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Coronavirus: Chinese doctor who warned about outbreak dies from infection – latest news Coronavirus: Chinese doctor who warned about outbreak dies from infection – latest news
(32 minutes later)
Dr Li Wenliang died in Wuhan. Meanwhile UK confirms third case and 10 more people on stricken cruise ship off the coast of Japan are diagnosed with virusDr Li Wenliang died in Wuhan. Meanwhile UK confirms third case and 10 more people on stricken cruise ship off the coast of Japan are diagnosed with virus
The World Health Organization is bringing together global scientists to tackle the coronavirus.
On 11 and 12 February the WHO is convening a global research and innovation forum to identify research priorities and coordinate an international effort into developing vaccines and medicines for the disease.
WHO director general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced the event at a press conference on Thursday: “We’re shadow boxing, we need to bring this virus out into the light so we can attack it properly.”
He also announced that Japan has donated $10m USD to go towards tackling the outbreak.
The third person to be diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK contracted the disease outside of China, it has emerged.The third person to be diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK contracted the disease outside of China, it has emerged.
The patient, who it is understood was diagnosed in Brighton but is being transferred to a London hospital, did not contract the disease in the UK or mainland China but another country in Asia.The patient, who it is understood was diagnosed in Brighton but is being transferred to a London hospital, did not contract the disease in the UK or mainland China but another country in Asia.
The details have been confirmed by the department of health and social care’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, who refused to disclose whether the individual is a British national or which specific country they contracted the disease in.The details have been confirmed by the department of health and social care’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, who refused to disclose whether the individual is a British national or which specific country they contracted the disease in.
Speaking about the new case, Whitty said:
NHS doctors are now being advised to widen the pool of countries to look out for individuals returning who display symptoms.
Whitty explained: “If a doctor in the NHS sees a patient who has travelled from Asia, now they will start thinking about testing from a wider geographical area than would have been the case before. So we are shifting geography for NHS doctors to test.”
The countries will be confirmed later on Thursday.
The Chinese doctor who tried to warn other medics about the coronavirus has died after contracting the infection in Wuhan.The Chinese doctor who tried to warn other medics about the coronavirus has died after contracting the infection in Wuhan.
According to local media, ophthalmologist Dr Li Wenliang died from the virus on Thursday.According to local media, ophthalmologist Dr Li Wenliang died from the virus on Thursday.
Dr Li was summoned by police when he tried to warn others about the virus back in December.Dr Li was summoned by police when he tried to warn others about the virus back in December.
He sent a message to fellow medics in a group chat on 30 December, and days later was summoned to the Public Security Bureau to sign a letter in which he was accused of making “false comments”.He sent a message to fellow medics in a group chat on 30 December, and days later was summoned to the Public Security Bureau to sign a letter in which he was accused of making “false comments”.
Dr Li was one of eight people being investigated by police for “rumour-mongering”.Dr Li was one of eight people being investigated by police for “rumour-mongering”.
A virus expert has said it is “not surprising” that a third case of coronavirus has been confirmed in the UK, as the infection has spread across China and could infect more people returning from the country.A virus expert has said it is “not surprising” that a third case of coronavirus has been confirmed in the UK, as the infection has spread across China and could infect more people returning from the country.
Jonathan Ball, a professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham, said:Jonathan Ball, a professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham, said:
He said the overall number of infections in the UK was still low and crucially therehad not been any significant human-to-human transmission. He added:He said the overall number of infections in the UK was still low and crucially therehad not been any significant human-to-human transmission. He added:
Meanwhile, Ian Jones, a professor of virology at the University of Reading, said:Meanwhile, Ian Jones, a professor of virology at the University of Reading, said:
Two more coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Singapore, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 30.Two more coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Singapore, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 30.
One of the new patients is a close contact of one of those previously confirmed to have the virus, while the other has no recent travel history to mainland China and does not appear to be linked with previous cases, the Straits Times reports.One of the new patients is a close contact of one of those previously confirmed to have the virus, while the other has no recent travel history to mainland China and does not appear to be linked with previous cases, the Straits Times reports.
The previously confirmed cases were all either Chinese nationals from Hubei, or individuals with links to travellers who are Chinese nationals.The previously confirmed cases were all either Chinese nationals from Hubei, or individuals with links to travellers who are Chinese nationals.
All UK hospitals have been told to prepare secure coronavirus zones to “avoid a surge” in emergency departments, a leaked NHS letter has shown.All UK hospitals have been told to prepare secure coronavirus zones to “avoid a surge” in emergency departments, a leaked NHS letter has shown.
The letter, dated 31 January, tells hospitals to set up “coronavirus priority assessment pods”, which can be decontaminated after each use.The letter, dated 31 January, tells hospitals to set up “coronavirus priority assessment pods”, which can be decontaminated after each use.
All chief executives and medical directors are instructed to have the pods up and running by Friday 7 February.All chief executives and medical directors are instructed to have the pods up and running by Friday 7 February.
Prof Keith Willett, who is leading the NHS’s response to coronavirus, told NHS bosses in the letter: “Plans have been developed to avoid a surge in emergency departments due to coronavirus.Prof Keith Willett, who is leading the NHS’s response to coronavirus, told NHS bosses in the letter: “Plans have been developed to avoid a surge in emergency departments due to coronavirus.
Since the letter was written a third coronavirus case has been confirmed in the UK.Since the letter was written a third coronavirus case has been confirmed in the UK.
A third person in the UK has tested positive for the coronavirus, it has been confirmed.A third person in the UK has tested positive for the coronavirus, it has been confirmed.
The patient was diagnosed in Brighton, the Guardian understands, and is being transferred to an infectious diseases unit in a London hospital.The patient was diagnosed in Brighton, the Guardian understands, and is being transferred to an infectious diseases unit in a London hospital.
Prof Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, said:Prof Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, said:
There have been two other confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK - an unnamed Chinese student from York University and his mother, who are being treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.There have been two other confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK - an unnamed Chinese student from York University and his mother, who are being treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
The University of York has said the student confirmed to have contracted the virus did not come into contact with other students.The University of York has said the student confirmed to have contracted the virus did not come into contact with other students.
China is not prepared for the scale of the coronavirus outbreak it is facing, but has mobilised the entire country to tackle the epidemic, Beijing’s ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, has said.China is not prepared for the scale of the coronavirus outbreak it is facing, but has mobilised the entire country to tackle the epidemic, Beijing’s ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, has said.
Answering questions from the media this morning, Liu said:Answering questions from the media this morning, Liu said:
He added that the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, had held a meeting yesterday in which he had instructed medical personnel to work “around the clock” to treat patients.He added that the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, had held a meeting yesterday in which he had instructed medical personnel to work “around the clock” to treat patients.
Liu said he could understand the complaints of some residents in locked-down Wuhan, but said it would take some time for them to understand the urgency of the situation. He offered reassurances that all residents’ basic necessities were being provided for.Liu said he could understand the complaints of some residents in locked-down Wuhan, but said it would take some time for them to understand the urgency of the situation. He offered reassurances that all residents’ basic necessities were being provided for.
He stressed the rest of China was not in the same locked-down state as the Hubei province, but said some local authorities might have overreacted in their responses to the outbreak.He stressed the rest of China was not in the same locked-down state as the Hubei province, but said some local authorities might have overreacted in their responses to the outbreak.
Finally, he said that communication between Xi and Boris Johnson was good, contrary to reports this morning which suggested there were concerns the prime minister had not sent a personal message of support over the coronavirus outbreak.Finally, he said that communication between Xi and Boris Johnson was good, contrary to reports this morning which suggested there were concerns the prime minister had not sent a personal message of support over the coronavirus outbreak.
The Chinese ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, warned against “rumours and panic” and called on the UK government to support to support China in its handling of the coronavirus outbreak.The Chinese ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, warned against “rumours and panic” and called on the UK government to support to support China in its handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
He defended China’s handling of the outbreak, saying the country had been “open, transparent and responsible with its cooperation with the world”.He defended China’s handling of the outbreak, saying the country had been “open, transparent and responsible with its cooperation with the world”.
He emphasised that any impact on China’s economy would be temporary and said the country disapproved of some travel and trade restrictions that had been imposed by other nations.He emphasised that any impact on China’s economy would be temporary and said the country disapproved of some travel and trade restrictions that had been imposed by other nations.
Finally he condemned “insulting and discriminatory behaviour targeting the overseas Chinese community” fed by panic over the virus.Finally he condemned “insulting and discriminatory behaviour targeting the overseas Chinese community” fed by panic over the virus.
Virgin Atlantic has extended the suspension of its flights between Heathrow and Shanghai due to the coronavirus until 28 March.Virgin Atlantic has extended the suspension of its flights between Heathrow and Shanghai due to the coronavirus until 28 March.
A spokesman for the airline said:A spokesman for the airline said:
They said all passengers booked to travel would receive the option of a refund. They should contact the customer care team via their SMS messaging system on +44 (0)7481 339184.They said all passengers booked to travel would receive the option of a refund. They should contact the customer care team via their SMS messaging system on +44 (0)7481 339184.
Countries across the globe, including the US, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, continue to impose travel restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus.Countries across the globe, including the US, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, continue to impose travel restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Saudi Arabia has announced it is banning its citizens from visiting China, and said expatriates will not be allowed to return to the country if they violate the travel restriction.Saudi Arabia has announced it is banning its citizens from visiting China, and said expatriates will not be allowed to return to the country if they violate the travel restriction.
The kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports also said regulatory provisions on travel documents would be applied to citizens who travel to the coronavirus-hit country.The kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports also said regulatory provisions on travel documents would be applied to citizens who travel to the coronavirus-hit country.
The US is temporarily barring entry to foreign nationals who have travelled to China within the last 14 days, while Japan is refusing entry to foreign nationals who have been to Hubei province, the centre of the outbreak, within the past fortnight.The US is temporarily barring entry to foreign nationals who have travelled to China within the last 14 days, while Japan is refusing entry to foreign nationals who have been to Hubei province, the centre of the outbreak, within the past fortnight.
More than 140 Russians have been evacuated from Wuhan, the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, to a medical facility in Siberia guarded by members of Russia’s National Guard.More than 140 Russians have been evacuated from Wuhan, the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, to a medical facility in Siberia guarded by members of Russia’s National Guard.
Inside, many have taken to Instagram to blog their time in quarantine, snapping photos of their dinner and exercise routines.Inside, many have taken to Instagram to blog their time in quarantine, snapping photos of their dinner and exercise routines.
Pavel Lichman, a model who was evacuated from Wuhan, told the Guardian:Pavel Lichman, a model who was evacuated from Wuhan, told the Guardian:
If the evacuees leave their rooms, doctors warned, the two-week countdown starts again.If the evacuees leave their rooms, doctors warned, the two-week countdown starts again.
In the other rooms, Russians took stock of the bizarre turn of events and planned out their time in lockdown. “Plans for the next two weeks,” one young woman wrote, while firing up a Netflix documentary about the rapper Travis Scott.In the other rooms, Russians took stock of the bizarre turn of events and planned out their time in lockdown. “Plans for the next two weeks,” one young woman wrote, while firing up a Netflix documentary about the rapper Travis Scott.
Another modelled her striped pyjamas on a balcony overlooking a snowy forest of birch.Another modelled her striped pyjamas on a balcony overlooking a snowy forest of birch.
Student Marina Zaitseva was visiting Wuhan when the outbreak occurred. In an interview with the Fontanka.ru website, she described a difficult evacuation from China aboard a military plane with little idea of where they were headed.Student Marina Zaitseva was visiting Wuhan when the outbreak occurred. In an interview with the Fontanka.ru website, she described a difficult evacuation from China aboard a military plane with little idea of where they were headed.
When they arrived at the medical facility, they were told to give up their clothing for disinfecting. She said:When they arrived at the medical facility, they were told to give up their clothing for disinfecting. She said:
The US is continuing to fly hundreds of its citizens out of Wuhan, the city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, in what it anticipates to be the last of its chartered flights.The US is continuing to fly hundreds of its citizens out of Wuhan, the city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, in what it anticipates to be the last of its chartered flights.
On Wednesday, two planes flew 350 citizens back to an air force base in California, and two more flights will arrive from Wuhan this week. The US does not anticipate any further chartered flights after this.On Wednesday, two planes flew 350 citizens back to an air force base in California, and two more flights will arrive from Wuhan this week. The US does not anticipate any further chartered flights after this.
Other countries are also airlifting their nationals from the area, including Singapore, which is arranging a second evacuation flight for later this week.Other countries are also airlifting their nationals from the area, including Singapore, which is arranging a second evacuation flight for later this week.
The Britons who were evacuated from Wuhan last week have been told they can leave the quarantine facility in the Wirral next Thursday.The Britons who were evacuated from Wuhan last week have been told they can leave the quarantine facility in the Wirral next Thursday.
Matt Raw, who was one of 83 British nationals airlifted out of Wuhan on the first evacuation flight, received the news last night:Matt Raw, who was one of 83 British nationals airlifted out of Wuhan on the first evacuation flight, received the news last night:
Another 11 Britons were evacuated on a French-chartered flight on Sunday, after many failed to make it to the airport in time for the first flight.Another 11 Britons were evacuated on a French-chartered flight on Sunday, after many failed to make it to the airport in time for the first flight.
They are being kept in quarantine separately from those on the first.They are being kept in quarantine separately from those on the first.
Chinese officials are reportedly “concerned” that Boris Johnson has not yet sent a personal message of support to the country over the coronavirus outbreak.Chinese officials are reportedly “concerned” that Boris Johnson has not yet sent a personal message of support to the country over the coronavirus outbreak.
Stanley Johnson, the prime minister’s father, met the Chinese ambassador Liu Xiaoming on Tuesday, and reported back to UK officials – and accidentally copied in the BBC.Stanley Johnson, the prime minister’s father, met the Chinese ambassador Liu Xiaoming on Tuesday, and reported back to UK officials – and accidentally copied in the BBC.
The email, to the environment minister Zac Goldsmith and other UK officials, said:The email, to the environment minister Zac Goldsmith and other UK officials, said:
A government spokesman said the UK had been in close contact with the Chinese authorities since the outbreak.A government spokesman said the UK had been in close contact with the Chinese authorities since the outbreak.
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.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.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.”“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: