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Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump Praises China’s Response to Outbreak as Death Toll Passes 600 Coronavirus Live Updates: Trump Praises China’s Response to Outbreak as Death Toll Passes 600
(32 minutes later)
China’s ruling Communist Party, bending to public pressure, said on Friday that it would send a team from its powerful anticorruption committee to investigate the issues surrounding a whistle-blower doctor who had died hours earlier in Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak.China’s ruling Communist Party, bending to public pressure, said on Friday that it would send a team from its powerful anticorruption committee to investigate the issues surrounding a whistle-blower doctor who had died hours earlier in Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak.
The doctor, Li Wenliang, who was among the first to warn about the outbreak, only to be silenced by the police, died on Friday after himself becoming infected with the virus, the hospital treating him reported.The doctor, Li Wenliang, who was among the first to warn about the outbreak, only to be silenced by the police, died on Friday after himself becoming infected with the virus, the hospital treating him reported.
The death of the 34-year-old doctor, announced early Friday by Wuhan City Central Hospital, set off an outpouring of grief and anger on social media, with commenters on Weibo, a Twitter-like website, demanding an apology from the authorities to Dr. Li and his family.The death of the 34-year-old doctor, announced early Friday by Wuhan City Central Hospital, set off an outpouring of grief and anger on social media, with commenters on Weibo, a Twitter-like website, demanding an apology from the authorities to Dr. Li and his family.
The State Supervisory Committee has “decided to send an investigation team to Wuhan, Hubei Province, to conduct a comprehensive investigation on related issues reported by the masses about Dr. Li Wenliang,” it said on Friday in a one-line statement on its website.The State Supervisory Committee has “decided to send an investigation team to Wuhan, Hubei Province, to conduct a comprehensive investigation on related issues reported by the masses about Dr. Li Wenliang,” it said on Friday in a one-line statement on its website.
It is rare for the Communist Party to react so swiftly to public outrage. Several top officials and state-run media outlets had also joined in the chorus to mourn Dr. Li’s death. In statements online, the National Health Commission and the Wuhan government said they expressed their condolences.It is rare for the Communist Party to react so swiftly to public outrage. Several top officials and state-run media outlets had also joined in the chorus to mourn Dr. Li’s death. In statements online, the National Health Commission and the Wuhan government said they expressed their condolences.
The police and others questioned Dr. Li in early January after he warned a circle of medical school classmates on Dec. 30 about a viral outbreak that he said appeared similar to SARS. The police compelled him to sign a statement denouncing his warning as an unfounded and illegal rumor.The police and others questioned Dr. Li in early January after he warned a circle of medical school classmates on Dec. 30 about a viral outbreak that he said appeared similar to SARS. The police compelled him to sign a statement denouncing his warning as an unfounded and illegal rumor.
President Trump praised China’s response to the virus outbreak on Friday after speaking by telephone with its leader, Xi Jinping, who he said was leading “what will be a very successful operation.”President Trump praised China’s response to the virus outbreak on Friday after speaking by telephone with its leader, Xi Jinping, who he said was leading “what will be a very successful operation.”
“He is strong, sharp and powerfully focused on leading the counterattack on the Coronavirus,” Mr. Trump said in a pair of Twitter posts on Friday. “He feels they are doing very well, even building hospitals in a matter of only days. Nothing is easy, but he will be successful, especially as the weather starts to warm & the virus hopefully becomes weaker, and then gone.”“He is strong, sharp and powerfully focused on leading the counterattack on the Coronavirus,” Mr. Trump said in a pair of Twitter posts on Friday. “He feels they are doing very well, even building hospitals in a matter of only days. Nothing is easy, but he will be successful, especially as the weather starts to warm & the virus hopefully becomes weaker, and then gone.”
Mr. Trump has frequently praised Mr. Xi and spoken warmly of their relationship, even while engaging in a fierce trade war against China.Mr. Trump has frequently praised Mr. Xi and spoken warmly of their relationship, even while engaging in a fierce trade war against China.
China’s state television network, CCTV, had reported earlier that the two leaders had spoken by telephone on Friday. It said Mr. Xi had told Mr. Trump that the Chinese government had spared no effort in what he called “a people’s war” on the virus.China’s state television network, CCTV, had reported earlier that the two leaders had spoken by telephone on Friday. It said Mr. Xi had told Mr. Trump that the Chinese government had spared no effort in what he called “a people’s war” on the virus.
In the official account of the conversation, Mr. Xi made no reference to Chinese grievances over the Trump administration’s response to the epidemic, including being the first foreign government to close its consulate in Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, and order the evacuation of diplomats. A week ago, the Trump administration announced it would bar entry to any foreign citizens who had traveled to China during the last 14 days, saying the coronavirus constituted a public health emergency even though the United States had relatively few cases.
Mr. Xi offered no words of thanks, a stark contrast to messages of gratitude the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been posting for other nations, including Italy, the Maldives, Pakistan and Poland.
Mr. Xi told Mr. Trump that Beijing’s efforts to control the outbreak were “gradually achieving results.”
“We are fully confident and capable of defeating the epidemic,” he said, according to CCTV.
A week ago, the Trump administration announced it would bar entry to any foreign citizens who had traveled to China during the last 14 days, saying the coronavirus constituted a public health emergency even though the United States had relatively few cases. It now has 12 confirmed infections.
The death toll and the number of infections continued to soar in China, according to official data released early Friday.The death toll and the number of infections continued to soar in China, according to official data released early Friday.
Nationwide, more than 70 new deaths and 3,100 new cases emerged in the previous 24 hours, the national health authorities said.Nationwide, more than 70 new deaths and 3,100 new cases emerged in the previous 24 hours, the national health authorities said.
The new figures brought the total number of deaths in China to at least 636. And the total number of confirmed cases rose to 31,161.The new figures brought the total number of deaths in China to at least 636. And the total number of confirmed cases rose to 31,161.
Sixty-nine of the newly reported deaths occurred in Hubei Province, the heart of the outbreak, the authorities said, but there were also four deaths outside of the province: one each in Jilin, Henan, Guangdong and Hainan Provinces.Sixty-nine of the newly reported deaths occurred in Hubei Province, the heart of the outbreak, the authorities said, but there were also four deaths outside of the province: one each in Jilin, Henan, Guangdong and Hainan Provinces.
Many doctors believe that deaths and infections in China are undercounted because hospitals and laboratories are under severe strain to test for the virus.Many doctors believe that deaths and infections in China are undercounted because hospitals and laboratories are under severe strain to test for the virus.
Last week, Elsie Chen, a Times researcher working with our correspondents Chris Buckley and Steven Lee Myers, interviewed Li Wenliang, the Wuhan doctor who was silenced after warning colleagues about the coronavirus in late December. On Friday, Dr. Li died from the virus, which he caught from a patient; he was hospitalized when Ms. Chen interviewed him on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, via the WeChat social media platform. These are edited and condensed excerpts from the interview.Last week, Elsie Chen, a Times researcher working with our correspondents Chris Buckley and Steven Lee Myers, interviewed Li Wenliang, the Wuhan doctor who was silenced after warning colleagues about the coronavirus in late December. On Friday, Dr. Li died from the virus, which he caught from a patient; he was hospitalized when Ms. Chen interviewed him on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, via the WeChat social media platform. These are edited and condensed excerpts from the interview.
When did you first realize that this new virus was highly contagious? It seemed that you hadn’t taken any precautions when you were infected.
Updated Feb. 5, 2020Updated Feb. 5, 2020
When did you first realize that this new virus was highly contagious? It seemed that you hadn’t taken any precautions when you were infected.
I knew it when the patient I came in contact with infected her family, and I was infected right afterward. Thus I discovered it was highly contagious. The patient had no symptoms, so I got careless.I knew it when the patient I came in contact with infected her family, and I was infected right afterward. Thus I discovered it was highly contagious. The patient had no symptoms, so I got careless.
On Dec. 31, when you told people in the WeChat group about the SARS-like virus, did you do so because you had seen the high risk of human-to-human transmission?On Dec. 31, when you told people in the WeChat group about the SARS-like virus, did you do so because you had seen the high risk of human-to-human transmission?
I suspected that, and it’s always better to be cautious and take protective measures.I suspected that, and it’s always better to be cautious and take protective measures.
Why were you so suspicious at that point? Had you already received any news or heard anything?Why were you so suspicious at that point? Had you already received any news or heard anything?
Because there were already patients being treated under quarantine.Because there were already patients being treated under quarantine.
Was that at the end of December?Was that at the end of December?
Yes.Yes.
Were there other doctors who shared the information and reminded others to protect themselves from this mysterious pneumonia?Were there other doctors who shared the information and reminded others to protect themselves from this mysterious pneumonia?
There were discussions among our colleagues.There were discussions among our colleagues.
What was everybody talking about? How did they evaluate the situation at that point?What was everybody talking about? How did they evaluate the situation at that point?
It was that SARS might come back. We needed to be ready for it mentally. Take protective measures.It was that SARS might come back. We needed to be ready for it mentally. Take protective measures.
Looking back at what has happened, do you think the situation would be very different now if the Wuhan government hadn’t stopped you from warning others and sharing the information? Do you think it would have been better if the information had been more public and transparent, for the public and for doctors?Looking back at what has happened, do you think the situation would be very different now if the Wuhan government hadn’t stopped you from warning others and sharing the information? Do you think it would have been better if the information had been more public and transparent, for the public and for doctors?
If the officials had disclosed information about the epidemic earlier, I think it would have been a lot better. There should be more openness and transparency.If the officials had disclosed information about the epidemic earlier, I think it would have been a lot better. There should be more openness and transparency.
How did you feel when the police accused you of spreading rumors?How did you feel when the police accused you of spreading rumors?
The police believed this virus was not confirmed to be SARS. They believed I was spreading rumors. They asked me to acknowledge that I was at fault.The police believed this virus was not confirmed to be SARS. They believed I was spreading rumors. They asked me to acknowledge that I was at fault.
I felt I was being wronged, but I had to accept it. Obviously I had been acting out of good will. I felt very sad seeing so many people losing their loved ones.I felt I was being wronged, but I had to accept it. Obviously I had been acting out of good will. I felt very sad seeing so many people losing their loved ones.
Why did you decide to become a doctor? What made you proud to be one? Can you say anything about your family?Why did you decide to become a doctor? What made you proud to be one? Can you say anything about your family?
I thought it was a very stable job. Lately, patient-doctor relationships have soured. I am happy as long as my patients are satisfied with their treatment.I thought it was a very stable job. Lately, patient-doctor relationships have soured. I am happy as long as my patients are satisfied with their treatment.
My older child is 4 years and 10 months old. The younger one is still unborn, due in June. I miss my family. I talk to them by video.My older child is 4 years and 10 months old. The younger one is still unborn, due in June. I miss my family. I talk to them by video.
How long will it take you to recover? What do you plan to do afterward?How long will it take you to recover? What do you plan to do afterward?
I started coughing on Jan. 10. It will take me another 15 days or so to recover. I will join medical workers in fighting the epidemic. That’s where my responsibilities lie.I started coughing on Jan. 10. It will take me another 15 days or so to recover. I will join medical workers in fighting the epidemic. That’s where my responsibilities lie.
Union leaders representing hospital employees who have been staging a five-day walkout announced on Friday the end of the protest after a majority of members voted to return to work.Union leaders representing hospital employees who have been staging a five-day walkout announced on Friday the end of the protest after a majority of members voted to return to work.
The vote by members of the union, the Hospital Authority Employees Alliance, came hours before a new rule that would subject all people entering the city through mainland China to a mandatory 14-day quarantine. The rule was scheduled to come into effect at midnight. The government announced the restrictions earlier in the week, after hospital workers began their industrial action.The vote by members of the union, the Hospital Authority Employees Alliance, came hours before a new rule that would subject all people entering the city through mainland China to a mandatory 14-day quarantine. The rule was scheduled to come into effect at midnight. The government announced the restrictions earlier in the week, after hospital workers began their industrial action.
Thousands of workers from the union — formed during the antigovernment protest movement in Hong Kong — participated in the strike to demand that the government shut down all mainland border checkpoints to combat the coronavirus outbreak.Thousands of workers from the union — formed during the antigovernment protest movement in Hong Kong — participated in the strike to demand that the government shut down all mainland border checkpoints to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
Of the 7,000 hospital workers who voted on Friday, around 4,000 voted against extending the strike.Of the 7,000 hospital workers who voted on Friday, around 4,000 voted against extending the strike.
“Without everyone’s hard work, support and perseverance, our act of resistance would not have happened,” a tearful Winnie Yu, the union’s chairwoman, told medical workers rallying at the Hospital Authority headquarters.“Without everyone’s hard work, support and perseverance, our act of resistance would not have happened,” a tearful Winnie Yu, the union’s chairwoman, told medical workers rallying at the Hospital Authority headquarters.
Two flights evacuating Americans from Wuhan, China, the center of the coronavirus outbreak, landed early Friday at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California and in Vancouver, British Columbia. The flights, chartered by the State Department, were carrying approximately 300 passengers. Their arrival brings the total number of evacuation flights to five.Two flights evacuating Americans from Wuhan, China, the center of the coronavirus outbreak, landed early Friday at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California and in Vancouver, British Columbia. The flights, chartered by the State Department, were carrying approximately 300 passengers. Their arrival brings the total number of evacuation flights to five.
The jet at Travis Air Force Base departed later Friday morning for Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and its final destination, Eppley Airfield in Omaha.The jet at Travis Air Force Base departed later Friday morning for Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and its final destination, Eppley Airfield in Omaha.
Passengers were to be screened at the California base, officials said, and anyone who showed symptoms of illness were to be kept there.Passengers were to be screened at the California base, officials said, and anyone who showed symptoms of illness were to be kept there.
Dr. Jennifer McQuiston, a deputy director at the Centers for Disease Control Prevention who is overseeing the Lackland quarantine, told reporters on Thursday that every precaution would be taken while the American evacuees were on base to “quarantine them and isolate them from the base community and from the San Antonio community, and we’re doing this to prevent transmission.”Dr. Jennifer McQuiston, a deputy director at the Centers for Disease Control Prevention who is overseeing the Lackland quarantine, told reporters on Thursday that every precaution would be taken while the American evacuees were on base to “quarantine them and isolate them from the base community and from the San Antonio community, and we’re doing this to prevent transmission.”
The plane that stopped in Vancouver is traveling to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. All of the passengers have been ordered to remain in quarantine for 14 days from the time they left Wuhan.The plane that stopped in Vancouver is traveling to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. All of the passengers have been ordered to remain in quarantine for 14 days from the time they left Wuhan.
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Japanese officials said on Friday that 61 people had tested positive for the coronavirus on a quarantined cruise ship in Yokohama, a steep increase from the 20 confirmed cases on Thursday.Japanese officials said on Friday that 61 people had tested positive for the coronavirus on a quarantined cruise ship in Yokohama, a steep increase from the 20 confirmed cases on Thursday.
Officials have screened 273 passengers they said were potentially exposed to the virus. The 41 new patients were to be taken off the ship for medical treatment.Officials have screened 273 passengers they said were potentially exposed to the virus. The 41 new patients were to be taken off the ship for medical treatment.
More than 2,000 passengers on the Diamond Princess ship have been stuck inside their cabins for days as part of a two-week quarantine. Meals have been irregular, and only on Thursday were small groups finally permitted to go outside and breathe some fresh air.More than 2,000 passengers on the Diamond Princess ship have been stuck inside their cabins for days as part of a two-week quarantine. Meals have been irregular, and only on Thursday were small groups finally permitted to go outside and breathe some fresh air.
“I keep hearing painful coughs from a foreigner in a nearby room,” one passenger wrote on Twitter on Thursday, noting with concern that crew members were delivering meals from room to room. “I might get infected today or tomorrow.”“I keep hearing painful coughs from a foreigner in a nearby room,” one passenger wrote on Twitter on Thursday, noting with concern that crew members were delivering meals from room to room. “I might get infected today or tomorrow.”
Other passengers who have been whiling away some of the time on social media told of more hopeful signs. One noted that supplies were being moved into the port and that ambulances were in position. Another said that entertainment crews had been visiting guest rooms to cheer people up, and that toilet paper had been distributed.Other passengers who have been whiling away some of the time on social media told of more hopeful signs. One noted that supplies were being moved into the port and that ambulances were in position. Another said that entertainment crews had been visiting guest rooms to cheer people up, and that toilet paper had been distributed.
Of the 41 new cases, 21 were Japanese, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said. None of those 41 passengers were in serious condition as of Friday morning.Of the 41 new cases, 21 were Japanese, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said. None of those 41 passengers were in serious condition as of Friday morning.
Separately, a cruise ship with 3,600 people on board remains stranded in Hong Kong. Yu Li, a mother of two infants on the World Dream cruise, said the most difficult part was a lack of clarity from the local authorities about where passengers would be quarantined.Separately, a cruise ship with 3,600 people on board remains stranded in Hong Kong. Yu Li, a mother of two infants on the World Dream cruise, said the most difficult part was a lack of clarity from the local authorities about where passengers would be quarantined.
Air China, the largest operator by passengers flown of nonstop flights between the United States and China, was granted permission to drastically limit service between the two countries, the Transportation Department said on Thursday.Air China, the largest operator by passengers flown of nonstop flights between the United States and China, was granted permission to drastically limit service between the two countries, the Transportation Department said on Thursday.
The airline formally asked on Sunday to replace its current American network with flights between Beijing and four American cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington and New York.The airline formally asked on Sunday to replace its current American network with flights between Beijing and four American cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington and New York.
Air China intends to operate seven flights per week, in both directions. In 2018, it operated an average 129 flights per week to and from the United States, according to federal data.Air China intends to operate seven flights per week, in both directions. In 2018, it operated an average 129 flights per week to and from the United States, according to federal data.
The carrier had asked for permission to limit service for 180 days starting Feb. 11, but the United States agency granted the request effective immediately. It will remain in effect until March 7.The carrier had asked for permission to limit service for 180 days starting Feb. 11, but the United States agency granted the request effective immediately. It will remain in effect until March 7.
Hainan Airlines, which carried one in 10 nonstop passengers between the United States and China in 2018, suspended service between the two countries on Sunday.Hainan Airlines, which carried one in 10 nonstop passengers between the United States and China in 2018, suspended service between the two countries on Sunday.
China Eastern, the third largest operator of U.S.-China flights, said on Tuesday that it was greatly reducing much of its service between the countries.China Eastern, the third largest operator of U.S.-China flights, said on Tuesday that it was greatly reducing much of its service between the countries.
American carriers have also stopped flights between the United States and mainland China: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines all suspended their services last week.American carriers have also stopped flights between the United States and mainland China: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines all suspended their services last week.
For many of the Chinese social media users mourning Li Wenliang on Friday, the tragedy was a lesson about the importance of free speech — one that the government didn’t understand.For many of the Chinese social media users mourning Li Wenliang on Friday, the tragedy was a lesson about the importance of free speech — one that the government didn’t understand.
Beijing has increased its censorship over investigative reports that exposed missteps by officials who underestimated and played down the threat from the coronavirus. China’s top leaders have stepped up efforts to make the news coverage focus more on positive developments in the battle against the epidemic.Beijing has increased its censorship over investigative reports that exposed missteps by officials who underestimated and played down the threat from the coronavirus. China’s top leaders have stepped up efforts to make the news coverage focus more on positive developments in the battle against the epidemic.
The hashtag #wewantfreedomofspeech#, created on the Twitter-like service Weibo at 2 a.m. on Friday, had over two million views and over 5,500 posts by 7 a.m., amid the online outcry over Dr. Li’s death. It was deleted by censors, along with related topics, such as ones saying that the Wuhan government owed Dr. Li an apology.The hashtag #wewantfreedomofspeech#, created on the Twitter-like service Weibo at 2 a.m. on Friday, had over two million views and over 5,500 posts by 7 a.m., amid the online outcry over Dr. Li’s death. It was deleted by censors, along with related topics, such as ones saying that the Wuhan government owed Dr. Li an apology.
“I love my country deeply,” read one post under that topic. “But I don’t like the current system and the ruling style of my country. It covered my eyes, my ears and my mouth.”“I love my country deeply,” read one post under that topic. “But I don’t like the current system and the ruling style of my country. It covered my eyes, my ears and my mouth.”
The World Health Organization said on Friday that there was a chronic worldwide shortage of gowns, masks, gloves and other equipment to protect against the spread of the coronavirus.The World Health Organization said on Friday that there was a chronic worldwide shortage of gowns, masks, gloves and other equipment to protect against the spread of the coronavirus.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organization’s chief, said he would speak to suppliers “to identify the bottlenecks and find solutions,” as well as pushing for “fairness in distribution of equipment.”Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organization’s chief, said he would speak to suppliers “to identify the bottlenecks and find solutions,” as well as pushing for “fairness in distribution of equipment.”
In Angers, France, a company owned by the medical supply company Kolmi Hopen makes 170 million medical face masks a year.In Angers, France, a company owned by the medical supply company Kolmi Hopen makes 170 million medical face masks a year.
As orders pour in at a staggering rate, Kolmi Hopen is hiring more workers to keep up with demand.As orders pour in at a staggering rate, Kolmi Hopen is hiring more workers to keep up with demand.
“We’re making masks as fast as we can,” said Guillaume Laverdure, the chief operating officer of Kolmi Hopen’s parent company, Canada-based Medicom.“We’re making masks as fast as we can,” said Guillaume Laverdure, the chief operating officer of Kolmi Hopen’s parent company, Canada-based Medicom.
“But demand is still rising,” he added.“But demand is still rising,” he added.
The coronavirus outbreak has set off a run on protective masks across China and in major Asian cities. The Chinese government has ordered citizens to don masks every time they go outside. That has led to shortages. In Hong Kong, for example, long lines form early in the morning in front of pharmacies as people try to buy them before supplies run out.
China produces about half the world’s sanitary face masks. But production had already slowed as Chinese factories wound down for the Lunar New Year holiday in early January. Some sites around Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, have yet to fully revive production, according to the government.
Foxconn, the Taiwan-based company that puts together Apple iPhones, has jumped into the market. It began trial production of masks this week at its campus in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, the company said on the WeChat social media platform.
For now, people are rushing to buy them when and where they can.
Ha Fong, 80, stalks the streets of her Hong Kong neighborhood every morning to search for surgical masks, hand sanitizers and detergent.
“I line up wherever people are lining up,” she said, adding that she didn’t feel panicked, believing the shortage to be temporary.
There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Africa yet, but with steady traffic to and from China, experts worry that an outbreak of the epidemic could overrun the continent’s already strained health systems.There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Africa yet, but with steady traffic to and from China, experts worry that an outbreak of the epidemic could overrun the continent’s already strained health systems.
There are few facilities even to test for the virus, and doctors are already struggling to contain deadly outbreaks of other diseases, like Ebola, malaria and measles.There are few facilities even to test for the virus, and doctors are already struggling to contain deadly outbreaks of other diseases, like Ebola, malaria and measles.
Africa has large numbers of Chinese workers, many now returning to the continent after visits to China for the Lunar New Year.Africa has large numbers of Chinese workers, many now returning to the continent after visits to China for the Lunar New Year.
If the coronavirus hits, said Dr. John Nkengasong, director of Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, “it will be massive.”If the coronavirus hits, said Dr. John Nkengasong, director of Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, “it will be massive.”
Tens of thousands of students from Africa also study in China, and some are now heading home. The first African to be diagnosed with coronavirus is a 21-year-old Cameroonian student at Yangtze University in Hubei Province. That has raised fears that other students might have contracted the virus.Tens of thousands of students from Africa also study in China, and some are now heading home. The first African to be diagnosed with coronavirus is a 21-year-old Cameroonian student at Yangtze University in Hubei Province. That has raised fears that other students might have contracted the virus.
Abdikadir Mohamed, a 23-year-old from Somalia who has been studying petroleum engineering at the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, is one of 50 Somalis living in the city, according to the Somali government. He is on lockdown, spending nearly 20 hours a day in his one-bedroom apartment.
Some African countries, including Egypt, Mauritius and Morocco, have evacuated their citizens from China, but pleas from the Somali students to their government to take similar measures have so far been futile.
“Our families are worried,” Mr. Mohamed said. “They are calling us every minute. If you don’t pick the phone at once, they panic.”
A second large planeload of Australian citizens and permanent residents will be evacuated from Wuhan, and this time they will be quarantined at a vacant mining village in Australia’s Northern Territory, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday.A second large planeload of Australian citizens and permanent residents will be evacuated from Wuhan, and this time they will be quarantined at a vacant mining village in Australia’s Northern Territory, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday.
About 270 Australians who were evacuated from Wuhan on Monday are currently being housed in a former immigration center on Christmas Island, 2,000 miles west of Australia’s mainland.About 270 Australians who were evacuated from Wuhan on Monday are currently being housed in a former immigration center on Christmas Island, 2,000 miles west of Australia’s mainland.
But with that center at capacity, the government is now preparing the village of Manigurr-ma, near the northern city of Darwin, to house the new planeload of evacuees. The village was formerly used by Inpex, an oil and gas corporation, to house construction workers, and it has a gym, a dining hall and a swimming pool.But with that center at capacity, the government is now preparing the village of Manigurr-ma, near the northern city of Darwin, to house the new planeload of evacuees. The village was formerly used by Inpex, an oil and gas corporation, to house construction workers, and it has a gym, a dining hall and a swimming pool.
The village will be declared an isolation zone and be ready to receive about 280 people on Saturday, when the evacuees’ plane is due to land in Darwin, the Northern Territory government said. None of the evacuees have symptoms of the coronavirus, officials said.
Chinese leaders are seeking to reassure the public that the economic devastation of the coronavirus will be short-lived and controlled. But they are taking steps to weather extended factory shutdowns and store closures.Chinese leaders are seeking to reassure the public that the economic devastation of the coronavirus will be short-lived and controlled. But they are taking steps to weather extended factory shutdowns and store closures.
The deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China, Pan Gongsheng, said on Friday that controlling the virus was a “top priority.” This week, the central bank pumped some $175 billion into the financial system, and the government has issued a flurry of financial aid measures at the local level.The deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China, Pan Gongsheng, said on Friday that controlling the virus was a “top priority.” This week, the central bank pumped some $175 billion into the financial system, and the government has issued a flurry of financial aid measures at the local level.
The country has been on virtual lockdown for weeks, with major factories and highways closed, trains shut and airplanes grounded. Some of the world’s biggest companies have already felt the impact, including Starbucks, Ikea and Apple.The country has been on virtual lockdown for weeks, with major factories and highways closed, trains shut and airplanes grounded. Some of the world’s biggest companies have already felt the impact, including Starbucks, Ikea and Apple.
Toyota on Friday said its non-plant operations would reopen on Feb. 10 but that its production plants would remain closed for at least another week. Uniqlo said it would close 370 of its 750 stores in China because of the outbreak, Reuters reported.Toyota on Friday said its non-plant operations would reopen on Feb. 10 but that its production plants would remain closed for at least another week. Uniqlo said it would close 370 of its 750 stores in China because of the outbreak, Reuters reported.
Speaking to reporters in Beijing, Mr. Pan acknowledged that the outbreak had already hurt entire industries like tourism, food and entertainment. But he said the impact would be limited to the first quarter.
“After the epidemic is controlled, the economy will return near the potential output quickly,” he said.
Reporting was contributed by Daniel Victor, Eimi Yamamitsu, Steven Lee Myers, Sui-Lee Wee, Li Yuan, Elaine Yu, Elsie Chen, Albee Zhang, Christopher Buckley, Isabella Kwai, Liz Alderman, Denise Grady, Alexandra Stevenson, Scott Reyburn, Raymond Zhong, Vivian Wang, Zoe Mou, Simon Marks, Abdi Latif Dahir, Adeel Hassan and Manny Fernandez.Reporting was contributed by Daniel Victor, Eimi Yamamitsu, Steven Lee Myers, Sui-Lee Wee, Li Yuan, Elaine Yu, Elsie Chen, Albee Zhang, Christopher Buckley, Isabella Kwai, Liz Alderman, Denise Grady, Alexandra Stevenson, Scott Reyburn, Raymond Zhong, Vivian Wang, Zoe Mou, Simon Marks, Abdi Latif Dahir, Adeel Hassan and Manny Fernandez.