoken of their frustration and anxiety of not being able to return to their homes in China.British nationals on holiday have spoken of their frustration and anxiety of not being able to return to their homes in China.
Gareth Gough, a teacher who lives in Shenzhen with his wife, got in touch to say they are both stuck in Thailand. “There is no certainty when or if we should return and all our stuff is in our apartment,” he said.Gareth Gough, a teacher who lives in Shenzhen with his wife, got in touch to say they are both stuck in Thailand. “There is no certainty when or if we should return and all our stuff is in our apartment,” he said.
Gough described the Foreign Office travel advice as “frustrating” and said it’s not clear what it’s grounded in. “A lot of people may not be able to or afford to leave – what about them? Matt Hancock says British people should leave on commercial operations, but also if you come home and have symptoms then stay at home … so which is it? I appreciate its infectious but they have not been very helpful!”Gough described the Foreign Office travel advice as “frustrating” and said it’s not clear what it’s grounded in. “A lot of people may not be able to or afford to leave – what about them? Matt Hancock says British people should leave on commercial operations, but also if you come home and have symptoms then stay at home … so which is it? I appreciate its infectious but they have not been very helpful!”
Christopher Halkou was on holiday in Vietnam when the Foreign Office changed its advice, “invalidating my insurance if I return to China for work as an English teacher in Shanghai”. The 25-year-old said after he had two flights cancelled from Vietnam to Shanghai, he made the decision to return to London to assess the situation from there until it was deemed safer to return.Christopher Halkou was on holiday in Vietnam when the Foreign Office changed its advice, “invalidating my insurance if I return to China for work as an English teacher in Shanghai”. The 25-year-old said after he had two flights cancelled from Vietnam to Shanghai, he made the decision to return to London to assess the situation from there until it was deemed safer to return.
Halkou added there was a “feeling of uncertainty and precariousness about when I’ll be returning to Shanghai. I have valuables in my flat and rent to pay for so I have to return in some capacity to sort things there even if I decide to terminate my work contract.”Halkou added there was a “feeling of uncertainty and precariousness about when I’ll be returning to Shanghai. I have valuables in my flat and rent to pay for so I have to return in some capacity to sort things there even if I decide to terminate my work contract.”
Here’s the Guardian’s report on the luxury cruise ship carrying 3,700 quarantined passengers off the Japanese port of Yokohama, after initial results showed 10 passengers have tested positive for the coronavirus.Here’s the Guardian’s report on the luxury cruise ship carrying 3,700 quarantined passengers off the Japanese port of Yokohama, after initial results showed 10 passengers have tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Diamond Princess has been prevented from sailing on Monday after an 80-year-old passenger who had travelled on the vessel late last month tested positive after he arrived home in Hong Kong, according to Japan’s health minister, Katsunobu Katō.The Diamond Princess has been prevented from sailing on Monday after an 80-year-old passenger who had travelled on the vessel late last month tested positive after he arrived home in Hong Kong, according to Japan’s health minister, Katsunobu Katō.
Of a further 273 people onboard who have since been tested following health screenings, 31 results had come back – and of those 10 were positive.Of a further 273 people onboard who have since been tested following health screenings, 31 results had come back – and of those 10 were positive.
Hong Kong’s leader has released more information on the recently announced quarantine for all those arriving from mainland China. Carrie Lam said all people entering the semi-autonomous territory from the mainland, including Hong Kong residents, will be required to undergo 14 days of quarantine because of the outbreak of the new virus, according to a report by AP.Hong Kong’s leader has released more information on the recently announced quarantine for all those arriving from mainland China. Carrie Lam said all people entering the semi-autonomous territory from the mainland, including Hong Kong residents, will be required to undergo 14 days of quarantine because of the outbreak of the new virus, according to a report by AP.
Lam said the measure will take effect on Saturday to allow Hong Kong day travellers to make necessary arrangements. She added that two cruise ship terminals, including one where a ship is under quarantine, will be shut down.Lam said the measure will take effect on Saturday to allow Hong Kong day travellers to make necessary arrangements. She added that two cruise ship terminals, including one where a ship is under quarantine, will be shut down.
Lam said the government is looking for more quarantine facilities in addition to the three camps in use and stressed the authorities have remained vigilant and will not shy away from introducing stringent measures to stem the spread of the virus.Lam said the government is looking for more quarantine facilities in addition to the three camps in use and stressed the authorities have remained vigilant and will not shy away from introducing stringent measures to stem the spread of the virus.
There’s been praise for the British embassy in Beijing, which is supporting the evacuation process. Paul Maloney, who works for the British Council in China, tweeted he was grateful the embassy was able to help evacuate his family, including his young son Theo, who needed an emergency passport in order to travel.There’s been praise for the British embassy in Beijing, which is supporting the evacuation process. Paul Maloney, who works for the British Council in China, tweeted he was grateful the embassy was able to help evacuate his family, including his young son Theo, who needed an emergency passport in order to travel.
AFP is reporting that travellers from mainland China will be forced to face ”compulsory quarantine” when they arrive in Hong Kong.AFP is reporting that travellers from mainland China will be forced to face ”compulsory quarantine” when they arrive in Hong Kong.