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Coronavirus: China deaths pass 560 as 10 more cruise passengers test positive – latest news Coronavirus: China deaths pass 560 as 10 more cruise passengers test positive – latest news
(31 minutes later)
Wuhan authorities warn of lack of ‘equipment and materials’ and consider converting hotels and schools into treatment centres. Follow live updatesWuhan authorities warn of lack of ‘equipment and materials’ and consider converting hotels and schools into treatment centres. Follow live updates
A former special adviser to the World Health Organization has said he thinks researchers are “weeks away” from testing a coronavirus vaccine on animals, but it could be months before human trials.
Speaking on Sky News this morning, David Harper said: “The researchers around the world are working very hard.
“We feel that we’re within a matter of weeks of the animal tests that are necessary before we go into the trials of the vaccine in humans, which could take some months of course, but still very much shorter than we would normally expect for a vaccine of this type.”
A former World Health Organization official who helped lead the response to SARS has said “the full potential” of the coronavirus is not yet known.A former World Health Organization official who helped lead the response to SARS has said “the full potential” of the coronavirus is not yet known.
Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, David Heyman, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene, said:Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, David Heyman, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene, said:
He said the disease is spread via droplets, when people are in a close enough area that they can cough on each other, and there is no evidence to suggest it is transmissible over longer distances.He said the disease is spread via droplets, when people are in a close enough area that they can cough on each other, and there is no evidence to suggest it is transmissible over longer distances.
A British man who is among 3,700 people under a coronavirus quarantine on a cruise ship in Japan has voiced concerns over ongoing monitoring for the disease on board.A British man who is among 3,700 people under a coronavirus quarantine on a cruise ship in Japan has voiced concerns over ongoing monitoring for the disease on board.
David Abel, from Northamptonshire, has praised Princess Cruises for its handling of the situation so far, but said fears remain about efforts to fight the disease on the ship.David Abel, from Northamptonshire, has praised Princess Cruises for its handling of the situation so far, but said fears remain about efforts to fight the disease on the ship.
“What health checks have we had in the last three or four days, or since the health check when the quarantine officers came on board? None whatsoever,” Abel said in a Facebook video post.“What health checks have we had in the last three or four days, or since the health check when the quarantine officers came on board? None whatsoever,” Abel said in a Facebook video post.
Health workers in the port city of Yokohama said on Thursday that 10 more people on the Diamond Princess had tested positive to the disease, in addition to 10 others on Wednesday when the ship was first isolated.Health workers in the port city of Yokohama said on Thursday that 10 more people on the Diamond Princess had tested positive to the disease, in addition to 10 others on Wednesday when the ship was first isolated.
Those 20 people are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals while the remaining passengers are confined to their cabins.Those 20 people are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals while the remaining passengers are confined to their cabins.
Abel, who along with his wife are believed to be the only two Britons on board, added: “And what happens when we finally get back to the UK? Are we going to be put in quarantine yet again for another 14 days?”Abel, who along with his wife are believed to be the only two Britons on board, added: “And what happens when we finally get back to the UK? Are we going to be put in quarantine yet again for another 14 days?”
It is thought the Foreign Office has offered support, but is letting cruise ship staff manage the situation.It is thought the Foreign Office has offered support, but is letting cruise ship staff manage the situation.
China has announced it will halve tariffs on $75bn worth of US goods, as the country’s economy comes under additional pressure amid the coronavirus outbreak.China has announced it will halve tariffs on $75bn worth of US goods, as the country’s economy comes under additional pressure amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Tariffs on some goods will be cut from to from 10% to 5%, and from 5% to 2.5% on others.Tariffs on some goods will be cut from to from 10% to 5%, and from 5% to 2.5% on others.
The announcement is part of a partial resolution of the long-running trade war between the US and China agreed last month, and the US will also roll back some tariffs as part of the agreement.The announcement is part of a partial resolution of the long-running trade war between the US and China agreed last month, and the US will also roll back some tariffs as part of the agreement.
The cuts will take effect on 14 February, but tariffs will remain on $35bn worth of US goods.The cuts will take effect on 14 February, but tariffs will remain on $35bn worth of US goods.
China’s economy has suffered as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, with factories across the country closed and its manufacturing sector seeing a drop in production.China’s economy has suffered as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, with factories across the country closed and its manufacturing sector seeing a drop in production.
This is Jessica Murray taking over from Alison to track the latest developments with the coronavirus outbreak throughout the day.This is Jessica Murray taking over from Alison to track the latest developments with the coronavirus outbreak throughout the day.
Global health experts have warned that “hidden” coronavirus cases mean that we could just be seeing the “tip of the iceberg”.Global health experts have warned that “hidden” coronavirus cases mean that we could just be seeing the “tip of the iceberg”.
Tom Frieden, a former director at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said there could be “vastly more cases” than previously thought.Tom Frieden, a former director at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said there could be “vastly more cases” than previously thought.
“It’s becoming increasingly clear that containment is very unlikely,” Frieden said. “It probably isn’t worth giving up, but trying to contain Wuhan coronavirus like Sars and Mers is very unlikely, just because of the number of cases and the number of [Chinese] provinces and the ease with which it is ease spreading in families.”“It’s becoming increasingly clear that containment is very unlikely,” Frieden said. “It probably isn’t worth giving up, but trying to contain Wuhan coronavirus like Sars and Mers is very unlikely, just because of the number of cases and the number of [Chinese] provinces and the ease with which it is ease spreading in families.”
He added:He added:
Here’s a summary of what we know so far today about the spread of the coronavirus.Here’s a summary of what we know so far today about the spread of the coronavirus.
China’s death toll grew to 563, with 28,018 confirmed casesChina’s death toll grew to 563, with 28,018 confirmed cases
Ten more people have been diagnosed with the virus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, moored at Yokohama in JapanTen more people have been diagnosed with the virus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, moored at Yokohama in Japan
Canada has told its citizens to leave China by commercial means if their presence in the country is “not essential”Canada has told its citizens to leave China by commercial means if their presence in the country is “not essential”
Taiwan has banned all international cruise ships from dockingTaiwan has banned all international cruise ships from docking
Adidas has closed China stores over virus outbreakAdidas has closed China stores over virus outbreak
Virgin Australia has announced it will cease flying to Hong KongVirgin Australia has announced it will cease flying to Hong Kong
Shares have risen strongly again on Asian marketsShares have risen strongly again on Asian markets
Here’s the latest tracker image from Johns Hopkins University on the spread of the coronavirus. If you want to check in on the tracker, you can find it here.Here’s the latest tracker image from Johns Hopkins University on the spread of the coronavirus. If you want to check in on the tracker, you can find it here.
A 28-year-old doctor in Hunan province has died after working for 10 days on the coronavirus outbreak, Chinese state media is reporting.A 28-year-old doctor in Hunan province has died after working for 10 days on the coronavirus outbreak, Chinese state media is reporting.
As we have reported today, the death doll in China for the coronavirus has passed 560. You can find our latest full report on the story here.As we have reported today, the death doll in China for the coronavirus has passed 560. You can find our latest full report on the story here.
For a further exploration of why stock markets are surging ahead despite the prospect of a marked slowdown in China (see this blog post), look no further than this piece by our economics editor Larry Elliott.For a further exploration of why stock markets are surging ahead despite the prospect of a marked slowdown in China (see this blog post), look no further than this piece by our economics editor Larry Elliott.
But he asks whether the outbreak is the kind of freakish, unforeseen event that could yet spark a global economic crisis – a “black swan” event in the market parlance.But he asks whether the outbreak is the kind of freakish, unforeseen event that could yet spark a global economic crisis – a “black swan” event in the market parlance.
Hong Kong’s economy faces a deepening recession as a result of the virus outbreak. Businesses in the territory have already been hit hard by months of sometimes violent street protests that have forced shops to close and transport to shut down.Hong Kong’s economy faces a deepening recession as a result of the virus outbreak. Businesses in the territory have already been hit hard by months of sometimes violent street protests that have forced shops to close and transport to shut down.
The economy shrank 1.2% last year and economists at Fitch Solutions reckon it will contract by 2.6% this year with the vital retail sector brought ot its knees as the lucrative flow of Chinese tourists dries up thanks to the government’s new quarantine rules and airlines suspend flights in and out.The economy shrank 1.2% last year and economists at Fitch Solutions reckon it will contract by 2.6% this year with the vital retail sector brought ot its knees as the lucrative flow of Chinese tourists dries up thanks to the government’s new quarantine rules and airlines suspend flights in and out.
The sense of crisis has been heightened by panic buying in shops and supermarkets.The sense of crisis has been heightened by panic buying in shops and supermarkets.
Read my full report here:Read my full report here:
China’s People’s Daily is reporting the drug Remdesivir is “officially” in clinical trial stage on coronavirus patients in Wuhan’s Jinyintan hospital.China’s People’s Daily is reporting the drug Remdesivir is “officially” in clinical trial stage on coronavirus patients in Wuhan’s Jinyintan hospital.
“The trial will include 453 critically ill patients and 308 with less severe symptoms, a medical expert said,” the China Daily reported.“The trial will include 453 critically ill patients and 308 with less severe symptoms, a medical expert said,” the China Daily reported.
A couple of Canadian readers in China have got in touch with me to say the Canadian consular service in Beijing is advising Canadians to leave China at their own cost if their presence is not essential.A couple of Canadian readers in China have got in touch with me to say the Canadian consular service in Beijing is advising Canadians to leave China at their own cost if their presence is not essential.
“Please note that the Travel Advice and Advisory for China has recently been updated to indicate: If your presence in China isn’t essential, you should consider leaving by commercial means,” the advisory says, dated 6 February.“Please note that the Travel Advice and Advisory for China has recently been updated to indicate: If your presence in China isn’t essential, you should consider leaving by commercial means,” the advisory says, dated 6 February.
The government previously chartered a flight from Wuhan to Canada for Canadian citizens looking to return to Canada.The government previously chartered a flight from Wuhan to Canada for Canadian citizens looking to return to Canada.
The coronavirus is having a significant impact on sports events. Last week the Chinese Football Association cancelled all domestic games at all levels. Many other events are also being affected:The coronavirus is having a significant impact on sports events. Last week the Chinese Football Association cancelled all domestic games at all levels. Many other events are also being affected:
Athletics:Athletics:
The World Athletics Indoor Championships, which had been scheduled for Nanjing from March 13-15, were postponed until next yearThe World Athletics Indoor Championships, which had been scheduled for Nanjing from March 13-15, were postponed until next year
The Asian Athletics Association cancelled its 12-13 February indoor championships in Hangzhou.The Asian Athletics Association cancelled its 12-13 February indoor championships in Hangzhou.
Football:Football:
Asian Champions League matches involving Chinese clubs Guangzhou Evergrande, Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai SIPG have been postponed.Asian Champions League matches involving Chinese clubs Guangzhou Evergrande, Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai SIPG have been postponed.
Guangzhou and the Shanghai clubs will join the competition in April, with their group matches due to be played in May.Guangzhou and the Shanghai clubs will join the competition in April, with their group matches due to be played in May.
Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai SIPG were due to play away at Perth Glory and Sydney FC but Australian officials sought to reschedule matches after their government imposed a travel ban on foreign nationals arriving from China.Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai SIPG were due to play away at Perth Glory and Sydney FC but Australian officials sought to reschedule matches after their government imposed a travel ban on foreign nationals arriving from China.
A four-team women’s Olympic qualifying tournament involving China, Australia, Taiwan and Thailand was moved from Wuhan and rearranged to be held in Australia by the AFC.A four-team women’s Olympic qualifying tournament involving China, Australia, Taiwan and Thailand was moved from Wuhan and rearranged to be held in Australia by the AFC.
Vietnam’s government said it would not allow the country to host sporting events in February, meaning home AFC Cup group stage matches for Ho Chi Minh City and Than Quang Ninh will have to be switched to away fixtures.Vietnam’s government said it would not allow the country to host sporting events in February, meaning home AFC Cup group stage matches for Ho Chi Minh City and Than Quang Ninh will have to be switched to away fixtures.
Ho Chi Minh City will now face Yangon United in Myanmar on 11 February while Than Quang Ninh meet Ceres Negros on 25 February in the Philippines.Ho Chi Minh City will now face Yangon United in Myanmar on 11 February while Than Quang Ninh meet Ceres Negros on 25 February in the Philippines.
Car racing:Car racing:
The all-electric Formula E motor racing series abandoned plans for a race in Sanya on 21 March.The all-electric Formula E motor racing series abandoned plans for a race in Sanya on 21 March.
The move puts Formula One in the spotlight, with Shanghai due to host the Chinese Grand Prix on 19 April, now looking in doubt.The move puts Formula One in the spotlight, with Shanghai due to host the Chinese Grand Prix on 19 April, now looking in doubt.
Badminton:Badminton:
The China Masters tournament in Hainan due to take place 25 February-1 March, was postponed after several players withdrew. The BWF said it hoped the flagship Badminton Asia Championships could still go ahead in Wuhan from 21-26 April.The China Masters tournament in Hainan due to take place 25 February-1 March, was postponed after several players withdrew. The BWF said it hoped the flagship Badminton Asia Championships could still go ahead in Wuhan from 21-26 April.
BoxingBoxing
The International Olympic Committee announced Jordan as hosts of the boxing qualifiers for Asia and Oceania after an event in Wuhan was cancelled. It will now take place in Amman, 3-11 March.The International Olympic Committee announced Jordan as hosts of the boxing qualifiers for Asia and Oceania after an event in Wuhan was cancelled. It will now take place in Amman, 3-11 March.
BasketballBasketball
The International Basketball Federation moved the 6-9 February Tokyo Olympics qualifiers to be held in Foshan to Belgrade.The International Basketball Federation moved the 6-9 February Tokyo Olympics qualifiers to be held in Foshan to Belgrade.
The FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifying match between China and Malaysia, to be held in Foshan on 24 February, will be rescheduled.The FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifying match between China and Malaysia, to be held in Foshan on 24 February, will be rescheduled.
GolfGolf
The elite women’s LPGA golf tour cancelled the 5-8 March Blue Bay tournament to be held on Hainan.The elite women’s LPGA golf tour cancelled the 5-8 March Blue Bay tournament to be held on Hainan.
The PGA Tour Series-China moved its 25-28 February global qualifying tournament to Lagoi, Indonesia, from Haikou.The PGA Tour Series-China moved its 25-28 February global qualifying tournament to Lagoi, Indonesia, from Haikou.
Stock markets continue to shrug off the deepening crisis with the Nikkei up a whopping 2.6% with less than an hour of trading to go while Seoul had also gained a healthy 2.55%. Hong Kong was even better, up 2.71%, and Shanghai was up 1.3%.Stock markets continue to shrug off the deepening crisis with the Nikkei up a whopping 2.6% with less than an hour of trading to go while Seoul had also gained a healthy 2.55%. Hong Kong was even better, up 2.71%, and Shanghai was up 1.3%.
In Sydney, the Australian bourse rallying to its second highest close of all time. The ASX200 was paused at 7,047 points, a rise of 1% on the day and only 43 points off the record high set back in January.In Sydney, the Australian bourse rallying to its second highest close of all time. The ASX200 was paused at 7,047 points, a rise of 1% on the day and only 43 points off the record high set back in January.
Nguyen Trinh, senior economist for emerging Asia at the investment bank Natixis in Hong Kong, said investors were obviously expecting that the disruption seen across China would be temporary and that the policy response by China and Asian central banks would be enough to inject into markets much-needed liquidity.Nguyen Trinh, senior economist for emerging Asia at the investment bank Natixis in Hong Kong, said investors were obviously expecting that the disruption seen across China would be temporary and that the policy response by China and Asian central banks would be enough to inject into markets much-needed liquidity.
However, she noted that commodities had seen a more turbulent few weeks with oil, for example, down more than 10% for the year.However, she noted that commodities had seen a more turbulent few weeks with oil, for example, down more than 10% for the year.
She said:She said: