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Cases of infected pass 24,000 as more human-to-human transmissions recorded outside China Cases of infected pass 24,000 as more human-to-human transmissions recorded outside China
(32 minutes later)
The numbers of infected people in mainland China once again rose sharply, with 65 new deaths and 3,887 cases reported on Tuesday alone, authorities said Wednesday morning. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in China to 24,324, with more than 3,000 in critical condition. The increase once again represented the biggest jump since the National Health Commission began releasing statistics and continues the trend of larger increases in cases confirmed every day of the outbreak. China has reported 490 deaths, and two others have succumbed from the illness, one in Hong Kong and one in the Philippines.The numbers of infected people in mainland China once again rose sharply, with 65 new deaths and 3,887 cases reported on Tuesday alone, authorities said Wednesday morning. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in China to 24,324, with more than 3,000 in critical condition. The increase once again represented the biggest jump since the National Health Commission began releasing statistics and continues the trend of larger increases in cases confirmed every day of the outbreak. China has reported 490 deaths, and two others have succumbed from the illness, one in Hong Kong and one in the Philippines.
●A cruise ship denied entry into Taiwan was forced to return to Hong Kong on Wednesday morning, where it docked. Three passengers from a prior sailing of the cruise ship in January were confirmed to have the virus, and its current passengers are undergoing health checks before they can disembark.●A cruise ship denied entry into Taiwan was forced to return to Hong Kong on Wednesday morning, where it docked. Three passengers from a prior sailing of the cruise ship in January were confirmed to have the virus, and its current passengers are undergoing health checks before they can disembark.
●Chinese Internet has exploded with memes and messages of support for those in Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, as a lockdown on the city nears its two week point.●Chinese Internet has exploded with memes and messages of support for those in Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, as a lockdown on the city nears its two week point.
●Emergency services in Hong Kong’s government hospitals have been affected as a medical workers strike widened and intensified. Medical workers are hoping their action will push the government to shut down all of Hong Kong’s border crossings with mainland China. Hong Kong is still experiencing widespread shortages of surgical masks, alcohol-based sanitizer and other necessities.●Emergency services in Hong Kong’s government hospitals have been affected as a medical workers strike widened and intensified. Medical workers are hoping their action will push the government to shut down all of Hong Kong’s border crossings with mainland China. Hong Kong is still experiencing widespread shortages of surgical masks, alcohol-based sanitizer and other necessities.
●More Americans were evacuated from Wuhan on charter flights, what many of them describe as a frustrating experience rife with delays and difficulties.●More Americans were evacuated from Wuhan on charter flights, what many of them describe as a frustrating experience rife with delays and difficulties.
2:45: Taiwan declares China ‘epidemic zone,’ bars its residents from entry
HONG KONG — Taiwan said on Wednesday that it would suspend entry for all Chinese citizens who live on the mainland, starting from Thursday, declaring China to be an “epidemic zone.”
Taiwan had already restricted many Chinese from virus-hit provinces, but this new restriction would expand that. All Taiwanese who have visited the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau will also be put under home quarantine for 14 days. Authorities say they will be monitoring the epidemic closely, and could adjust the designated “epidemic zone” and travel warning at any time, opening the door to the possibility of a wider travel ban on Hong Kong and Macau as well. Taiwan on Wednesday also raised a yellow travel alert for the two territories, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel there.
‘One China’ dispute means one big headache for Taiwan in coronavirus crisis
The self-governing island has been working to differentiate itself from mainland China as the outbreak spreads, keen to avoid being lumped into travel bans affecting those from the mainland. Critics have accused Beijing meanwhile of politicizing their response to the crisis, particularly in the case of Taiwan, which is excluded from the World Health Organization over objections from China.
BEIJING — Shanghai has further postponed the reopening of schools, saying now that they will open not earlier than March 1 to “ensure student safety,” according to a notice by the city’s education bureau.
Schools were slated to re-open on the first days of February, after the Lunar New Year Holiday, but were postponed to Feb. 17. Cities like Beijing and Guangzhou have ordered all schools from kindergarten to middle school shut until that time, and to open online classes instead. Colleges and vocational schools will not open until Feb. 24 at the earliest.
Officials say they will announce concrete dates within a week’s notice. Macao has also closed all schools indefinitely, and in Hong Kong, schools are closed until at least March 3.
MANILA — A 60-year-old Chinese woman is the Philippines’ third case of the novel coronavirus, health officials announced Wednesday.
The patient arrived in Cebu City from Wuhan — the epicenter of the epidemic — via Hong Kong. She went directly to Bohol City, a popular tourist spot, and then went to a hospital after coming down with a fever and respiratory difficulty.
She was initially thought not to have the illness after test results taken on Jan. 24 came up negative. After the patient recovered and was discharged, officials were informed that a sample taken on Jan. 23 was positive for the virus.
Health undersecretary Eric Domingo said this means the virus can be eliminated “as your immune system mounts defense against it.”
Authorities are contact tracing those who interacted with the woman, who has since returned to China.
The Department of Health is investigating 133 cases, most of whom are admitted and isolated. Over 60 are Filipino, while over 50 are Chinese.
Since the Philippines reported its first case of the virus, a travel ban has been instituted over China and its special administrative regions.
BEIJING — A number of mostly elderly residents in Wuhan’s Baibuting neighborhood are running a fever two weeks after a controversial potluck banquet attended by over 40,000 families in the same region, which some say should not have gone ahead.BEIJING — A number of mostly elderly residents in Wuhan’s Baibuting neighborhood are running a fever two weeks after a controversial potluck banquet attended by over 40,000 families in the same region, which some say should not have gone ahead.
Baibuting, located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, covers four square kilometers and is home to some 130,000 residents. On Jan. 18, more than 40,000 families gathered to “share 13,985 homemade dishes, eating while chatting” to celebrate the Spring Festival, the government-run Chutian Metro Daily reported on its front page.Baibuting, located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, covers four square kilometers and is home to some 130,000 residents. On Jan. 18, more than 40,000 families gathered to “share 13,985 homemade dishes, eating while chatting” to celebrate the Spring Festival, the government-run Chutian Metro Daily reported on its front page.
The massive potluck dinner is an annual event launched by the city 20 years ago.The massive potluck dinner is an annual event launched by the city 20 years ago.
In a Jan. 21 interview with state broadcaster China Central Television, Wuhan Mayor Zhou Xianwang said that they proceeded with the event based on the judgment that “we thought there were only limited human-to-human transmissions … and lacked alertness about this whole matter.” A similar report about this neighborhood by Beijing News have been deleted by censors on Wednesday.In a Jan. 21 interview with state broadcaster China Central Television, Wuhan Mayor Zhou Xianwang said that they proceeded with the event based on the judgment that “we thought there were only limited human-to-human transmissions … and lacked alertness about this whole matter.” A similar report about this neighborhood by Beijing News have been deleted by censors on Wednesday.
Caixin magazine reported that at least 57 buildings — with typically 14 households per building — in the area have since been marked as a “fever building” on the entrance gate.Caixin magazine reported that at least 57 buildings — with typically 14 households per building — in the area have since been marked as a “fever building” on the entrance gate.
“It hasn’t affected us much despite having been listed as a fever building. We normally don’t go out, and only occasionally go downstairs to shop some groceries,” Caixin quoted a resident as saying. Another resident confirmed that patients running a fever had attended the potluck banquet.“It hasn’t affected us much despite having been listed as a fever building. We normally don’t go out, and only occasionally go downstairs to shop some groceries,” Caixin quoted a resident as saying. Another resident confirmed that patients running a fever had attended the potluck banquet.
“Local civil servants come regularly to deliver meals for the quarantined families in our building. There are two families said to be under observation and quarantine because of fever. They are all elderly and seemed to have attended the potluck dinner,” the resident said.“Local civil servants come regularly to deliver meals for the quarantined families in our building. There are two families said to be under observation and quarantine because of fever. They are all elderly and seemed to have attended the potluck dinner,” the resident said.
SEOUL — The number of coronavirus cases in South Korea rose to 18 on Wednesday, with a rise in infections among those have not recently visited China.SEOUL — The number of coronavirus cases in South Korea rose to 18 on Wednesday, with a rise in infections among those have not recently visited China.
Three South Koreans newly diagnosed with the virus on Tuesday and Wednesday included a business traveler to Singapore, a tourist who visited Thailand and her daughter who is presumed to have caught it off her in South Korea, according to Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).Three South Koreans newly diagnosed with the virus on Tuesday and Wednesday included a business traveler to Singapore, a tourist who visited Thailand and her daughter who is presumed to have caught it off her in South Korea, according to Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).
The data suggests the transmission of the virus is now occurring outside the China epicenter.The data suggests the transmission of the virus is now occurring outside the China epicenter.
“Patients coming from Southeast Asia have been reported recently, ” KCDC director Jung Eun-kyeong said late Wednesday, urging doctors to “conduct coronavirus tests on patients without China travel history,” if necessary.“Patients coming from Southeast Asia have been reported recently, ” KCDC director Jung Eun-kyeong said late Wednesday, urging doctors to “conduct coronavirus tests on patients without China travel history,” if necessary.
Earlier on Wednesday, vice health minister Kim Gang-lip acknowledged the need to actively examine travelers from places other than China, but said the limited availability of test kits for the novel coronavirus makes it hard.Earlier on Wednesday, vice health minister Kim Gang-lip acknowledged the need to actively examine travelers from places other than China, but said the limited availability of test kits for the novel coronavirus makes it hard.
Half of 18 confirmed patients of the virus in South Korea had recently returned from Wuhan, while the other half are believed to have contracted the virus outside China, including South Korea, Japan and Thailand.Half of 18 confirmed patients of the virus in South Korea had recently returned from Wuhan, while the other half are believed to have contracted the virus outside China, including South Korea, Japan and Thailand.
“Following measures to curb entry of infected people from outside, the next step is to contain local transmissions,” said Lee Jae-gab, expert of infectious diseases at South Korea’s Hallym University. At a forum in Seoul on Wednesday, Lee called for emergency measures to stop the virus spreading in local communities before it’s “too late.”“Following measures to curb entry of infected people from outside, the next step is to contain local transmissions,” said Lee Jae-gab, expert of infectious diseases at South Korea’s Hallym University. At a forum in Seoul on Wednesday, Lee called for emergency measures to stop the virus spreading in local communities before it’s “too late.”
According to the KCDC, six patients have been diagnosed with the virus after coming in contact with infected people in South Korea, raising fears about people-to-people transmission within the country.According to the KCDC, six patients have been diagnosed with the virus after coming in contact with infected people in South Korea, raising fears about people-to-people transmission within the country.
HONG KONG — Vietnamese authorities in Ho Chi Minh City are rushing to build an $11 million field hospital with specific facilities to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, local media reported.HONG KONG — Vietnamese authorities in Ho Chi Minh City are rushing to build an $11 million field hospital with specific facilities to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, local media reported.
Work on the facility has already begun, the reports said, and it is expected to be completed by mid-February. The field hospital will have facilities that will allow for both quarantine and treatment of patients suspected of having the virus.Work on the facility has already begun, the reports said, and it is expected to be completed by mid-February. The field hospital will have facilities that will allow for both quarantine and treatment of patients suspected of having the virus.
Vietnam, which shares a long border with China, has 10 reported cases of the disease so far, three of them in Ho Chi Minh City. Over a thousand more returnees from China have been placed under military quarantine to prevent the spread of the disease.Vietnam, which shares a long border with China, has 10 reported cases of the disease so far, three of them in Ho Chi Minh City. Over a thousand more returnees from China have been placed under military quarantine to prevent the spread of the disease.
The director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, according to the Vietnam Express, said that move was to ensure that if the number of suspected or confirmed cases exceed 500, a facility would be prepared to handle the situation. No hospital currently under the department, he said, can handle more than 500 cases at aThe director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, according to the Vietnam Express, said that move was to ensure that if the number of suspected or confirmed cases exceed 500, a facility would be prepared to handle the situation. No hospital currently under the department, he said, can handle more than 500 cases at a
JIUJIANG, China — People living in the adjoining provinces of Hubei and Jiangxi in central China have long been linked by trade, culture and blood — but in the current health crisis, their lives have been upended. At Jiujiang city, a bridge over the Yangtze River that connects the two provinces symbolizes the sudden isolation imposed over Hubei, the province at the heart of the coronavirus outbreak.JIUJIANG, China — People living in the adjoining provinces of Hubei and Jiangxi in central China have long been linked by trade, culture and blood — but in the current health crisis, their lives have been upended. At Jiujiang city, a bridge over the Yangtze River that connects the two provinces symbolizes the sudden isolation imposed over Hubei, the province at the heart of the coronavirus outbreak.
Since Jan. 24, the once-busy bridge has been shut as part of the unprecedented Chinese effort to contain the epidemic. Eighteen police officers guard the bridge on each shift, while a loudspeaker warns that “Hubei residents and vehicles are prohibited” from entry.For a lucky few who have the right paperwork and appear healthy, the bridge is in fact a rare escape hatch. For Hubei residents locked on the outside and trying to get home, it’s a passage into a surreal confinement that will last weeks, if not months.But fear and mistrust now plague the region as people shun those from Hubei, fearing the spread of disease.Since Jan. 24, the once-busy bridge has been shut as part of the unprecedented Chinese effort to contain the epidemic. Eighteen police officers guard the bridge on each shift, while a loudspeaker warns that “Hubei residents and vehicles are prohibited” from entry.For a lucky few who have the right paperwork and appear healthy, the bridge is in fact a rare escape hatch. For Hubei residents locked on the outside and trying to get home, it’s a passage into a surreal confinement that will last weeks, if not months.But fear and mistrust now plague the region as people shun those from Hubei, fearing the spread of disease.
Read more here: Fear and loathing on the road to WuhanRead more here: Fear and loathing on the road to Wuhan
HONG KONG — Medical workers in Hong Kong continued their strike action on Wednesday, disrupting emergency services at government hospitals, a move that they hope will pressure the beleaguered government into completely shutting the border with mainland China.HONG KONG — Medical workers in Hong Kong continued their strike action on Wednesday, disrupting emergency services at government hospitals, a move that they hope will pressure the beleaguered government into completely shutting the border with mainland China.
“We feel so sorry for the patients,” said Winne Yu, the head of the Hospital Authority Employees Alliance, a pro-democracy union formed late last year in the wake of political unrest in the city. “But I have to emphasize again, this is the government’s responsibility and the government’s fault.”“We feel so sorry for the patients,” said Winne Yu, the head of the Hospital Authority Employees Alliance, a pro-democracy union formed late last year in the wake of political unrest in the city. “But I have to emphasize again, this is the government’s responsibility and the government’s fault.”
The union has also demanded that the government ensure a steady supply of surgical masks. Despite pledges from the government, a widespread shortage of masks — along with other protective items like alcohol-based hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap — has been reported throughout Hong Kong. According to the South China Morning Posts, tens of thousands waited in line overnight after a company said it would release supplies of masks.The union has also demanded that the government ensure a steady supply of surgical masks. Despite pledges from the government, a widespread shortage of masks — along with other protective items like alcohol-based hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap — has been reported throughout Hong Kong. According to the South China Morning Posts, tens of thousands waited in line overnight after a company said it would release supplies of masks.
In a statement, the medical workers union noted that “locally-infected cases are steadily increasing.” Hong Kong now has 18 confirmed cases of the virus, and the three new confirmed cases involved patients who contracted the disease locally, and had not traveled to mainland China. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has declined to meet representatives of the union.In a statement, the medical workers union noted that “locally-infected cases are steadily increasing.” Hong Kong now has 18 confirmed cases of the virus, and the three new confirmed cases involved patients who contracted the disease locally, and had not traveled to mainland China. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has declined to meet representatives of the union.
Thousands of people continue to arrive from mainland China into Hong Kong, which has its own immigration system, despite the government’s move to dramatically reduce the number of crossings between the two places.Thousands of people continue to arrive from mainland China into Hong Kong, which has its own immigration system, despite the government’s move to dramatically reduce the number of crossings between the two places.
“We are dangerously close to a massive community outbreak comparable to SARS,” the statement said. “The members of the [union] are willing to risk their career and financial income to convince the government into closure of our border, and to put the lives of the citizens of Hong Kong at the highest priority. Yet, the government’s refusal to listen to the voices of the people is deeply angering and heartbreaking to us.”“We are dangerously close to a massive community outbreak comparable to SARS,” the statement said. “The members of the [union] are willing to risk their career and financial income to convince the government into closure of our border, and to put the lives of the citizens of Hong Kong at the highest priority. Yet, the government’s refusal to listen to the voices of the people is deeply angering and heartbreaking to us.”
It noted that more sectors could join the strike, raising the possibility of a broader general strike in Hong Kong. Before the outbreak, the Chinese territory had been grappling with eight months of deepening political unrest rooted in disaffection toward the Hong Kong government and fears that they answer to Beijing rather than the Hong Kong people.It noted that more sectors could join the strike, raising the possibility of a broader general strike in Hong Kong. Before the outbreak, the Chinese territory had been grappling with eight months of deepening political unrest rooted in disaffection toward the Hong Kong government and fears that they answer to Beijing rather than the Hong Kong people.
BEIJING — As the city of Wuhan remains in lockdown, the Chinese Internet has exploded with videos and memes in support of the besieged residents.BEIJING — As the city of Wuhan remains in lockdown, the Chinese Internet has exploded with videos and memes in support of the besieged residents.
One of the latest is a flashy video called “Wuhan don't panic, we will wait for you”One of the latest is a flashy video called “Wuhan don't panic, we will wait for you”
The two-minute clip, made by Shanghai Media Group and shared hundreds of thousands of times on Chinese social media on Tuesday, starts with a somber bird's eye view of Wuhan — a city of 11 million straddling the Yangtze River. Landmarks, from the Yellow Crane Tower, Happy Valley amusement park, the main bus terminal that houses nearly 5,000 vehicles, the gigantic Wuhan railway station, to the mile-long Chuhan pedestrian street, lay virtually deserted in broad daylight during a traditionally busy and festive holiday — the Lunar New Year.The two-minute clip, made by Shanghai Media Group and shared hundreds of thousands of times on Chinese social media on Tuesday, starts with a somber bird's eye view of Wuhan — a city of 11 million straddling the Yangtze River. Landmarks, from the Yellow Crane Tower, Happy Valley amusement park, the main bus terminal that houses nearly 5,000 vehicles, the gigantic Wuhan railway station, to the mile-long Chuhan pedestrian street, lay virtually deserted in broad daylight during a traditionally busy and festive holiday — the Lunar New Year.
“Deprived of hubbub and traffic, Wuhan at 7 p.m. feels like 2 a.m., as if someone had pushed a pause button on the city,” a woman narrated softly in the background as the video cuts from sealed road tunnels, closed bridges, an empty night market, to the lonely building of the Provincial Library. The few people who venture out are all expressionless, wearing masks, and staying as far from others as possible.“Deprived of hubbub and traffic, Wuhan at 7 p.m. feels like 2 a.m., as if someone had pushed a pause button on the city,” a woman narrated softly in the background as the video cuts from sealed road tunnels, closed bridges, an empty night market, to the lonely building of the Provincial Library. The few people who venture out are all expressionless, wearing masks, and staying as far from others as possible.
“How much longer would it be until we can take off masks and greet each other with a simple ‘did you eat?’” In the next scenes, volunteers, soldiers, doctors, and construction workers are seen working nonstop to “bring Wuhan back to us and bring us back to Wuhan.”“How much longer would it be until we can take off masks and greet each other with a simple ‘did you eat?’” In the next scenes, volunteers, soldiers, doctors, and construction workers are seen working nonstop to “bring Wuhan back to us and bring us back to Wuhan.”
Recovered patients, accompanied by doctors and nurses in mask, goggle and protective suit, express their heartfelt gratitude upon being discharged from hospital.Recovered patients, accompanied by doctors and nurses in mask, goggle and protective suit, express their heartfelt gratitude upon being discharged from hospital.
“Don’t fear, and hang in there a little longer,” said the narration, accompanied by archive footage of running traffic and city skyline, “until this city pushes the play button again, until we can’t get past crowds into the subway train, until our voices get drowned in the din of roadside food stalls, until visitors outnumber cherry blossoms in Wuhan University, until someone else takes the last bowl of hot-dry noodles before you do, until the queue of cars on the Second Bridge stretches farther than you can see … Wuhan, we’ll be waiting for you. And please, everyone, please wait for Wuhan.”“Don’t fear, and hang in there a little longer,” said the narration, accompanied by archive footage of running traffic and city skyline, “until this city pushes the play button again, until we can’t get past crowds into the subway train, until our voices get drowned in the din of roadside food stalls, until visitors outnumber cherry blossoms in Wuhan University, until someone else takes the last bowl of hot-dry noodles before you do, until the queue of cars on the Second Bridge stretches farther than you can see … Wuhan, we’ll be waiting for you. And please, everyone, please wait for Wuhan.”
The video ended with an illuminated night landscape of the city, with multiple voices in the background using the Chinese saying for “go get ‘em” (literally “add oil.”)The video ended with an illuminated night landscape of the city, with multiple voices in the background using the Chinese saying for “go get ‘em” (literally “add oil.”)
“Wuhan, jia you!”“Wuhan, jia you!”
HONG KONG — World Dream, a cruise operated by Dream Cruises, was denied entry to Kaohsiung on Tuesday, and forced instead to return to Hong Kong on Wednesday where it docked, according to the company. Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control deemed the staff on the cruise “high risk personnel” as they were believed to have served three patients who tested positive for coronavirus. Those patients, who were from Wuhan, were traveling on the cruise between Jan. 19 and 24.HONG KONG — World Dream, a cruise operated by Dream Cruises, was denied entry to Kaohsiung on Tuesday, and forced instead to return to Hong Kong on Wednesday where it docked, according to the company. Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control deemed the staff on the cruise “high risk personnel” as they were believed to have served three patients who tested positive for coronavirus. Those patients, who were from Wuhan, were traveling on the cruise between Jan. 19 and 24.
Taiwan CDC banned all 1,886 passengers, who boarded the ship in Hong Kong, as well as 1,200 staff members from disembarking and demanded the cruise leave the port immediately after getting the clearance permit. The cruise ship turned back around to Hong Kong, where all passengers and crew are undergoing health checks.Taiwan CDC banned all 1,886 passengers, who boarded the ship in Hong Kong, as well as 1,200 staff members from disembarking and demanded the cruise leave the port immediately after getting the clearance permit. The cruise ship turned back around to Hong Kong, where all passengers and crew are undergoing health checks.
In a statement, Dream Cruises said that all guests from Hubei have been prohibited from boarding since restrictions came into place, and that all other passengers and crews have had to submit health declarations before boarding.In a statement, Dream Cruises said that all guests from Hubei have been prohibited from boarding since restrictions came into place, and that all other passengers and crews have had to submit health declarations before boarding.
“For your information, there were also no passengers on board the current cruise who are People’s Republic of China passport holders,” Dream Cruises said. “As a precaution, crew members that worked in the affected cabins have been isolated in their crew quarters with daily temperature checks.”“For your information, there were also no passengers on board the current cruise who are People’s Republic of China passport holders,” Dream Cruises said. “As a precaution, crew members that worked in the affected cabins have been isolated in their crew quarters with daily temperature checks.”
Yet, Hong Kong authorities, who spent the morning conducting health checks, said 30 crew members had symptoms of the virus. Passengers and crew have been barred from disembarking. Most of the passengers on board are from Hong Kong.Yet, Hong Kong authorities, who spent the morning conducting health checks, said 30 crew members had symptoms of the virus. Passengers and crew have been barred from disembarking. Most of the passengers on board are from Hong Kong.
Surreal scenes emerged on Wednesday as passengers on board the cruise liner started live-streaming their ordeal, and other Hong Kong media live-streamed the scene at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal where the ship had docked.Surreal scenes emerged on Wednesday as passengers on board the cruise liner started live-streaming their ordeal, and other Hong Kong media live-streamed the scene at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal where the ship had docked.
HONG KONG — For the second day in a row, the number of infected people in mainland China has risen sharply. Officials reported 65 new deaths on Tuesday, bringing the death toll to 490, excluding one death in Hong Kong and another in the Philippines. Additionally, 3,887 new cases were reported by the National Health Commission, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 24,324, with more than 3,000 in critical condition. HONG KONG — For the second day in a row, the number of infected people in mainland China has risen sharply. Officials reported Wednesday 65 new deaths, bringing the toll to 490, excluding one death in Hong Kong and another in the Philippines. Additionally, 3,887 new cases were reported by the National Health Commission, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 24,324, with more than 3,000 in critical condition.
The increase, a double-digit percentage jump for the second day in the row, indicates that infections are continuing to rise sharply in China. Still, the mortality rate appears to be much lower than that of the severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS outbreak, during which around 10 percent of the infected died, compared to about two percent for the novel coronavirus.The increase, a double-digit percentage jump for the second day in the row, indicates that infections are continuing to rise sharply in China. Still, the mortality rate appears to be much lower than that of the severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS outbreak, during which around 10 percent of the infected died, compared to about two percent for the novel coronavirus.