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Coronavirus Live Updates: Epidemic Isn’t a Pandemic Yet, W.H.O. Says Coronavirus Live Updates: Epidemic Isn’t a Pandemic Yet, W.H.O. Says
(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
China appears to be getting the new coronavirus under control, but with infections spreading rapidly in South Korea, Iran and Italy, the world is not prepared for a major outbreak, World Health Organization officials said on Monday.China appears to be getting the new coronavirus under control, but with infections spreading rapidly in South Korea, Iran and Italy, the world is not prepared for a major outbreak, World Health Organization officials said on Monday.
A W.H.O. mission to China has found that the daily tally of new cases there peaked and then plateaued between Jan. 23 and Feb. 2, and has steadily declined since.A W.H.O. mission to China has found that the daily tally of new cases there peaked and then plateaued between Jan. 23 and Feb. 2, and has steadily declined since.
“We’re encouraged by the continued decline in cases in China,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organization’s director general.“We’re encouraged by the continued decline in cases in China,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organization’s director general.
The W.H.O. team credited lockdown measures China imposed in late January for averting a faster spread from Wuhan, the city at the center of the epidemic. China sealed off cities, shut down businesses and schools, and ordered people to avoid mass gatherings.The W.H.O. team credited lockdown measures China imposed in late January for averting a faster spread from Wuhan, the city at the center of the epidemic. China sealed off cities, shut down businesses and schools, and ordered people to avoid mass gatherings.
“China has taken one of the most ancient strategies for infectious disease control and rolled out probably the most ambitious and I would say agile and aggressive disease-contagion efforts in history,” said Bruce Aylward, a Canadian doctor and epidemiologist who led the W.H.O. mission to China.“China has taken one of the most ancient strategies for infectious disease control and rolled out probably the most ambitious and I would say agile and aggressive disease-contagion efforts in history,” said Bruce Aylward, a Canadian doctor and epidemiologist who led the W.H.O. mission to China.
But experts question whether the epidemic is truly waning in China, which changed the way it counted cases earlier this month, then changed back again. Some infected people have been unable or reluctant to receive medical care, and there is a shortage of viral testing kits, which may mean that cases go undetected.But experts question whether the epidemic is truly waning in China, which changed the way it counted cases earlier this month, then changed back again. Some infected people have been unable or reluctant to receive medical care, and there is a shortage of viral testing kits, which may mean that cases go undetected.
“It’s hard to get a handle on how accurately cases are being recorded in China,” said Dr. Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. “I’m hopeful that the epidemic is waning in China, but I’m also being cautious in my outlook.”“It’s hard to get a handle on how accurately cases are being recorded in China,” said Dr. Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. “I’m hopeful that the epidemic is waning in China, but I’m also being cautious in my outlook.”
The infection has been fatal in 2 to 4 percent of cases within Wuhan, but in less than 1 percent elsewhere, the W.H.O. said.The infection has been fatal in 2 to 4 percent of cases within Wuhan, but in less than 1 percent elsewhere, the W.H.O. said.
The organization has declared the epidemic a public health emergency, but Dr. Tedros said it has not reached the level of a pandemic — yet.The organization has declared the epidemic a public health emergency, but Dr. Tedros said it has not reached the level of a pandemic — yet.
“For the moment, we are not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus and we are not witnessing large-scale severe disease or deaths,” he said. “Does this virus have pandemic potential? Absolutely it has.”“For the moment, we are not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus and we are not witnessing large-scale severe disease or deaths,” he said. “Does this virus have pandemic potential? Absolutely it has.”
Bowing to pressure from Congress, the Trump administration is expected to request emergency funding to respond to the coronavirus.
Congress has been asking for weeks to seek more spending on the epidemic, and the administration alerted lawmakers that it could make the request Monday afternoon, but said nothing about the amount.
The number of infected people in the United States has reached 53, up from 34 on Friday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All involved people who had traveled to Asia or, in two cases, their immediate contacts.
President Trump has proposed cuts to public health and infectious disease programs, and in 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention narrowed its epidemic work from 49 countries to 10.
All the new U.S. cases reported Monday occurred among people who were flown back from Asia by the State Department, the C.D.C. reported. Nearly all involve former passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan. They are in quarantine on military bases in California and Texas.
Twelve of the total American cases occurred in people who had traveled to China, returned on their own and became ill after arriving back in the United States. The two contact cases are from that group.
Ten of those 14 people are either isolating at home (under supervision from health officials) or being treated at hospitals. The remaining four have recovered, been through quarantine periods and are back out in the world.
Britain has also had the experience of having returned Diamond Princess passengers test positive. On Monday, it announced that four who had been in quarantine since returning to the country were infected, raising that country’s number of cases to 13. The four were transferred to infection centers in Sheffield, Liverpool and Newcastle, the National Health Service said.
The number of people in the United States infected with the new coronavirus reached 53, up from 34 on Friday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But so far, there is no community spread in the United States. All the cases involve people who had traveled to Asia.
All the new cases reported Monday occurred among people who were flown back from Asia to the United States by the State Department, the C.D.C. reported, and nearly all involve former passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan. They are in quarantine on military bases in California and Texas.
Also on Monday, Britain said four of its people who had been passengers on the same ship had tested positive for the virus, raising the number of cases in that country to 13. The patients, who had been in quarantine since arriving from Japan, were transferred to specialist infection centers in Sheffield, Liverpool and Newcastle, the National Health Service said.
Twelve of the new American cases occurred in people who had traveled to China, returned on their own and became ill after arriving back in the United States. Two of their close contacts also became infected.
Those 14 people are either isolating at home (under supervision from health officials), being treated at hospitals, or have already done so. Four of those infected people have recovered, been through the quarantine periods and are back out in the world.
Italy has locked down 50,000 people in 10 northern towns to contain the first major coronavirus outbreak in Europe, as fears grow of a spread across the continent.Italy has locked down 50,000 people in 10 northern towns to contain the first major coronavirus outbreak in Europe, as fears grow of a spread across the continent.
On Monday, the number of cases in Italy rose to 219 from at least 152 on Sunday, said Angelo Borrelli, the head of the Civil Protection Agency and coordinator of the country’s coronavirus emergency response. About half of the cases are in the northern region of Lombardy.
Updated Feb. 10, 2020Updated Feb. 10, 2020
On Monday, the number of cases in Italy rose to 219 from at least 152 on Sunday, said Angelo Borrelli, the head of the Civil Protection Agency and coordinator of the country’s coronavirus emergency response. About half of the cases are in the northern region of Lombardy.
Italian officials on Monday confirmed two more coronavirus deaths, raising the total to six, and said at least 26 patients were in intensive care. The two who died were from Caselle Landi and Castiglione d’Abba, towns southeast of Milan.Italian officials on Monday confirmed two more coronavirus deaths, raising the total to six, and said at least 26 patients were in intensive care. The two who died were from Caselle Landi and Castiglione d’Abba, towns southeast of Milan.
Police and military forces were deployed to ensure that only people with special permission left or entered towns under lockdown. Schools closed and the last two days of the Venice carnival, trade fairs, operas and soccer matches were canceled.Police and military forces were deployed to ensure that only people with special permission left or entered towns under lockdown. Schools closed and the last two days of the Venice carnival, trade fairs, operas and soccer matches were canceled.
The surge in cases heightened vigilance in neighboring countries. The authorities in Lyon, France, stopped a bus from Milan on Monday and confined the passengers inside after suspicions of a case onboard, the newspaper Le Parisien reported.The surge in cases heightened vigilance in neighboring countries. The authorities in Lyon, France, stopped a bus from Milan on Monday and confined the passengers inside after suspicions of a case onboard, the newspaper Le Parisien reported.
Besides the lockdown of Lombardy towns, Italy also approved nationwide emergency measures. Mr. Borrelli told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera that the government had set aside 3,000 beds for new patients at military sites.Besides the lockdown of Lombardy towns, Italy also approved nationwide emergency measures. Mr. Borrelli told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera that the government had set aside 3,000 beds for new patients at military sites.
The virus is also affecting Milan, the country’s economic engine, though the city is not under quarantine. Many tourist attractions, including the city’s famed cathedral, were closed, some colleges canceled classes, and international students moved up planned departures out of fear of being stranded.The virus is also affecting Milan, the country’s economic engine, though the city is not under quarantine. Many tourist attractions, including the city’s famed cathedral, were closed, some colleges canceled classes, and international students moved up planned departures out of fear of being stranded.
The southern region of Basilicata imposed a 14-day quarantine on people coming from affected northern regions.The southern region of Basilicata imposed a 14-day quarantine on people coming from affected northern regions.
The island nation of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean, gave passengers on an Alitalia flight from Rome a choice of quarantine or immediate return. Alitalia said none of them had symptoms. They flew back to Italy.The island nation of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean, gave passengers on an Alitalia flight from Rome a choice of quarantine or immediate return. Alitalia said none of them had symptoms. They flew back to Italy.
The new virus presents Europe with perhaps its greatest challenge since the 2015 migration crisis. It could test the principle of open borders within much of Europe and the vaunted but strained European public health systems.The new virus presents Europe with perhaps its greatest challenge since the 2015 migration crisis. It could test the principle of open borders within much of Europe and the vaunted but strained European public health systems.
The coronavirus has killed at least 12 people in Iran as of Monday, state news outlets reported — the largest toll outside China.The coronavirus has killed at least 12 people in Iran as of Monday, state news outlets reported — the largest toll outside China.
The country’s deputy health minister said on Monday that at least 61 people had tested positive for the virus. Tehran announced a weeklong closure of schools, universities and cultural centers across 14 provinces in an effort to curb the outbreak. Iran said just days ago that it was untouched by the virus.The country’s deputy health minister said on Monday that at least 61 people had tested positive for the virus. Tehran announced a weeklong closure of schools, universities and cultural centers across 14 provinces in an effort to curb the outbreak. Iran said just days ago that it was untouched by the virus.
Experts have said that, based on the number of dead, the total number of cases in Iran is probably much higher, as the illness appears to kill about one of every 50 people infected.Experts have said that, based on the number of dead, the total number of cases in Iran is probably much higher, as the illness appears to kill about one of every 50 people infected.
A lawmaker in the Iranian Parliament who represents Qom, the epicenter of Iran’s outbreak, contradicted the government’s toll, saying that 50 people with the virus had died in his constituency, according to Iran’s Labor News Agency.A lawmaker in the Iranian Parliament who represents Qom, the epicenter of Iran’s outbreak, contradicted the government’s toll, saying that 50 people with the virus had died in his constituency, according to Iran’s Labor News Agency.
After confirmation of cases in Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait that were all linked to Iran, Pakistan and Turkey temporarily closed their borders with Iran on Sunday, and Afghanistan said that travel to Iran would be limited to “essential humanitarian needs.”After confirmation of cases in Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait that were all linked to Iran, Pakistan and Turkey temporarily closed their borders with Iran on Sunday, and Afghanistan said that travel to Iran would be limited to “essential humanitarian needs.”
Pakistan’s 596-mile border with Iran, a largely lawless area with few border controls, poses particular challenges in controlling the spread of the virus. Afghanistan’s first coronavirus case was confirmed on Monday.Pakistan’s 596-mile border with Iran, a largely lawless area with few border controls, poses particular challenges in controlling the spread of the virus. Afghanistan’s first coronavirus case was confirmed on Monday.
Within Iran, long lines have formed outside pharmacies, and there is a shortage of masks and disinfectants. Officials have warned that hospitals are overstretched, and urged people to refrain from emergency room visits unless they have acute symptoms.Within Iran, long lines have formed outside pharmacies, and there is a shortage of masks and disinfectants. Officials have warned that hospitals are overstretched, and urged people to refrain from emergency room visits unless they have acute symptoms.
Although the origin of the outbreak in Iran is unclear, the country’s health minister said that Chinese carriers were a source of the outbreak, the Fars news agency reported on Sunday.Although the origin of the outbreak in Iran is unclear, the country’s health minister said that Chinese carriers were a source of the outbreak, the Fars news agency reported on Sunday.
But Eraj Harirchi, Iran’s deputy minister of health, called those claims false and vowed to resign if they proved to be true.But Eraj Harirchi, Iran’s deputy minister of health, called those claims false and vowed to resign if they proved to be true.
Stocks, bonds and commodities tumbled around the world on Monday and gold spiked as expanding outbreaks of the Covid-19 coronavirus in Italy and in South Korea forced investors to reconsider the threat the virus poses to economies in Europe and the United States.Stocks, bonds and commodities tumbled around the world on Monday and gold spiked as expanding outbreaks of the Covid-19 coronavirus in Italy and in South Korea forced investors to reconsider the threat the virus poses to economies in Europe and the United States.
The fall suggests that pessimism about the virus’s impact is deeper than official forecasts represent.The fall suggests that pessimism about the virus’s impact is deeper than official forecasts represent.
China’s economy has already been hamstrung by measures to contain the virus, which has infected more than 77,000 people there and triggered quarantines that have closed factories. But rapidly spreading outbreaks elsewhere in Asia as well as Europe and the Middle East have begun to erode confidence that the virus will pass sooner rather than later.China’s economy has already been hamstrung by measures to contain the virus, which has infected more than 77,000 people there and triggered quarantines that have closed factories. But rapidly spreading outbreaks elsewhere in Asia as well as Europe and the Middle East have begun to erode confidence that the virus will pass sooner rather than later.
The S&P 500 was down more than 3 percent in the afternoon in New York, the biggest daily decline since December 2018. European markets recorded their worst day since 2016, and major benchmarks in Asia also closed sharply lower.The S&P 500 was down more than 3 percent in the afternoon in New York, the biggest daily decline since December 2018. European markets recorded their worst day since 2016, and major benchmarks in Asia also closed sharply lower.
In bond markets, yields tumbled, reflecting a sharp — if perhaps temporary — downgrade of expectations for economic growth and inflation.In bond markets, yields tumbled, reflecting a sharp — if perhaps temporary — downgrade of expectations for economic growth and inflation.
Gold — viewed as a safe place to invest during market tumult — rose to a seven-year high, and is up more than 10 percent since the start of 2020.Gold — viewed as a safe place to invest during market tumult — rose to a seven-year high, and is up more than 10 percent since the start of 2020.
Investors have been jumpy since the start of the crisis in January, both because of the role that China’s factories play in global business and because the country is a huge consumer market itself.Investors have been jumpy since the start of the crisis in January, both because of the role that China’s factories play in global business and because the country is a huge consumer market itself.
South Korea’s escalating outbreak is also a focus of concern. Samsung, a pillar of the country’s economy, closed a factory briefly after one of its workers was found to have the virus.South Korea’s escalating outbreak is also a focus of concern. Samsung, a pillar of the country’s economy, closed a factory briefly after one of its workers was found to have the virus.
China’s idled factories and the restrictions on travel in Asia and beyond are dampening demand for crude oil, whose prices took their sharpest drop since early January. That will add to pressure on OPEC and Russia to take measures to reduce oil supplies at their next meeting, which is scheduled for early March in Vienna.China’s idled factories and the restrictions on travel in Asia and beyond are dampening demand for crude oil, whose prices took their sharpest drop since early January. That will add to pressure on OPEC and Russia to take measures to reduce oil supplies at their next meeting, which is scheduled for early March in Vienna.
China’s government and businesses are sending out chartered trains, buses and airplanes to bring migrant workers back to their jobs, according to state media, as the government tries to get the world’s second-largest economy humming again.China’s government and businesses are sending out chartered trains, buses and airplanes to bring migrant workers back to their jobs, according to state media, as the government tries to get the world’s second-largest economy humming again.
China Eastern Airlines last week began offering chartered flights to transport people back to workplaces in parts of the country they had been unable to reach after travel restrictions were imposed. In one day, it received requests from nearly 60 companies.China Eastern Airlines last week began offering chartered flights to transport people back to workplaces in parts of the country they had been unable to reach after travel restrictions were imposed. In one day, it received requests from nearly 60 companies.
It sent its first chartered plane on Monday to bring 160 workers from Henan Province in central China to the industrial and commercial center of Shanghai.It sent its first chartered plane on Monday to bring 160 workers from Henan Province in central China to the industrial and commercial center of Shanghai.
Also last week, the state rail service began offering special trains that so far have taken more than 30,000 workers back to work in Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, as well as cities like Shanghai. Some companies have dispatched buses to take employees back to factories.Also last week, the state rail service began offering special trains that so far have taken more than 30,000 workers back to work in Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, as well as cities like Shanghai. Some companies have dispatched buses to take employees back to factories.
Workers will have to take a health check before they can make the trip. They will use special tunnels to check in. The trains and buses are nonstop directly to the destinations.Workers will have to take a health check before they can make the trip. They will use special tunnels to check in. The trains and buses are nonstop directly to the destinations.
Much of China’s workforce of more than 700 million people had gone home to celebrate the Lunar New Year when the coronavirus outbreak began, and then were unable to return to the cities where they worked.Much of China’s workforce of more than 700 million people had gone home to celebrate the Lunar New Year when the coronavirus outbreak began, and then were unable to return to the cities where they worked.
Cong Liang, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, said on Monday at a news conference that a large percentage of major manufacturing businesses are resuming production. In Zhejiang province, 90 percent of industrial enterprises with annual revenue of $2.8 million or more have resumed operation. Many of those businesses are likely at less than full production, however.Cong Liang, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, said on Monday at a news conference that a large percentage of major manufacturing businesses are resuming production. In Zhejiang province, 90 percent of industrial enterprises with annual revenue of $2.8 million or more have resumed operation. Many of those businesses are likely at less than full production, however.
South Korea on Monday reported 231 more cases of the virus that causes the disease Covid-19, bringing the nation’s total to 833 cases and seven deaths.South Korea on Monday reported 231 more cases of the virus that causes the disease Covid-19, bringing the nation’s total to 833 cases and seven deaths.
President Moon Jae-in put South Korea on the highest possible alert on Sunday, a move that empowers the government to lock down cities and take other sweeping measures to contain the outbreak.President Moon Jae-in put South Korea on the highest possible alert on Sunday, a move that empowers the government to lock down cities and take other sweeping measures to contain the outbreak.
“The coming few days will be a critical time for us,” Mr. Moon said at an emergency meeting of government officials to discuss the outbreak. “The central government, local governments, health officials and medical personnel and the entire people must wage an all-out, concerted response to the problem.”“The coming few days will be a critical time for us,” Mr. Moon said at an emergency meeting of government officials to discuss the outbreak. “The central government, local governments, health officials and medical personnel and the entire people must wage an all-out, concerted response to the problem.”
Many of South Korea’s coronavirus cases are in the southeastern city of Daegu, which has essentially been placed under a state of emergency, though people are still free to enter and leave the city.Many of South Korea’s coronavirus cases are in the southeastern city of Daegu, which has essentially been placed under a state of emergency, though people are still free to enter and leave the city.
More than half of the people confirmed to have been infected are either members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a secretive religious sect with a strong presence in Daegu, or their relatives or other contacts.More than half of the people confirmed to have been infected are either members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a secretive religious sect with a strong presence in Daegu, or their relatives or other contacts.
On Monday, the United States Forces Korea confirmed that a dependent of a member of the armed forces living in Daegu was among those who had tested positive for the virus.On Monday, the United States Forces Korea confirmed that a dependent of a member of the armed forces living in Daegu was among those who had tested positive for the virus.
China’s top legislative body postponed the annual full meeting of the National People’s Congress and ordered a temporary ban on the consumption of all wildlife until officials draft new laws regulating the trade, which has been identified as a probable source of the new coronavirus.China’s top legislative body postponed the annual full meeting of the National People’s Congress and ordered a temporary ban on the consumption of all wildlife until officials draft new laws regulating the trade, which has been identified as a probable source of the new coronavirus.
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s parliamentary body, had earlier signaled the delay in the annual National People’s conference meeting, reflecting how the epidemic has upended the Communist Party’s carefully choreographed and regimented political events.The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s parliamentary body, had earlier signaled the delay in the annual National People’s conference meeting, reflecting how the epidemic has upended the Communist Party’s carefully choreographed and regimented political events.
The committee did not announce a new date for the session, which is held with pomp and pageantry in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.The committee did not announce a new date for the session, which is held with pomp and pageantry in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
The decision on the consumption of wildlife reflected a groundswell of public sentiment against the custom, practiced in some parts of the country, of eating various types of wildlife, including bats, civets and hedgehogs.The decision on the consumption of wildlife reflected a groundswell of public sentiment against the custom, practiced in some parts of the country, of eating various types of wildlife, including bats, civets and hedgehogs.
Although the exact course of the coronavirus’ path is still under investigation, health officials and scientists say it spread outward from a wholesale market in Wuhan where vendors sold live wild animals in crowded stalls in close quarters with meat, vegetables and other products.Although the exact course of the coronavirus’ path is still under investigation, health officials and scientists say it spread outward from a wholesale market in Wuhan where vendors sold live wild animals in crowded stalls in close quarters with meat, vegetables and other products.
Chinese law currently allows people to raise or hunt 54 different animals, birds, reptiles and insects. In a statement, the committee indicated that it would look to strengthen the existing laws, as well as the punishments for violations, but that it would take some time to do so. The trafficking of endangered or threatened wildlife, such as pangolins, is already prohibited.Chinese law currently allows people to raise or hunt 54 different animals, birds, reptiles and insects. In a statement, the committee indicated that it would look to strengthen the existing laws, as well as the punishments for violations, but that it would take some time to do so. The trafficking of endangered or threatened wildlife, such as pangolins, is already prohibited.
“Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus epidemic, the outstanding problems of excessive consumption of wild animals and its huge hidden dangers to public health safety have attracted wide attention from all walks of life,” the committee’s statement said, “but a comprehensive revision of the wildlife protection law requires a process.”“Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus epidemic, the outstanding problems of excessive consumption of wild animals and its huge hidden dangers to public health safety have attracted wide attention from all walks of life,” the committee’s statement said, “but a comprehensive revision of the wildlife protection law requires a process.”
The Hong Kong government said on Monday that it would start evacuating its residents who have been stranded in the center of the coronavirus outbreak, bending to mounting pressure after one Hong Kong resident died there.The Hong Kong government said on Monday that it would start evacuating its residents who have been stranded in the center of the coronavirus outbreak, bending to mounting pressure after one Hong Kong resident died there.
Thousands of Hong Kong residents have been unable to return home after much of Hubei Province was put on lockdown last month. When officials said on Sunday that an infected 77-year-old Hong Kong man had died in Wuhan, Hubei’s capital, some lawmakers demanded to know why any Hong Kong residents remained stuck in mainland China.Thousands of Hong Kong residents have been unable to return home after much of Hubei Province was put on lockdown last month. When officials said on Sunday that an infected 77-year-old Hong Kong man had died in Wuhan, Hubei’s capital, some lawmakers demanded to know why any Hong Kong residents remained stuck in mainland China.
More than a dozen countries have evacuated their citizens from Wuhan. But Beijing complained that U.S. moves to get American citizens and diplomats out of the city had created a panic. The mainland government showed little interest in letting people from Hong Kong join the exodus.More than a dozen countries have evacuated their citizens from Wuhan. But Beijing complained that U.S. moves to get American citizens and diplomats out of the city had created a panic. The mainland government showed little interest in letting people from Hong Kong join the exodus.
Hong Kong is part of China but operates under a model of “one country, two systems,” with its own local government, courts and border controls. Despite the city’s autonomy, its inability to evacuate residents earlier was a sharp reminder of Beijing’s ultimate authority.Hong Kong is part of China but operates under a model of “one country, two systems,” with its own local government, courts and border controls. Despite the city’s autonomy, its inability to evacuate residents earlier was a sharp reminder of Beijing’s ultimate authority.
Afghanistan declared a state of emergency in the western province of Herat on Monday after health officials confirmed the country’s first case of coronavirus in the region, which shares a porous border with Iran.Afghanistan declared a state of emergency in the western province of Herat on Monday after health officials confirmed the country’s first case of coronavirus in the region, which shares a porous border with Iran.
“The case was identified right away and measures taken — the patient’s health is under control and there isn’t concern about the individual’s health at this point,” Health Minister Ferozuddin Feroz said.“The case was identified right away and measures taken — the patient’s health is under control and there isn’t concern about the individual’s health at this point,” Health Minister Ferozuddin Feroz said.
Mr. Feroz said it was estimated that more than 1,000 Afghans from Herat had traveled over the past few weeks, to Qom, Iran, a place of pilgrimage for Shiite Muslims because of its many shrines. He said officials were identifying those people for more screening and tests. Five were staying in an 80-bed quarantine center that had been established in Herat, he added.Mr. Feroz said it was estimated that more than 1,000 Afghans from Herat had traveled over the past few weeks, to Qom, Iran, a place of pilgrimage for Shiite Muslims because of its many shrines. He said officials were identifying those people for more screening and tests. Five were staying in an 80-bed quarantine center that had been established in Herat, he added.
The patient confirmed to have the virus was among five Afghan citizens who had been in Qom, the city where the first cases and fatalities were reported in Iran. They transited through Dubai before returning to Herat, Mr. Feroz said.The patient confirmed to have the virus was among five Afghan citizens who had been in Qom, the city where the first cases and fatalities were reported in Iran. They transited through Dubai before returning to Herat, Mr. Feroz said.
Afghanistan’s National Security Council said on Sunday that the country had suspended air and ground transport to Iran and asked for consular services to be limited to “essential humanitarian needs.” Usually, huge numbers of Afghan migrant workers travel back and forth across the border.Afghanistan’s National Security Council said on Sunday that the country had suspended air and ground transport to Iran and asked for consular services to be limited to “essential humanitarian needs.” Usually, huge numbers of Afghan migrant workers travel back and forth across the border.
Beyond that, the border between the two countries is punctured by extensive smuggling routes, leaving concern even after official measures to limit formal movement.Beyond that, the border between the two countries is punctured by extensive smuggling routes, leaving concern even after official measures to limit formal movement.
Reporting and research was contributed by Matt Phillips, Choe Sang-Hun, Raymond Zhong, Russell Goldman, Javier C. Hernández, Albee Zhang, Monica Davey, Elisabetta Povoledo, Austin Ramzy, Motoko Rich, Makiko Inoue, Salman Masood, Emma Bubola, Mujib Mashal, Megan Specia, Steven Lee Myers, Sui-Lee Wee, Claire Fu and Amber Wang. Reporting and research were contributed by Knvul Sheikh, Matt Phillips, Choe Sang-Hun, Raymond Zhong, Russell Goldman, Monica Davey, Elisabetta Povoledo, Salman Masood, Emma Bubola, Mujib Mashal, Megan Specia, Steven Lee Myers, Sui-Lee Wee, Claire Fu and Amber Wang.