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Coronavirus Live Updates: Xi Began Fighting Virus Earlier Than Known Coronavirus Live Updates: Xi Began Fighting Virus Earlier Than Known
(about 1 hour later)
China’s Communist Party leader, Xi Jinping, issued internal orders about the coronavirus epidemic in early January, about two weeks before his first public remarks about the outbreak, underscoring that he was concerned about it even while officials at its epicenter were openly downplaying its dangers, according to a speech by Mr. Xi that was published Saturday. China’s Communist Party leader, Xi Jinping, issued internal orders about the coronavirus epidemic in early January, about two weeks before his first public remarks on the outbreak, according to a speech by Mr. Xi that was published Saturday. The speech confirmed for the first time that he was aware of the virus while officials at its epicenter were openly downplaying its dangers.
In the speech, Mr. Xi said that he had initially given orders about the coronavirus outbreak on Jan. 7, during a meeting of the Politburo Standing Committee, the Communist Party’s topmost body. That places Mr. Xi’s involvement with fighting the epidemic earlier than previously known. Mr. Xi’s earliest public comment on the epidemic was Jan. 20, when he gave brief instructions on the issue that were published by state media.In the speech, Mr. Xi said that he had initially given orders about the coronavirus outbreak on Jan. 7, during a meeting of the Politburo Standing Committee, the Communist Party’s topmost body. That places Mr. Xi’s involvement with fighting the epidemic earlier than previously known. Mr. Xi’s earliest public comment on the epidemic was Jan. 20, when he gave brief instructions on the issue that were published by state media.
In early January, leaders in Wuhan, the city at the epicenter of the outbreak, were giving open assurances that there was no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission. Mr. Xi did not disclose details of his instructions on Jan. 7, but it seems clear that Wuhan officials would have known that the country’s top leader was paying attention to the outbreak.In early January, leaders in Wuhan, the city at the epicenter of the outbreak, were giving open assurances that there was no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission. Mr. Xi did not disclose details of his instructions on Jan. 7, but it seems clear that Wuhan officials would have known that the country’s top leader was paying attention to the outbreak.
The evidence that Mr. Xi was addressing the spread of the coronavirus earlier than previously known has now been released apparently in an effort to show that he has commanded the fight against the epidemic — notwithstanding rumors that he let others take the lead.The evidence that Mr. Xi was addressing the spread of the coronavirus earlier than previously known has now been released apparently in an effort to show that he has commanded the fight against the epidemic — notwithstanding rumors that he let others take the lead.
The speech in which Mr. Xi described his initial involvement in countering the spread of the coronavirus was published by Qiushi, or Seeking Truth, the Communist Party’s top doctrinal journal. Mr. Xi gave the speech on Feb. 3, when the coronavirus was spiraling into a national crisis for China, prompting the lockdown of Wuhan and other hard-hit cities in Hubei Province, and a chain reaction of restrictions across other parts of the country.The speech in which Mr. Xi described his initial involvement in countering the spread of the coronavirus was published by Qiushi, or Seeking Truth, the Communist Party’s top doctrinal journal. Mr. Xi gave the speech on Feb. 3, when the coronavirus was spiraling into a national crisis for China, prompting the lockdown of Wuhan and other hard-hit cities in Hubei Province, and a chain reaction of restrictions across other parts of the country.
Mr. Xi is a dominant figure in Chinese politics, and his utterances are treated as lodestones by officials. Here are some other main points from the newly published Feb. 3 speech:Mr. Xi is a dominant figure in Chinese politics, and his utterances are treated as lodestones by officials. Here are some other main points from the newly published Feb. 3 speech:
Mr. Xi in charge: Mr. Xi emphasized that he has been constantly involved in decisions about the crisis, and he indicates that he gave the authorization to put Wuhan and other areas of Hubei under an unprecedented lockdown from Jan. 23. In the speech, Mr. Xi recalled: “I clearly demanded that Hubei Province exercise comprehensive, strict control over the outflow of individuals.”Mr. Xi in charge: Mr. Xi emphasized that he has been constantly involved in decisions about the crisis, and he indicates that he gave the authorization to put Wuhan and other areas of Hubei under an unprecedented lockdown from Jan. 23. In the speech, Mr. Xi recalled: “I clearly demanded that Hubei Province exercise comprehensive, strict control over the outflow of individuals.”
Two focal points in a nationwide ‘people’s war’: Mr. Xi describes the effort to end the epidemic as an all-encompassing “people’s war” across China. But he singles out two key battlegrounds: Hubei Province, where the infections and deaths have been concentrated, and Beijing, the national capital. “Beijing has a special status,” Mr. Xi told the meeting. He said: “Strengthen management and control of key populations.”Two focal points in a nationwide ‘people’s war’: Mr. Xi describes the effort to end the epidemic as an all-encompassing “people’s war” across China. But he singles out two key battlegrounds: Hubei Province, where the infections and deaths have been concentrated, and Beijing, the national capital. “Beijing has a special status,” Mr. Xi told the meeting. He said: “Strengthen management and control of key populations.”
Controlling the narrative: Mr. Xi stresses the importance of preserving social stability through easing public fear, providing adequate supplies of food and other needs, and demonstrating confidence that the epidemic can be beaten. And he also emphasizes winning over public opinion at home and abroad. “There must be closer monitoring and assessment of opinion, proactively speaking out and giving positive guidance,” Mr. Xi said of Chinese public sentiment. “Seize the initiative and effectively shape international opinion,” he added. “Tell well the story of China’s fight against the epidemic.”Controlling the narrative: Mr. Xi stresses the importance of preserving social stability through easing public fear, providing adequate supplies of food and other needs, and demonstrating confidence that the epidemic can be beaten. And he also emphasizes winning over public opinion at home and abroad. “There must be closer monitoring and assessment of opinion, proactively speaking out and giving positive guidance,” Mr. Xi said of Chinese public sentiment. “Seize the initiative and effectively shape international opinion,” he added. “Tell well the story of China’s fight against the epidemic.”
Coping with economic damage: Mr. Xi acknowledges that the epidemic and fight to curtail it will drag on China’s economy by putting pressure on industry, especially smaller firms; by slowing construction projects; and by cooling domestic and foreign trade. In response, Mr. Xi said, the government will provide financial support for businesses, help migrant workers return to their jobs when production resumes, and step up support for projects. He also said the blow to consumer spending could be offset by encouraging spending in new areas, such as 5G phone networks, as well as online entertainment and education. He also encouraged areas across China to lower restrictions on car purchases.Coping with economic damage: Mr. Xi acknowledges that the epidemic and fight to curtail it will drag on China’s economy by putting pressure on industry, especially smaller firms; by slowing construction projects; and by cooling domestic and foreign trade. In response, Mr. Xi said, the government will provide financial support for businesses, help migrant workers return to their jobs when production resumes, and step up support for projects. He also said the blow to consumer spending could be offset by encouraging spending in new areas, such as 5G phone networks, as well as online entertainment and education. He also encouraged areas across China to lower restrictions on car purchases.
The United States will evacuate Americans from the cruise ship that has been quarantined for more than a week in Japan because of coronavirus infections on board, the United States Embassy in Tokyo told Americans aboard the ship on Saturday.
American passengers and crew members were told in an email from the embassy that a chartered flight would arrive on Sunday for those who wanted to return to the United States.
The ship, the Diamond Princess, was placed under quarantine at the city of Yokohama early last week with about 3,700 passengers and crew members aboard, after a man who had disembarked in Hong Kong after he tested positive for the coronavirus. Since then, at least 218 cases have been confirmed aboard the ship.
There are hundreds of Americans aboard, and at least 40 who were infected with the virus have been taken off the ship for treatment.
Japan has more confirmed coronavirus cases — the vast majority of them from the ship — than any country outside China, and it reported its first death from the virus on Thursday.
France’s health minister, Agnès Buzyn, said on Saturday that an 80-year-old Chinese tourist had died of coronavirus on Friday at a hospital in Paris.France’s health minister, Agnès Buzyn, said on Saturday that an 80-year-old Chinese tourist had died of coronavirus on Friday at a hospital in Paris.
Updated Feb. 10, 2020
Ms. Buzyn said the man, who was from the Chinese province of Hubei, the center of the outbreak, arrived in France on Jan. 16 and had been hospitalized at the Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital since Jan. 25.Ms. Buzyn said the man, who was from the Chinese province of Hubei, the center of the outbreak, arrived in France on Jan. 16 and had been hospitalized at the Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital since Jan. 25.
“His condition had quickly worsened and he had been in critical condition for several days,” Ms. Buzyn said in a televised statement.“His condition had quickly worsened and he had been in critical condition for several days,” Ms. Buzyn said in a televised statement.
She did not name the patient. The man’s daughter also has the coronavirus and was also hospitalized in Paris, Ms. Buzyn said, adding that she was likely to be discharged soon.She did not name the patient. The man’s daughter also has the coronavirus and was also hospitalized in Paris, Ms. Buzyn said, adding that she was likely to be discharged soon.
The victim and his daughter were among France’s 11 confirmed cases, which included five British citizens who stayed in a ski chalet in the French Alps.The victim and his daughter were among France’s 11 confirmed cases, which included five British citizens who stayed in a ski chalet in the French Alps.
A total of nine cases have been confirmed in Britain, and on Saturday the country’s National Health Service said that all but one had been discharged from hospitals.A total of nine cases have been confirmed in Britain, and on Saturday the country’s National Health Service said that all but one had been discharged from hospitals.
The death in France is the fourth from the virus outside of mainland China, where about 1,500 people have died, most of them in Hubei Province. The Philippines, Hong Kong and Japan have each reported one death.The death in France is the fourth from the virus outside of mainland China, where about 1,500 people have died, most of them in Hubei Province. The Philippines, Hong Kong and Japan have each reported one death.
Updated Feb. 10, 2020
The United States will evacuate Americans from the cruise ship that has been quarantined for more than a week in Japan because of coronavirus infections on board, the United States Embassy in Tokyo told Americans aboard the ship on Saturday.
American passengers and crew members were told in an email from the embassy that a chartered flight would arrive on Sunday for those who wanted to return to the United States.
The ship, the Diamond Princess, was placed under quarantine at the city of Yokohama early last week with about 3,700 passengers and crew members aboard, after a man who had disembarked in Hong Kong after he tested positive for the coronavirus. Since then, at least 218 cases have been confirmed aboard the ship.
There are hundreds of Americans aboard, and at least 40 who were infected with the virus have been taken off the ship for treatment.
Japan has more confirmed coronavirus cases — the vast majority of them from the ship — than any country outside China, and it reported its first death from the virus on Thursday.
The number of infections and deaths continued to climb after the government this week changed the criteria for how it tracks cases. Officials early Saturday reported 2,641 new coronavirus cases and 143 additional deaths in the previous 24 hours.The number of infections and deaths continued to climb after the government this week changed the criteria for how it tracks cases. Officials early Saturday reported 2,641 new coronavirus cases and 143 additional deaths in the previous 24 hours.
The new numbers came hours after Beijing announced new restrictions on people returning to the capital from elsewhere in the country.The new numbers came hours after Beijing announced new restrictions on people returning to the capital from elsewhere in the country.
Most of the new cases and deaths were reported in Hubei Province, the center of the epidemic.Most of the new cases and deaths were reported in Hubei Province, the center of the epidemic.
In all, more than 66,000 people have been infected and at least 1,523 have died worldwide. The vast majority of cases, and all but a few of the deaths, have been in mainland China, with the heaviest concentration in Hubei.In all, more than 66,000 people have been infected and at least 1,523 have died worldwide. The vast majority of cases, and all but a few of the deaths, have been in mainland China, with the heaviest concentration in Hubei.
The tally in Hubei jumped drastically on Thursday after the authorities changed the diagnostic criteria for counting new cases. The government now takes into account cases diagnosed in clinical settings, including the use of CT scans, and not just those confirmed with specialized testing kits.The tally in Hubei jumped drastically on Thursday after the authorities changed the diagnostic criteria for counting new cases. The government now takes into account cases diagnosed in clinical settings, including the use of CT scans, and not just those confirmed with specialized testing kits.
In an interview with the news agency Reuters on Friday, China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, declared that the outbreak was “over all, under control.”In an interview with the news agency Reuters on Friday, China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, declared that the outbreak was “over all, under control.”
“We have taken the most correct, the most rigorous and decisive measures,” he said, rejecting widespread criticism that the authorities had suppressed warnings and restricted vital information in the early days of the outbreak.“We have taken the most correct, the most rigorous and decisive measures,” he said, rejecting widespread criticism that the authorities had suppressed warnings and restricted vital information in the early days of the outbreak.
The minister also told Reuters that some of the travel restrictions imposed on Chinese citizens by other countries were an overreaction and likely to be eased.The minister also told Reuters that some of the travel restrictions imposed on Chinese citizens by other countries were an overreaction and likely to be eased.
“I’m sure that those countries are reflecting on this as the situation evolves,” he said, adding, “because at the end of the day, these countries need to interact with China.”“I’m sure that those countries are reflecting on this as the situation evolves,” he said, adding, “because at the end of the day, these countries need to interact with China.”
Chinese state-run television announced on its website on Friday evening that everyone returning to Beijing would be required to isolate themselves for 14 days. Africa is stepping up its efforts to detect the coronavirus as fears mount that the continent’s first case, confirmed on Friday, could lead to a regional outbreak, and as many Chinese citizens return to Africa for work after the Chinese New Year holidays.
Anyone who does not comply “shall be held accountable according to law,” according to a text of the order released by state television. The order was issued by a Communist Party “leading group” at the municipal level, not the national Communist Party. Countries across Africa are rushing to train health workers. Officials are also screening passengers at airports and equipping laboratories in all 54 countries to detect the virus. John Nkengasong, director of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, told reporters on Friday that while 16 countries currently have the ability to test for the coronavirus, another 20 will gain it by February 20.
It was the latest sign that China’s leaders were still struggling to set the right balance between restarting the economy and continuing to fight the coronavirus outbreak. “We are scaling up very rapidly across the continent,” he said. “As we speak here now, there is a training going on in Nairobi, Kenya, on enhanced surveillance at airports and ports of entry screening.” Over 40 countries will get that training, he said.
Tens of millions had gone home to celebrate the Lunar New Year holidays before the government acknowledged the seriousness of the epidemic. They have faced local government checkpoints on the way back to work and then lengthy quarantines upon their return to big cities. Dr. Nkengasong said it’s possible that more cases of coronavirus have already emerged in Africa but have not been detected because the continent has weak surveillance systems.
The new rules also require those returning to the city to give advance warning of their arrival to the authorities in their residential area. The Africa C.D.C. has called on governments in Africa to bring back any African students currently trapped in China under the lockdown of Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak. Dr. Nkengasong said the situation in Wuhan could easily become “a humanitarian crisis,” just as it could in Africa.
“We are seeing what is happening in China, that even with the amount of resources, that in China it has been a struggle,” he said. “If the virus was to hit a fragile state in Africa, the concern is that the consequences would be very, very devastating.”
Protests against neighborhood clinics designated by the Hong Kong government to treat suspected coronavirus cases cropped up in multiple districts across the city on Saturday.Protests against neighborhood clinics designated by the Hong Kong government to treat suspected coronavirus cases cropped up in multiple districts across the city on Saturday.
Many of the demonstrators, numbering in the hundreds, were dressed in black, the signature color of the city’s antigovernment protests.Many of the demonstrators, numbering in the hundreds, were dressed in black, the signature color of the city’s antigovernment protests.
The government has said that the clinics would treat people with mild symptoms of the virus to relieve pressures on hospitals, but critics said residents had not been consulted.The government has said that the clinics would treat people with mild symptoms of the virus to relieve pressures on hospitals, but critics said residents had not been consulted.
In the northern town of Tin Shui Wai, protesters tried to set a train station turnstile ablaze, and riot officers fired pepper spray at other demonstrators, according to local reports.In the northern town of Tin Shui Wai, protesters tried to set a train station turnstile ablaze, and riot officers fired pepper spray at other demonstrators, according to local reports.
Separately, the city’s Hospital Authority said that a clinic in the district of Tai Po had been vandalized. A police spokesman said broken glass pieces were found near the clinic’s door on Saturday morning and a bottle containing an unknown liquid was found nearby, but he did not say if the property was damaged.Separately, the city’s Hospital Authority said that a clinic in the district of Tai Po had been vandalized. A police spokesman said broken glass pieces were found near the clinic’s door on Saturday morning and a bottle containing an unknown liquid was found nearby, but he did not say if the property was damaged.
Another clinic has suffered two arson attacks over the past week.Another clinic has suffered two arson attacks over the past week.
Last month, the government shelved a plan to turn an unoccupied housing project into a quarantine center after protesters set a fire in the lobby.Last month, the government shelved a plan to turn an unoccupied housing project into a quarantine center after protesters set a fire in the lobby.
At least two workers who were sent to Wuhan at the end of January to help build one of the new hospitals to treat victims of the coronavirus have been infected with it, company and health officials said.At least two workers who were sent to Wuhan at the end of January to help build one of the new hospitals to treat victims of the coronavirus have been infected with it, company and health officials said.
Huoshenshan Hospital, whose name means fire god mountain, was one of two hospitals built in the city in a matter of days to help cope with the crush of patients.Huoshenshan Hospital, whose name means fire god mountain, was one of two hospitals built in the city in a matter of days to help cope with the crush of patients.
Ma Ke, 28, tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday, a manager for his company, Hunan Dawei Construction, said. The second, a 48-year-old worker identified only by his surname, Lin, tested positive for the virus on Feb. 10 after spending two days in quarantine in a hospital in Xiangtan, according to that city’s health commission.Ma Ke, 28, tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday, a manager for his company, Hunan Dawei Construction, said. The second, a 48-year-old worker identified only by his surname, Lin, tested positive for the virus on Feb. 10 after spending two days in quarantine in a hospital in Xiangtan, according to that city’s health commission.
Hunan Dawei sent 10 workers, including Mr. Ma, to help with the construction. The company’s general manager, Li Guangda, said in a telephone interview that working conditions at the construction site were poor and that there were shortages of protective equipment, including high-quality masks.Hunan Dawei sent 10 workers, including Mr. Ma, to help with the construction. The company’s general manager, Li Guangda, said in a telephone interview that working conditions at the construction site were poor and that there were shortages of protective equipment, including high-quality masks.
“There were several types of workers working on things at the same time,” Mr. Li said. “The workers there were also crowded together as they worked. The population density was very high.”“There were several types of workers working on things at the same time,” Mr. Li said. “The workers there were also crowded together as they worked. The population density was very high.”
Mr. Li said that Mr. Ma, who with the others worked on installing water and electricity, was asymptomatic. Mr. Lin’s condition was not immediately known.Mr. Li said that Mr. Ma, who with the others worked on installing water and electricity, was asymptomatic. Mr. Lin’s condition was not immediately known.
The central banking authorities of China are disinfecting, stashing and reportedly even destroying cash in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.The central banking authorities of China are disinfecting, stashing and reportedly even destroying cash in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Fan Yifei, deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China, said at a news conference on Saturday that the cash collected by commercial banks must be disinfected before being released back to customers.Fan Yifei, deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China, said at a news conference on Saturday that the cash collected by commercial banks must be disinfected before being released back to customers.
Cash collected from hospitals and food markets must be handled separately and disinfected before depositing the notes to the People’s Bank of China, Mr. Fan said. In severely hit regions, the collected cash must undergo ultraviolet or high-temperature disinfection and be stored for 14 days before going back to the market, he added. In less affected areas, the bank notes must be disinfected and stored for a week before use.Cash collected from hospitals and food markets must be handled separately and disinfected before depositing the notes to the People’s Bank of China, Mr. Fan said. In severely hit regions, the collected cash must undergo ultraviolet or high-temperature disinfection and be stored for 14 days before going back to the market, he added. In less affected areas, the bank notes must be disinfected and stored for a week before use.
A People’s Bank of China branch in the southern city of Guangzhou is even destroying bank notes that came from hospitals, food markets and public transportation, according to a report by Nanfang, a state-owned outlet in Guangdong Province.A People’s Bank of China branch in the southern city of Guangzhou is even destroying bank notes that came from hospitals, food markets and public transportation, according to a report by Nanfang, a state-owned outlet in Guangdong Province.
Many people in major Chinese cities use their smartphones primarily to pay for just about anything, increasingly rendering cash obsolete. But hundreds of millions of people in the country are not connected to the internet, and some older residents still prefer cash.Many people in major Chinese cities use their smartphones primarily to pay for just about anything, increasingly rendering cash obsolete. But hundreds of millions of people in the country are not connected to the internet, and some older residents still prefer cash.
Quarantines, travel restrictions, and widespread shutdowns of stores and malls in China have taken a heavy toll on the global luxury goods sector, long dependent on the spending of Chinese shoppers at home and abroad.Quarantines, travel restrictions, and widespread shutdowns of stores and malls in China have taken a heavy toll on the global luxury goods sector, long dependent on the spending of Chinese shoppers at home and abroad.
The investment bank Jefferies estimates that Chinese buyers accounted for 40 percent of the 281 billion euros, or $305 billion, spent on luxury goods globally last year, and drove 80 percent of the past year’s sales growth in the sector, making them the fastest-growing luxury shopper demographic in the world.The investment bank Jefferies estimates that Chinese buyers accounted for 40 percent of the 281 billion euros, or $305 billion, spent on luxury goods globally last year, and drove 80 percent of the past year’s sales growth in the sector, making them the fastest-growing luxury shopper demographic in the world.
With the latest season of fashion weeks well underway — and several runway show cancellations in New York, London, Milan and Paris — some of the biggest names in the industry are publicly counting the cost of coronavirus-related disruption on bottom lines.With the latest season of fashion weeks well underway — and several runway show cancellations in New York, London, Milan and Paris — some of the biggest names in the industry are publicly counting the cost of coronavirus-related disruption on bottom lines.
A man who became ill while on a vacation in Hawaii and his wife, who was traveling with him, have both tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said.A man who became ill while on a vacation in Hawaii and his wife, who was traveling with him, have both tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said.
The couple, who are in their 60s, visited Hawaii in late January and early February, and the man fell ill during the second week of the vacation, while they were staying at a time-share in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. Before that, the couple had been in Maui, but neither showed symptoms while there.The couple, who are in their 60s, visited Hawaii in late January and early February, and the man fell ill during the second week of the vacation, while they were staying at a time-share in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. Before that, the couple had been in Maui, but neither showed symptoms while there.
Officials said the man began showing symptoms on Feb. 3, and wore a mask when he went outside the time-share, the Grand Waikikian. He was most likely infected either before he came to Hawaii or while he was on his way to Hawaii in late January, said Dr. Sarah Park, the state epidemiologist. He tested positive for the coronavirus in Japan on Friday.Officials said the man began showing symptoms on Feb. 3, and wore a mask when he went outside the time-share, the Grand Waikikian. He was most likely infected either before he came to Hawaii or while he was on his way to Hawaii in late January, said Dr. Sarah Park, the state epidemiologist. He tested positive for the coronavirus in Japan on Friday.
On the same day, the woman went to a hospital with a fever and on Saturday, her case was confirmed, according to Japan’s Health Ministry. The ministry said she is from Nagoya, the country’s fourth largest city. NHK, the public broadcaster, and Nagoya city officials said she and the man who tested positive were married.On the same day, the woman went to a hospital with a fever and on Saturday, her case was confirmed, according to Japan’s Health Ministry. The ministry said she is from Nagoya, the country’s fourth largest city. NHK, the public broadcaster, and Nagoya city officials said she and the man who tested positive were married.
Lt. Gov. Josh Green, who is an emergency physician, said in an interview on Friday that the authorities were contacting the management at the guest facilities where the man stayed, as well as those who were working there.Lt. Gov. Josh Green, who is an emergency physician, said in an interview on Friday that the authorities were contacting the management at the guest facilities where the man stayed, as well as those who were working there.
“The only way to do this right is to contact everyone,” he said. “We are not worried about minimal contact, but those who had extensive contact will be given whatever support is necessary.”“The only way to do this right is to contact everyone,” he said. “We are not worried about minimal contact, but those who had extensive contact will be given whatever support is necessary.”
It has become an iconic image of the coronavirus outbreak in China: a masked official aiming what appears to be a small white pistol at a traveler’s forehead.
For weeks, these ominous-looking devices have been deployed at checkpoints across China — tollbooths, apartment complexes, hotels, grocery stores, train stations — as government officials and private citizens screen people for fevers in an effort to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
But experts say the “thermometer guns” are unlikely to stop the outbreak.
The thermometers determine temperature by measuring the heat emanating from the surface of a person’s body. Often, however, those wielding the tools don’t hold them close enough to the subject’s forehead, generating unusually low temperature readings, or hold them too close and get a high reading. The measurements can be imprecise in certain environments, like a dusty roadside, or when someone has taken medication to suppress a fever.
“These devices are notoriously not accurate and reliable,” said James Lawler, a medical expert at the University of Nebraska’s Global Center for Health Security. “Some of it is quite frankly for show.”
Reporting and research were contributed by Elian Peltier, Motoko Rich, David Yaffe-Bellany, Keith Bradsher, Elaine Yu, Claire Fu, Elizabeth Paton, Alex Marshall and Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs.Reporting and research were contributed by Elian Peltier, Motoko Rich, David Yaffe-Bellany, Keith Bradsher, Elaine Yu, Claire Fu, Elizabeth Paton, Alex Marshall and Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs.