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Coronavirus Live Updates: Fears of Global Spread as Cases Accelerate in Iran and South Korea Coronavirus Live Updates: Fears of Global Spread as Cases Accelerate in Iran and South Korea
(32 minutes later)
Read updates in Chinese: 新冠病毒疫情最新消息汇总Read updates in Chinese: 新冠病毒疫情最新消息汇总
The coronavirus outbreak showed dangerous signs of breaking out beyond China on Friday, as new cases were reported in the Middle East and large clusters emerged around Asia.The coronavirus outbreak showed dangerous signs of breaking out beyond China on Friday, as new cases were reported in the Middle East and large clusters emerged around Asia.
Countries were closing their borders with Iran as health officials scrambled to make sense of reports out of Tehran suggesting that the virus was being transmitted more widely than officials there have publicly acknowledged.Countries were closing their borders with Iran as health officials scrambled to make sense of reports out of Tehran suggesting that the virus was being transmitted more widely than officials there have publicly acknowledged.
As recently as Tuesday, Iranian officials had said there were no cases of the virus in the country. By Friday, however, they acknowledged 18 cases in three cities, with four deaths.As recently as Tuesday, Iranian officials had said there were no cases of the virus in the country. By Friday, however, they acknowledged 18 cases in three cities, with four deaths.
It was not immediately known how the virus made its way to Iran. But the numbers suggested wider transmission that, if verified, would raise the chances of a pandemic.It was not immediately known how the virus made its way to Iran. But the numbers suggested wider transmission that, if verified, would raise the chances of a pandemic.
At the same time, a surge in cases in South Korea — where the total figure soared above 200 on Friday and scores more were being monitored for symptoms — added to fears that the virus was also spreading across Asia with dangerous speed.At the same time, a surge in cases in South Korea — where the total figure soared above 200 on Friday and scores more were being monitored for symptoms — added to fears that the virus was also spreading across Asia with dangerous speed.
Those cases have been tied to a secretive church.The South Korean authorities are racing to trace people who have come into contact with the infected congregation members, but have struggled to find all of those connected to the church’s hundreds of members.Those cases have been tied to a secretive church.The South Korean authorities are racing to trace people who have come into contact with the infected congregation members, but have struggled to find all of those connected to the church’s hundreds of members.
And in China there was concern that the virus could spread beyond its starting point in Hubei Province after officials reported outbreaks in hospitals in Beijing and clusters of infections in at least four prisons across three provinces.And in China there was concern that the virus could spread beyond its starting point in Hubei Province after officials reported outbreaks in hospitals in Beijing and clusters of infections in at least four prisons across three provinces.
The disturbing new clusters were announced on the same day that Chinese officials acknowledged that their repeated shifts in methodology for counting new cases had sown confusion.The disturbing new clusters were announced on the same day that Chinese officials acknowledged that their repeated shifts in methodology for counting new cases had sown confusion.
Officials in Hubei revised their case tallies again because of shifting definitions of a confirmed case and what officials described as previously unknown information.Officials in Hubei revised their case tallies again because of shifting definitions of a confirmed case and what officials described as previously unknown information.
The acknowledgment by provincial leaders came as national officials announced that 889 new coronavirus cases had been reported in China in the previous 24 hours, raising the overall total above 75,000. The death toll went up by 118, to 2,236.The acknowledgment by provincial leaders came as national officials announced that 889 new coronavirus cases had been reported in China in the previous 24 hours, raising the overall total above 75,000. The death toll went up by 118, to 2,236.
China is now counting “lab-confirmed” and “suspect” cases. On Friday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization’s director general, praised that decision as “adding clarity” and noted that the same approach was used in Ebola outbreaks, in which many people die without every case being laboratory tested.China is now counting “lab-confirmed” and “suspect” cases. On Friday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization’s director general, praised that decision as “adding clarity” and noted that the same approach was used in Ebola outbreaks, in which many people die without every case being laboratory tested.
China faced a new front in the coronavirus epidemic on Friday as officials reported clusters of infections in at least four prisons in three provinces. The outbreaks, affecting at least 512 prisoners and guards, raised the specter of the disease spreading through the country’s extensive prison system.China faced a new front in the coronavirus epidemic on Friday as officials reported clusters of infections in at least four prisons in three provinces. The outbreaks, affecting at least 512 prisoners and guards, raised the specter of the disease spreading through the country’s extensive prison system.
Two of the prisons are in Hubei Province, where the epidemic originated. Wuhan Women’s Prison reported 230 confirmed cases, while 41 prisoners tested positive in Hanjin Prison in Shayang County, to the west, according to a statement on the provincial government’s website.Two of the prisons are in Hubei Province, where the epidemic originated. Wuhan Women’s Prison reported 230 confirmed cases, while 41 prisoners tested positive in Hanjin Prison in Shayang County, to the west, according to a statement on the provincial government’s website.
In Shandong Province, officials said 207 cases had emerged in a prison in the city of Jining, 450 miles east of Wuhan. The outbreak prompted the local authorities to dismiss the director and party secretary of the provincial justice department, which oversees the prisons there, along with seven other officials.In Shandong Province, officials said 207 cases had emerged in a prison in the city of Jining, 450 miles east of Wuhan. The outbreak prompted the local authorities to dismiss the director and party secretary of the provincial justice department, which oversees the prisons there, along with seven other officials.
The cases there may have spread from a prison guard who developed a cough on Feb. 12 and tested positive for the virus the next day, according to a statement by the provincial government. A second guard was also found to have the virus that day, prompting the prison authorities to begin screening the entire prison population.The cases there may have spread from a prison guard who developed a cough on Feb. 12 and tested positive for the virus the next day, according to a statement by the provincial government. A second guard was also found to have the virus that day, prompting the prison authorities to begin screening the entire prison population.
In all, 2,077 inmates and prison workers were tested in Shandong, with 200 prisoners and seven guards testing positive for the coronavirus. No deaths have been reported.In all, 2,077 inmates and prison workers were tested in Shandong, with 200 prisoners and seven guards testing positive for the coronavirus. No deaths have been reported.
The Shandong government is carrying out inspections at other prisons and medical centers where prisoners are being treated for illnesses, including drug and alcohol addiction. It also plans “to quickly set up a hospital” on prison grounds to treat those infected, the statement said.The Shandong government is carrying out inspections at other prisons and medical centers where prisoners are being treated for illnesses, including drug and alcohol addiction. It also plans “to quickly set up a hospital” on prison grounds to treat those infected, the statement said.
A similar outbreak in Zhejiang Province prompted the dismissal of a warden and a party secretary at a prison in the city of Quzhou. The facility reported 27 new infections on Friday, according to a report in China Daily, bringing the number of prisoners infected there to 34. A prison guard is also believed to be the source of those infections.A similar outbreak in Zhejiang Province prompted the dismissal of a warden and a party secretary at a prison in the city of Quzhou. The facility reported 27 new infections on Friday, according to a report in China Daily, bringing the number of prisoners infected there to 34. A prison guard is also believed to be the source of those infections.
Italy on Friday issued mandatory quarantine measures for anyone who has been in contact with an individual who has tested positive for the coronavirus. At least 34 people in the United States are infected with the new coronavirus spreading from China, federal health officials said on Friday.
Updated Feb. 10, 2020Updated Feb. 10, 2020
The new ordinance, issued by Health Minister Roberto Speranza, also ordered anyone who had traveled to at-risk areas in the past 14 days to stay at home and inform local health authorities. Thirteen of them were travelers who fell ill after returning from overseas, and 21 were people “repatriated” by the State Department.
The quarantine came after the country announced its first cases of infection in people who had not recently traveled to China or been exposed to people who had. The contagion “represents a tremendous public health threat,” a federal health official said.
The patients are a 38-year-old man from the northern region of Lombardy, his pregnant wife and a friend. More infections are expected among the people who were passengers aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship and are in quarantine, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said at a news briefing.
Another three people admitted to a hospital in the same area with pneumonia overnight tested positive for the virus, and health officials were trying to determine whether there was a connection between the two groups. Because they may have been in contact with infected people on the ship, “they are considered at high risk for infection,” Dr. Messonnier said.
One of the six new patients was in critical condition at a hospital in Codogno, about 37 miles southeast of Milan. He first visited the hospital’s emergency ward on Feb. 18, and then returned when his condition worsened. The ward where he is being treated was closed to the public once he tested positive. Ten passengers from the Diamond Princess tested positive in Japan, but are not being counted among the infected in the U.S. yet, because the tests have not been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They will likely be added to the case count, Dr. Messonnier said.
The patient worked at a Unilever office in Casalpusterlengo and in early February had spent time with a colleague who had returned from China on Jan. 21, but officials said they were not certain that he had been the carrier of the virus, Giulio Gallera, an official from the Lombardy Region said at a news conference Friday.
Mr. Gallera said that doctors and other hospital personnel who had been in contact with the critically ill patient were being tested. The man’s immediate family were also being tested and had been placed in isolation, and tests were being carried out on his colleagues. In all, 150 people were being tested on Friday. Italy reported a big jump in coronavirus infections on Friday, spiking from three cases to 17, and announced new measures to prevent the virus from spreading further.
The authorities said sites were being identified to house people who could not be quarantined at home. With 14 new cases in 24 hours, the country ordered a mandatory quarantine for anyone who has been in contact with an individual who has tested positive for the coronavirus, and 10 towns in the country instituted a lockdown affecting 50,000 people.
Quarantine “is the only way to stop contagion, it’s worked in other parts of the world,” said Attilio Fontana, the president of Lombardy. “We don’t want to diffuse panic. These measures are fundamental for the good of the community.” Five of the newly infected people are medical workers at a hospital in Codogno.
The quarantine ordinance, issued by Health Minister Roberto Speranza, also ordered anyone who had traveled to China in the past 14 days to stay at home and inform local health authorities.
The new measures came after the country announced its first cases of infection in people who had not recently traveled to China.
The patients include a 38-year-old man from the northern region of Lombardy, his pregnant wife and a friend. The 38-year-old man, was in critical condition at a hospital in Codogno, about 37 miles southeast of Milan. The other two patients were at a hospital in Milan.
Another three people were admitted to a hospital in the same area with pneumonia overnight and tested positive for the virus. Officials said the three were patrons of a cafe owned by the father of one of the other new patients.
The 38-year-old man first visited the hospital’s emergency ward on Feb. 18, and then returned when his condition worsened. The ward where he is being treated was closed to the public after he tested positive.
The man worked at a Unilever office in Casalpusterlengo and in early February had spent time with a colleague who had returned from China on Jan. 21, but officials said they were not certain that the traveler had been the carrier of the virus, Giulio Gallera, an official from the Lombardy Region said at a news conference Friday.
Mr. Gallera said the man’s immediate family was being tested and had been placed in isolation, and tests were being carried out on his colleagues. In all, 150 people were being tested on Friday.
The authorities said sites were being identified to house people who could not be quarantined at home. The quarantine order does not specify the number of days of isolation.
Quarantine “is the only way to stop contagion, it’s worked in other parts of the world,” said Attilio Fontana, the leader of Lombardy. “We don’t want to diffuse panic. These measures are fundamental for the good of the community and to protect citizens.”
Auto sales in China collapsed this month as the coronavirus epidemic paralyzed the country’s economy.Auto sales in China collapsed this month as the coronavirus epidemic paralyzed the country’s economy.
The China Passenger Car Association said Friday that sales at dealerships had plummeted 92 percent in the first half of February compared with the same period last year.The China Passenger Car Association said Friday that sales at dealerships had plummeted 92 percent in the first half of February compared with the same period last year.
China is the world’s biggest car market by a wide margin. So a nose dive in sales there hurts the global industry.China is the world’s biggest car market by a wide margin. So a nose dive in sales there hurts the global industry.
Mass quarantines across China have caused a severe shortage of workers. That has left many auto parts manufacturers struggling to keep supply chains full for plants around the world.Mass quarantines across China have caused a severe shortage of workers. That has left many auto parts manufacturers struggling to keep supply chains full for plants around the world.
With shoppers staying home, automakers have less need for their giant assembly plants in China. Those that have reopened have begun only limited production.With shoppers staying home, automakers have less need for their giant assembly plants in China. Those that have reopened have begun only limited production.
But Yale Zhang, the managing director of Automotive Foresight, a Shanghai consulting firm, predicted that sales would rebound swiftly when the virus is brought under control. The epidemic may leave many Chinese with a wariness of mass transit.But Yale Zhang, the managing director of Automotive Foresight, a Shanghai consulting firm, predicted that sales would rebound swiftly when the virus is brought under control. The epidemic may leave many Chinese with a wariness of mass transit.
The car “is a protection tool for themselves,” he said. “If they think this is really important, a lot of people can afford a car.”The car “is a protection tool for themselves,” he said. “If they think this is really important, a lot of people can afford a car.”
Stocks fell for the second straight day on Friday, as a series of warnings about the ongoing — and possibly lasting — impact of the still-spreading coronavirus on the world economy prompted new worries about global demand.Stocks fell for the second straight day on Friday, as a series of warnings about the ongoing — and possibly lasting — impact of the still-spreading coronavirus on the world economy prompted new worries about global demand.
Shares of energy, airline and technology companies led the broader market lower on Wall Street, as the S&P fell more than 1 percent in early trading, putting it on pace for its worst day of the month.Shares of energy, airline and technology companies led the broader market lower on Wall Street, as the S&P fell more than 1 percent in early trading, putting it on pace for its worst day of the month.
German luxury auto giant Daimler — which makes Mercedes-Benz — cautioned in its annual report that the virus could lead to a significant drop in Chinese economic growth. The report said the virus “may not only affect the development of unit sales, but may also lead to significant adverse effects on production, the procurement market and the supply chain.”German luxury auto giant Daimler — which makes Mercedes-Benz — cautioned in its annual report that the virus could lead to a significant drop in Chinese economic growth. The report said the virus “may not only affect the development of unit sales, but may also lead to significant adverse effects on production, the procurement market and the supply chain.”
Separately, the International Air Transport Association warned of a deep downturn in earnings among global carriers related to the collapse of travel in Asia because of the virus.Separately, the International Air Transport Association warned of a deep downturn in earnings among global carriers related to the collapse of travel in Asia because of the virus.
Oil and gas prices fell, with the price of a barrel of benchmark American crude slipping more than 1.5 percent. The drop resulted from signs of deterioration in the relationship between Saudi Arabia, the key force behind the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and Russia. The two countries have coordinated production in recent years to keep oil prices propped.Oil and gas prices fell, with the price of a barrel of benchmark American crude slipping more than 1.5 percent. The drop resulted from signs of deterioration in the relationship between Saudi Arabia, the key force behind the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and Russia. The two countries have coordinated production in recent years to keep oil prices propped.
Semiconductor shares — which are doubly exposed to Asia both as a center of production and sales — tumbled with major index of chip stocks down more than 2 percent.Semiconductor shares — which are doubly exposed to Asia both as a center of production and sales — tumbled with major index of chip stocks down more than 2 percent.
While the markets have become more volatile since the outbreak, American stock markets have largely shrugged off the threat. Since Jan. 7, when Chinese officials identified the virus, the S&P 500 remains up more than 3 percent, even after this morning’s sell-off.While the markets have become more volatile since the outbreak, American stock markets have largely shrugged off the threat. Since Jan. 7, when Chinese officials identified the virus, the S&P 500 remains up more than 3 percent, even after this morning’s sell-off.
South Korea reported a surge in confirmed infections and a second death from the coronavirus on Friday, with the latest outbreak linked to a secretive church whose members account for two-thirds of the new infections in the country.South Korea reported a surge in confirmed infections and a second death from the coronavirus on Friday, with the latest outbreak linked to a secretive church whose members account for two-thirds of the new infections in the country.
Health officials are zeroing in on the Shincheonji Church of Jesus — whose members continued to sit packed together on the floor of the church even when sick — as they seek to contain the country’s alarming outbreak.Health officials are zeroing in on the Shincheonji Church of Jesus — whose members continued to sit packed together on the floor of the church even when sick — as they seek to contain the country’s alarming outbreak.
On Friday, the number of cases in the country soared above 200 — second only to mainland China, if the outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship is excluded from Japan’s count.On Friday, the number of cases in the country soared above 200 — second only to mainland China, if the outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship is excluded from Japan’s count.
More than 540 other church members have reported potential symptoms, health officials said, raising the possibility that the nation’s caseload could soon skyrocket further. In response, the government is shutting down thousands of kindergartens, nursing homes and community centers, even banning the outdoor political rallies that are a feature of life in downtown Seoul.More than 540 other church members have reported potential symptoms, health officials said, raising the possibility that the nation’s caseload could soon skyrocket further. In response, the government is shutting down thousands of kindergartens, nursing homes and community centers, even banning the outdoor political rallies that are a feature of life in downtown Seoul.
As of Friday, more than 340 members of Shincheonji, which mainstream South Korean churches consider a cult, still could not be reached, according to health officials, who were hoping to screen them for signs of infection.As of Friday, more than 340 members of Shincheonji, which mainstream South Korean churches consider a cult, still could not be reached, according to health officials, who were hoping to screen them for signs of infection.
The church, founded by Lee Man-hee in 1984, says it has over 200,000 members around the world, according to the South Korean news agency Yonhap. It closed all of its churches in South Korea this week and told followers to watch its services online.The church, founded by Lee Man-hee in 1984, says it has over 200,000 members around the world, according to the South Korean news agency Yonhap. It closed all of its churches in South Korea this week and told followers to watch its services online.
The church dismissed criticism of its practices on Friday, calling it “slandering based on the prejudices among the established churches.”The church dismissed criticism of its practices on Friday, calling it “slandering based on the prejudices among the established churches.”
A spike in coronavirus cases at two Beijing hospitals has raised fears that the epidemic could be growing in a city that has so far largely been spared.A spike in coronavirus cases at two Beijing hospitals has raised fears that the epidemic could be growing in a city that has so far largely been spared.
Compared with other cities, Beijing has had relatively few cases: 396 as of Thursday, and four deaths. But Fuxing Hospital now has at least 36 infections, a sizable increase since Feb. 3, when officials first announced that five medical workers there had tested positive.Compared with other cities, Beijing has had relatively few cases: 396 as of Thursday, and four deaths. But Fuxing Hospital now has at least 36 infections, a sizable increase since Feb. 3, when officials first announced that five medical workers there had tested positive.
Peking University Hospital also recorded three cases: a woman who had previously been hospitalized and her daughter and son-in-law who visited her after traveling to Xinjiang, the western region. The couple tested positive for the virus on Feb. 17, days after Beijing’s municipal government announced that all people arriving in the capital must quarantine themselves for 14 days or face legal consequences.Peking University Hospital also recorded three cases: a woman who had previously been hospitalized and her daughter and son-in-law who visited her after traveling to Xinjiang, the western region. The couple tested positive for the virus on Feb. 17, days after Beijing’s municipal government announced that all people arriving in the capital must quarantine themselves for 14 days or face legal consequences.
On Friday, officials said that people flying into the city from abroad who had not been in China in the previous 14 days would be exempt from the rules.On Friday, officials said that people flying into the city from abroad who had not been in China in the previous 14 days would be exempt from the rules.
Beijing’s measures appear to reflect a strong effort by officials to minimize the spread of the epidemic in the capital as millions of workers return from a prolonged break following the Lunar New Year. Since the new measures were announced, the city authorities have stepped up efforts to control movement in the city, which has been uncharacteristically deserted for nearly a month.Beijing’s measures appear to reflect a strong effort by officials to minimize the spread of the epidemic in the capital as millions of workers return from a prolonged break following the Lunar New Year. Since the new measures were announced, the city authorities have stepped up efforts to control movement in the city, which has been uncharacteristically deserted for nearly a month.
The National People’s Congress, the country’s legislative body, also announced that it was preparing to postpone its annual meetings, scheduled for the first week of March.The National People’s Congress, the country’s legislative body, also announced that it was preparing to postpone its annual meetings, scheduled for the first week of March.
A 29-year-old respiratory doctor in Wuhan, the city at the heart of the coronavirus outbreak in China, died on Thursday night after being infected by the virus, according to an announcement from the hospital where he worked. It was the latest in a string of deaths among health care providers working to contain the outbreak.A 29-year-old respiratory doctor in Wuhan, the city at the heart of the coronavirus outbreak in China, died on Thursday night after being infected by the virus, according to an announcement from the hospital where he worked. It was the latest in a string of deaths among health care providers working to contain the outbreak.
The doctor, Peng Yinhua, was also among the youngest of the publicly announced victims of the virus, which has largely killed older men with underlying health conditions.The doctor, Peng Yinhua, was also among the youngest of the publicly announced victims of the virus, which has largely killed older men with underlying health conditions.
On Chinese social media, users expressed shock at Dr. Peng’s age. They also cited state media reports that Dr. Peng had planned to get married on Feb. 1, but that he had postponed the wedding because of the epidemic.On Chinese social media, users expressed shock at Dr. Peng’s age. They also cited state media reports that Dr. Peng had planned to get married on Feb. 1, but that he had postponed the wedding because of the epidemic.
Last month, the death of another young Wuhan doctor, Li Wenliang, provoked an outpouring of anger and grief on social media. Dr. Li, 34, had been reprimanded by the local authorities for trying to warn his medical school classmates about the virus before officials had acknowledged an outbreak. When Dr. Li died of the virus, he became a potent symbol of perceived government mismanagement and concealment.Last month, the death of another young Wuhan doctor, Li Wenliang, provoked an outpouring of anger and grief on social media. Dr. Li, 34, had been reprimanded by the local authorities for trying to warn his medical school classmates about the virus before officials had acknowledged an outbreak. When Dr. Li died of the virus, he became a potent symbol of perceived government mismanagement and concealment.
After Dr. Peng’s death, some users seemed to nod to Dr. Li as well. “We send away another hero,” one person wrote on Weibo, a Chinese Twitter-like platform.After Dr. Peng’s death, some users seemed to nod to Dr. Li as well. “We send away another hero,” one person wrote on Weibo, a Chinese Twitter-like platform.
“Exactly how many more medical staff have to die?” another wrote.“Exactly how many more medical staff have to die?” another wrote.
Earlier this week, another high-profile doctor, Liu Zhiming, died. Dr. Liu was the director of the Wuchang Hospital in Wuhan.Earlier this week, another high-profile doctor, Liu Zhiming, died. Dr. Liu was the director of the Wuchang Hospital in Wuhan.
Ukraine’s minister of health said on Friday that she would join a group of evacuees from China in a quarantined rural hospital, in the hope of calming angry protests from neighbors opposed to living near people who are potentially infected.Ukraine’s minister of health said on Friday that she would join a group of evacuees from China in a quarantined rural hospital, in the hope of calming angry protests from neighbors opposed to living near people who are potentially infected.
The minister, Zoryana Skaletska, said on Facebook that she would abide by the same rules as the 45 Ukrainians and 27 people of other nationalities who were evacuated from Hubei Province, the center of the coronavirus outbreak in China, to the Poltava region in eastern Ukraine.The minister, Zoryana Skaletska, said on Facebook that she would abide by the same rules as the 45 Ukrainians and 27 people of other nationalities who were evacuated from Hubei Province, the center of the coronavirus outbreak in China, to the Poltava region in eastern Ukraine.
Pilots, flight attendants and doctors who carried out the evacuation are also now quarantined at the site. Once Ms. Skaletska enters the hospital, near the village of Novi Sanzhary, she will not be allowed to leave the guarded site until the quarantine is lifted, she said.Pilots, flight attendants and doctors who carried out the evacuation are also now quarantined at the site. Once Ms. Skaletska enters the hospital, near the village of Novi Sanzhary, she will not be allowed to leave the guarded site until the quarantine is lifted, she said.
“I will spend the next 14 days together with them, on the same premises, and under the same conditions,” she said in a statement on Thursday. “I hope my presence will calm those in Novi Sanzhary and the rest of the country.”“I will spend the next 14 days together with them, on the same premises, and under the same conditions,” she said in a statement on Thursday. “I hope my presence will calm those in Novi Sanzhary and the rest of the country.”
Fear of the virus had gripped the village. On Thursday, residents blocked a road with cars and burned tires to prevent buses with evacuees from passing. The Ukrainian National Guard used armored personnel carriers to clear the road. Protesters then hurled stones at the buses, breaking windows.Fear of the virus had gripped the village. On Thursday, residents blocked a road with cars and burned tires to prevent buses with evacuees from passing. The Ukrainian National Guard used armored personnel carriers to clear the road. Protesters then hurled stones at the buses, breaking windows.
Heightening tensions in Ukraine, the return of the plane carrying evacuees coincided with online rumors that the coronavirus was already spreading in the country. Protests broke out even in towns far from the quarantine site.
Ukraine has reported no cases of coronavirus infection.Ukraine has reported no cases of coronavirus infection.
Officials in Canada announced a new case of the coronavirus on Friday in a patient who had recently returned from Iran, which itself had just confirmed its first few cases of the virus.Officials in Canada announced a new case of the coronavirus on Friday in a patient who had recently returned from Iran, which itself had just confirmed its first few cases of the virus.
Iranian officials on Wednesday announced two coronavirus cases in the country, and then just hours later reported that both patients had died. On Friday, officials there announced two more deaths.Iranian officials on Wednesday announced two coronavirus cases in the country, and then just hours later reported that both patients had died. On Friday, officials there announced two more deaths.
Israel also reported its first case, a passenger who had been brought back to the country from the Diamond Princess, the cruise ship docked off Yokohama, Japan, on which hundreds of people have been infected with the virus. The Health Ministry stressed that “this is not an infection that occurred in Israel.”Israel also reported its first case, a passenger who had been brought back to the country from the Diamond Princess, the cruise ship docked off Yokohama, Japan, on which hundreds of people have been infected with the virus. The Health Ministry stressed that “this is not an infection that occurred in Israel.”
The case of the new Canadian patient, the sixth in the western province of British Columbia, could raise fears of cluster cases and an expanding global reach of the virus. Health officials are investigating viral clusters in South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Britain and France.The case of the new Canadian patient, the sixth in the western province of British Columbia, could raise fears of cluster cases and an expanding global reach of the virus. Health officials are investigating viral clusters in South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Britain and France.
The source of the virus in Iran remains unknown. A senior health official there said that none of the people who have been diagnosed had traveled to China or been in contact with anyone who had traveled there, according to the state-controlled IRIB news agency. The source of the virus in Iran remains unknown. The authorities in British Columbia said the new patient was a woman in her 30s.
The authorities in British Columbia said the new patient was a woman in her 30s.
With much of China still on lockdown, businesses are struggling to get up and running. Foxconn, the Taiwan company that manufactures Apple’s iPhones and other gadgets, indicated just how difficult that will be.With much of China still on lockdown, businesses are struggling to get up and running. Foxconn, the Taiwan company that manufactures Apple’s iPhones and other gadgets, indicated just how difficult that will be.
The company said on Thursday that its revenues would take a hit from the spread of the coronavirus and that it would be “cautious” in resuming work at its factories in China. Plants outside the country, in places like Vietnam and Mexico, are at full capacity, the company said. The company said on Thursday that its revenues would take a hit from the spread of the coronavirus and that it would be “cautious” in resuming work at its factories in China.
The warning comes as Chinese leaders try to balance restarting the economy with controlling the spread of the coronavirus. After repeated extensions of the Lunar New Year holiday, many migrant workers remain at home, facing mandatory quarantines and lockdowns. Several businesses and officials have issued warnings that such policies should be relaxed to avoid a new economic crisis.The warning comes as Chinese leaders try to balance restarting the economy with controlling the spread of the coronavirus. After repeated extensions of the Lunar New Year holiday, many migrant workers remain at home, facing mandatory quarantines and lockdowns. Several businesses and officials have issued warnings that such policies should be relaxed to avoid a new economic crisis.
Even if factories get all their workers back, other policies are likely to make work difficult. Some local governments require new preventive measures, like requiring workers to wear masks or housing each worker in a single dorm room. In other cases, cities have invoked mandatory two-week quarantines on all returning workers.
Concerns about production at Foxconn, the world’s largest contract manufacturer of electronics, underscore the broader impact the epidemic could have on global supply chains. A huge portion of the world’s electronics come out of China’s factories.Concerns about production at Foxconn, the world’s largest contract manufacturer of electronics, underscore the broader impact the epidemic could have on global supply chains. A huge portion of the world’s electronics come out of China’s factories.
The Chinese Embassy in Nepal has attacked a Nepalese newspaper for publishing a column criticizing Beijing’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak and an illustration of Mao Zedong wearing a face mask.The Chinese Embassy in Nepal has attacked a Nepalese newspaper for publishing a column criticizing Beijing’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak and an illustration of Mao Zedong wearing a face mask.
The embassy said in a statement this week that the Kathmandu Post had “deliberately smeared” the government and people of China and “viciously attacked” the nation’s political system.The embassy said in a statement this week that the Kathmandu Post had “deliberately smeared” the government and people of China and “viciously attacked” the nation’s political system.
The statement, which singled out the paper’s top editor, was the latest example of the Chinese government’s increasingly muscular brand of diplomacy and its efforts to publicly quash criticism of its policies, even abroad. This week, Beijing announced that it would expel three Wall Street Journal reporters in retaliation for a headline on an opinion piece.The statement, which singled out the paper’s top editor, was the latest example of the Chinese government’s increasingly muscular brand of diplomacy and its efforts to publicly quash criticism of its policies, even abroad. This week, Beijing announced that it would expel three Wall Street Journal reporters in retaliation for a headline on an opinion piece.
The column in question in the Kathmandu Post is a syndicated opinion piece under the headline “China’s secrecy has made coronavirus crisis much worse.” It was originally published in The Korea Herald and reprinted by the Post on Tuesday. The paper accompanied the column with an illustration of a Chinese bank note digitally altered to depict Mao wearing a surgical face mask.The column in question in the Kathmandu Post is a syndicated opinion piece under the headline “China’s secrecy has made coronavirus crisis much worse.” It was originally published in The Korea Herald and reprinted by the Post on Tuesday. The paper accompanied the column with an illustration of a Chinese bank note digitally altered to depict Mao wearing a surgical face mask.
One of Asia’s poorest and least-developed democracies, Nepal has grown closer to China as it seeks to reduce its dependence on India. Chinese investors have pumped millions of dollars into the country.One of Asia’s poorest and least-developed democracies, Nepal has grown closer to China as it seeks to reduce its dependence on India. Chinese investors have pumped millions of dollars into the country.
Reporting and research were contributed by Vivian Wang, Paul Mozur, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Choe Sang-Hun, Roni Caryn Rabin, Carlos Tejada, Elaine Yu, Steven Lee Myers, Tiffany May, Andrew E. Kramer, Marc Santora, Amber Wang, Claire Fu, Yiwei Wang, Zoe Mou, Matt Phillips, Keith Bradsher and Elisabetta Povoledo. Reporting and research were contributed by Vivian Wang, Paul Mozur, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Choe Sang-Hun, Roni Caryn Rabin, Carlos Tejada, Elaine Yu, Steven Lee Myers, Tiffany May, Andrew E. Kramer, Marc Santora, Amber Wang, Claire Fu, Yiwei Wang, Zoe Mou, Matt Phillips, Keith Bradsher, Elisabetta Povoledo and Denise Grady.