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Coronavirus: public buying protective suits causing shortages for emergency services – latest news Coronavirus: public buying protective suits causing shortages for emergency services – latest news
(32 minutes later)
Total infections pass 30,000 as Wuhan whistleblower doctor dies and Singapore reports three new casesTotal infections pass 30,000 as Wuhan whistleblower doctor dies and Singapore reports three new cases
A plane carrying 176 Canadians repatriated from Wuhan, the city at the centre of the coronavirus epidemic, has touched down in Ontario, Reuters reports.
A second group of 39, who left China on a U.S. flight, should arrive later on Friday after switching planes in Vancouver, Francois-Philippe Champagne, minister of foreign affairs, told reporters on Thursday.
No one on board the plane from Wuhan that landed in Trenton air force base showed symptoms of the coronavirus or other illness during the flight, Health Minister Patty Hajdu told CBC Radio.
All evacuees will be quarantined on the base for two weeks, separated from each other in a building that resembles a small hotel, with families kept together.
There is growing concern that the new coronavirus may be going undetected in Indonesia, where officials have not confirmed a single case of infection among the 272 million-strong population despite the country’s close links to China, reports Rebecca Ratcliffe, the Guardian’s south east Asia correspondent.There is growing concern that the new coronavirus may be going undetected in Indonesia, where officials have not confirmed a single case of infection among the 272 million-strong population despite the country’s close links to China, reports Rebecca Ratcliffe, the Guardian’s south east Asia correspondent.
As of Thursday, Indonesia said it had no confirmed cases of the coronavirus and that 238 people evacuated from Wuhan, the centre of the outbreak, had not shown symptoms or been tested.As of Thursday, Indonesia said it had no confirmed cases of the coronavirus and that 238 people evacuated from Wuhan, the centre of the outbreak, had not shown symptoms or been tested.
More than 630 people have been killed by the virus in China, while confirmed infections have passed 30,000 globally. Most cases are concentrated in China, though the virus has been recorded in countries across Asia, as well as Europe, Australia and the US.More than 630 people have been killed by the virus in China, while confirmed infections have passed 30,000 globally. Most cases are concentrated in China, though the virus has been recorded in countries across Asia, as well as Europe, Australia and the US.
China is the workshop of the world. It’s where most of the west’s consumer electronics come from. And if you were worried that supplies of digital goods might run out, fear not. The juggernaut of capitalist production continues.China is the workshop of the world. It’s where most of the west’s consumer electronics come from. And if you were worried that supplies of digital goods might run out, fear not. The juggernaut of capitalist production continues.
Foxconn, the electronics company that supplies Apple, has begun manufacturing its own surgical masks, allowing Chinese workers to churn out iPhones uninterrupted as the coronavirus crisis continues, Rob Davies reports.Foxconn, the electronics company that supplies Apple, has begun manufacturing its own surgical masks, allowing Chinese workers to churn out iPhones uninterrupted as the coronavirus crisis continues, Rob Davies reports.
The Taiwanese company’s production lines have been shut down because of the disruption caused by the outbreak, slowing down the supply chain that feeds Apple’s global retail network.The Taiwanese company’s production lines have been shut down because of the disruption caused by the outbreak, slowing down the supply chain that feeds Apple’s global retail network.
However, in a statement released via the Chinese social media platform WeChat, Foxconn said it hoped to get around the problem by switching some of its own production lines to make masks, for its own staff and to supply the soaring global demand for them.However, in a statement released via the Chinese social media platform WeChat, Foxconn said it hoped to get around the problem by switching some of its own production lines to make masks, for its own staff and to supply the soaring global demand for them.
Demand for masks, gowns, gloves and other protective gear has risen by up to 100 times and prices have soared due to the China coronavirus outbreak, producing a “severe” disruption in supply, the WHO director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, is reported as saying by Reuters.Demand for masks, gowns, gloves and other protective gear has risen by up to 100 times and prices have soared due to the China coronavirus outbreak, producing a “severe” disruption in supply, the WHO director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, is reported as saying by Reuters.
“This situation is exacerbated by widespread use of personal protective equipment outside patient care,” he told reporters in Geneva, adding that he had spoken to manufacturers and distributors to ensure supplies for those who need them.“This situation is exacerbated by widespread use of personal protective equipment outside patient care,” he told reporters in Geneva, adding that he had spoken to manufacturers and distributors to ensure supplies for those who need them.
He also said he could see practices such as hoarding in order to ensure higher prices, and called for solidarity from the public and private sector.He also said he could see practices such as hoarding in order to ensure higher prices, and called for solidarity from the public and private sector.
The upgrading of the coronavirus alert level in Singapore has sparked panic-buying of essentials in some shops across the island, Reuters reports.The upgrading of the coronavirus alert level in Singapore has sparked panic-buying of essentials in some shops across the island, Reuters reports.
Earlier, we reported that the city state had raised its alert level to orange, after three more cases of the illness were diagnosed. According to Reuters:Earlier, we reported that the city state had raised its alert level to orange, after three more cases of the illness were diagnosed. According to Reuters:
Singapore’s trade minister, Chan Chun Sing, said in a Facebook post:Singapore’s trade minister, Chan Chun Sing, said in a Facebook post:
This is Damien Gayle taking over the live blog now for the rest of the afternoon (it’s 3.20pm here in London). As usual you can reach me on email at damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via my Twitter profile, @damiengayleThis is Damien Gayle taking over the live blog now for the rest of the afternoon (it’s 3.20pm here in London). As usual you can reach me on email at damien.gayle@theguardian.com, or via my Twitter profile, @damiengayle
The test used to diagnose coronavirus is being rolled out to laboratories across the UK from Monday, increasing testing capacity to more than 1,000 people a day.The test used to diagnose coronavirus is being rolled out to laboratories across the UK from Monday, increasing testing capacity to more than 1,000 people a day.
Currently coronavirus is tested and diagnosed in one laboratory in London, but testing will be extended to 12 labs across the country over the coming weeks.Currently coronavirus is tested and diagnosed in one laboratory in London, but testing will be extended to 12 labs across the country over the coming weeks.
At its laboratories in London, Public Health England (PHE) has the capacity to process samples from more than 100 people a day.At its laboratories in London, Public Health England (PHE) has the capacity to process samples from more than 100 people a day.
Now, to ensure that the country is prepared for further cases and to speed up the time taken to get results, the test will be carried out by trained scientists across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.Now, to ensure that the country is prepared for further cases and to speed up the time taken to get results, the test will be carried out by trained scientists across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
This will increase testing capacity to more than 1,000 people a day for England.This will increase testing capacity to more than 1,000 people a day for England.
Prof Yvonne Doyle, PHE’s medical director, said:Prof Yvonne Doyle, PHE’s medical director, said:
The test, developed by PHE, made the UK one of the first countries outside China to have assured testing capability for the new coronavirus.The test, developed by PHE, made the UK one of the first countries outside China to have assured testing capability for the new coronavirus.
When a clinician suspects coronavirus in a patient, they take samples from the nose, throat and deeper respiratory tract and send them for laboratory testing.When a clinician suspects coronavirus in a patient, they take samples from the nose, throat and deeper respiratory tract and send them for laboratory testing.
Using the diagnostic test, scientists can look for evidence of the presence of any type of coronavirus and then hone in on specific genetic clues that identify the novel coronavirus associated with this outbreak.Using the diagnostic test, scientists can look for evidence of the presence of any type of coronavirus and then hone in on specific genetic clues that identify the novel coronavirus associated with this outbreak.
The UK-wide roll-out is the fastest deployment of a new test to PHE and NHS labs in recent history, including in the swine flu pandemic in 2009.The UK-wide roll-out is the fastest deployment of a new test to PHE and NHS labs in recent history, including in the swine flu pandemic in 2009.
In addition to processing samples from suspected cases in the UK, PHE is now working as a reference laboratory for WHO, testing samples from countries that do not have assured testing capabilities.In addition to processing samples from suspected cases in the UK, PHE is now working as a reference laboratory for WHO, testing samples from countries that do not have assured testing capabilities.
Passengers on a cruise ship that docked in New York City on Friday morning are being tested for the coronavirus, it has been confirmed.Passengers on a cruise ship that docked in New York City on Friday morning are being tested for the coronavirus, it has been confirmed.
An official from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told CNN:An official from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told CNN:
Video footage showed ambulances and stretchers on standby near the port at Bayonne, and personnel boarding the ship.Video footage showed ambulances and stretchers on standby near the port at Bayonne, and personnel boarding the ship.
An earlier post said that the first North Korean case had been confirmed. In fact, the North Korean authorities are yet to confirm the South Korean media report on the development.An earlier post said that the first North Korean case had been confirmed. In fact, the North Korean authorities are yet to confirm the South Korean media report on the development.
The original post has now been deleted.The original post has now been deleted.
You can read more about the situation here.You can read more about the situation here.
Travellers from China face up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of HK$25,000 (£2,491) for breaching quarantine measures, Hong Kong’s government has announced.Travellers from China face up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of HK$25,000 (£2,491) for breaching quarantine measures, Hong Kong’s government has announced.
At a press conference on Friday, the chief secretary, Matthew Cheung, said the 14-day mandatory quarantine for visitors arriving from mainland China is expected to reduce the number of people crossing the border.At a press conference on Friday, the chief secretary, Matthew Cheung, said the 14-day mandatory quarantine for visitors arriving from mainland China is expected to reduce the number of people crossing the border.
People involved in cross-border logistics and workers essential to government services would be exempted from quarantine but monitored closely.People involved in cross-border logistics and workers essential to government services would be exempted from quarantine but monitored closely.
From Saturday, people entering the city will be required to sign a document consenting to the quarantine measures, while travellers with visas or permits valid for less than 14 days will be barred from entering Hong Kong.From Saturday, people entering the city will be required to sign a document consenting to the quarantine measures, while travellers with visas or permits valid for less than 14 days will be barred from entering Hong Kong.
Cheung stressed the quarantine policy would not affect the flow of goods from the mainland. He said:Cheung stressed the quarantine policy would not affect the flow of goods from the mainland. He said:
One person in Hong Kong has died from coronavirus.One person in Hong Kong has died from coronavirus.
Communist party investigators in China are looking into issues raised by the public about a whistleblower doctor who was threatened by police for sharing his concerns about the virus, from which he later died.Communist party investigators in China are looking into issues raised by the public about a whistleblower doctor who was threatened by police for sharing his concerns about the virus, from which he later died.
Following an online uproar over the government’s treatment of Dr Li Wenliang, the ruling Communist party said it was sending a team to fully investigate relevant issues raised by the public regarding the case.Following an online uproar over the government’s treatment of Dr Li Wenliang, the ruling Communist party said it was sending a team to fully investigate relevant issues raised by the public regarding the case.
Li, 34, was one of eight medical professionals in Wuhan who tried to warn colleagues and others about the new virus.Li, 34, was one of eight medical professionals in Wuhan who tried to warn colleagues and others about the new virus.
He wrote on Weibo that on 3 December he saw a test sample that indicated the presence of a coronavirus similar to Sars, which killed nearly 800 people in a 2002-2003 outbreak.He wrote on Weibo that on 3 December he saw a test sample that indicated the presence of a coronavirus similar to Sars, which killed nearly 800 people in a 2002-2003 outbreak.
After he reported seven patients had contracted the virus, he said he was visited by police on 3 January, who forced him to sign a statement admitting to spreading falsehoods and warning him of punishment if he continued.After he reported seven patients had contracted the virus, he said he was visited by police on 3 January, who forced him to sign a statement admitting to spreading falsehoods and warning him of punishment if he continued.
Li later developed a cough and fever before he was hospitalised on 12 January and began to have trouble breathing.Li later developed a cough and fever before he was hospitalised on 12 January and began to have trouble breathing.
His death was confirmed on Friday, prompting a deluge of mourning and outrage at the way he and the seven others had been treated.His death was confirmed on Friday, prompting a deluge of mourning and outrage at the way he and the seven others had been treated.
Even the staunchly pro-government Global Times newspaper said the eight whistleblowers’ treatment “was evidence of local authorities’ incompetence to tackle a contagious and deadly virus”.Even the staunchly pro-government Global Times newspaper said the eight whistleblowers’ treatment “was evidence of local authorities’ incompetence to tackle a contagious and deadly virus”.
Most of the deaths from the virus have been of older people with existing health problems, but disease specialists said Li’s work may have increased his exposure and made his illness severe.Most of the deaths from the virus have been of older people with existing health problems, but disease specialists said Li’s work may have increased his exposure and made his illness severe.
More fall-out to the spread of the coronavirus outside China as Swedish telecoms giant Ericsson has become the latest firm to pull out of an international conference in Barcelona later this month because of the outbreak.More fall-out to the spread of the coronavirus outside China as Swedish telecoms giant Ericsson has become the latest firm to pull out of an international conference in Barcelona later this month because of the outbreak.
The telecoms equipment manufacturer has withdrawn from the Mobile World Congress in the Spanish city, which is scheduled to take place between 24 and 27 February. It comes after South Korean tech firm LG and Chinese mobile firm ZTE also pulled out.The telecoms equipment manufacturer has withdrawn from the Mobile World Congress in the Spanish city, which is scheduled to take place between 24 and 27 February. It comes after South Korean tech firm LG and Chinese mobile firm ZTE also pulled out.
The conference attracts more than 100,000 visitors and has come under increased scrutiny since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus epidemic a public health emergency of international concern, Reuters reports. There has been only one confirmed coronavirus case in Spain to date.The conference attracts more than 100,000 visitors and has come under increased scrutiny since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus epidemic a public health emergency of international concern, Reuters reports. There has been only one confirmed coronavirus case in Spain to date.
In a statement on the conference’s website, organisers confirmed Ericsson’s decision to withdraw, saying:In a statement on the conference’s website, organisers confirmed Ericsson’s decision to withdraw, saying:
“We respect their decision and are reassured by their commitment that they will be at MWC Barcelona 2021 in full force and our rebook trends for next year’s event remain high. Ericsson’s cancellation will have some impact on our presence at this time and will potentially have further impact.”“We respect their decision and are reassured by their commitment that they will be at MWC Barcelona 2021 in full force and our rebook trends for next year’s event remain high. Ericsson’s cancellation will have some impact on our presence at this time and will potentially have further impact.”
The statement adds:The statement adds:
A leading UK academic who studies infectious diseases says it is difficult to tell whether the levelling off of coronavirus cases in the past two days is due to an actual decline or just difficulties in recording cases.A leading UK academic who studies infectious diseases says it is difficult to tell whether the levelling off of coronavirus cases in the past two days is due to an actual decline or just difficulties in recording cases.
John Edmunds, professor in the Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said:John Edmunds, professor in the Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said:
A drop in the number of new coronavirus cases for two days is good news, says the director general of the World Health Organization.A drop in the number of new coronavirus cases for two days is good news, says the director general of the World Health Organization.
However, he cautions against reading too much into it.However, he cautions against reading too much into it.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the numbers could go up again, but the last two days were showing a declining trend.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the numbers could go up again, but the last two days were showing a declining trend.
There were roughly 3,900 new cases reported worldwide on 5 February, 3,700 on 6 February and 3,200 on 7 February - the vast majority in China, WHO figures show.There were roughly 3,900 new cases reported worldwide on 5 February, 3,700 on 6 February and 3,200 on 7 February - the vast majority in China, WHO figures show.
At the Science Media Centre, Paul Hunter, professor in Medicine at the University of East Anglia, said:At the Science Media Centre, Paul Hunter, professor in Medicine at the University of East Anglia, said:
Ghebreyesus also reported that in response to his appeal earlier this week for more countries to share information about the outbreaks in their countries, not all nations had provided the requested information.Ghebreyesus also reported that in response to his appeal earlier this week for more countries to share information about the outbreaks in their countries, not all nations had provided the requested information.
“There are some countries who have yet to send detailed case reports to WHO,” he said. “We urge those member states to share that information immediately.”“There are some countries who have yet to send detailed case reports to WHO,” he said. “We urge those member states to share that information immediately.”