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Coronavirus Live Updates: Japan to Shutter All Schools in Effort to Contain Virus Coronavirus Live Updates: Potential New Paths of Transmission Put Global Authorities on Edge
(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
From the Austrian Alps to an island off the coast of Africa. From an evangelical church in South Korea to a holy Shiite city in Iran. Governments and health workers around the world scrambled to contain the rapidly spreading new coronavirus, as the number of new cases outside China for the first time exceeded those inside the country at the heart of the epidemic. The fight to contain the coronavirus entered a new and potentially alarming phase on Thursday as public health officials in the United States and Germany grappled with patients who exhibited no known connection to others with the illness.
More than 81,000 people have been infected with the virus that causes the respiratory disease Covid-19, and new cases have been documented in at least 47 countries and on every continent but Antarctica. So far, nearly 3,000 people have died, the vast majority of them in a single Chinese province, Hubei. That raised the possibility that the virus could have begun to spread locally by an as yet unknown means, or that infected people had spread the disease to others sequentially, making it virtually impossible for the authorities to find and isolate the origin.
In Europe, France, Spain and Germany reported increases in cases, likely tied to an outbreak in Italy’s Lombardy region, where more than 400 people have been infected. Cases were reported for the first time on Thursday in Estonia and Denmark. Either way, the two cases, thousands of miles apart, underscored how quickly the virus was making its way around the globe after first emerging in China late last year, and how difficult it was proving to contain.
In the Middle East, a dangerous cluster in Iran, where more than 240 people had been infected, spread across the region to Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia halted visits to the holiest sites in Islam, in the cities of Mecca and Medina. As the number of cases in Japan has steadily risen, the government took the extreme step of closing all schools through March in an effort to combat the outbreak.
In Asia, the authorities in China were slowly lifting citywide lockdowns that had ensnared more than 700 million people, as a major outbreak tied to a megachurch in South Korea ballooned on Thursday to 1,766, an increase of 505 from the previous day. And Japan said it would close all schools through March. President Trump announced that Vice President Mike Pence would lead the American effort to combat the virus, while maps tracking new cases continued to light up in countries around the globe.
South America recorded its first case, a 61-year-old man in Brazil. And a person in California who had not been exposed to anyone known to be infected tested positive for the virus. During the news conference, the Trump administration continued to send mixed messages about the virus, with public health officials warning of potentially “major disruptions,” while President Trump blamed Democrats and cable news channels for overstating the threat.
As fears spread to the United States, President Trump named Vice President Mike Pence his point person to coordinate the government’s response, expressing confidence that the United States would prevent a widespread domestic outbreak. Financial markets, whose performance Mr. Trump has used as a benchmark for his presidency, continued their week long declines in Asia and Europe, which often prefigure results in the United States.
“We’re very, very ready for this,” Mr. Trump said. In Europe, Denmark, Estonia, Norway and Romania all reported their first cases, while several other countries registered new infections that illustrated the diverse ways the pathogen could cross borders.
Two new cases in Britain, for instance, were linked to Italy and to Tenerife in the Canary Islands of Spain.
While the spread of the virus from northern Italy has been taking place for some time, the spread from Tenerife — where a hotel visited by an Italian doctor who tested positive for the virus remains locked down — would be a first.
In the Middle East, concerns were building about the extent and severity of the outbreak in Iran.
Tehran was characteristically parsimonious with information, and what it did broadcast seemed sketchy and unreliable. The government said on Thursday that 245 people had been infected and that 26 had died. But given a mortality rate that experts have put at around 2 percent, the death toll would suggest that at least 1,100 people had contracted the virus.
Perhaps a better indication of the government’s concern was the decision to cancel Friday Prayers, a cornerstone ritual of the Islamic Republic.
Officials in Kuwait reported 43 new cases on Thursday, all tied to Iran, while Saudi Arabia said that it was suspending all pilgrimages to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Conditions continued to ease in China, however, where the authorities were lifting citywide lockdowns that had ensnared more than 700 million people. In South Korea, however, a major outbreak tied to a megachurch in South Korea ballooned on Thursday to 1,766 documented infections, an increase of 505 from the previous day. Plans were underway to test all 200,000 members of an obscure religious group among whom the outbreak started.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday asked all of Japan’s schools to close for a month to help contain the spread of the coronavirus. The country is the second, after China, to shutter schools nationwide over the epidemic.Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday asked all of Japan’s schools to close for a month to help contain the spread of the coronavirus. The country is the second, after China, to shutter schools nationwide over the epidemic.
Updated Feb. 26, 2020
Speaking before a coronavirus task force meeting on Thursday, Mr. Abe said he was “putting a priority on children’s health and safety” and trying to pre-empt a widespread outbreak that could result “from gatherings of many children and teachers for a long time on a daily basis.”Speaking before a coronavirus task force meeting on Thursday, Mr. Abe said he was “putting a priority on children’s health and safety” and trying to pre-empt a widespread outbreak that could result “from gatherings of many children and teachers for a long time on a daily basis.”
The number of coronavirus cases has steadily risen in Japan, reaching 186, including four deaths. There have also been more than 700 cases and four deaths from a cruise ship docked in Yokohama, Japan.The number of coronavirus cases has steadily risen in Japan, reaching 186, including four deaths. There have also been more than 700 cases and four deaths from a cruise ship docked in Yokohama, Japan.
Mr. Abe said schools should remain closed through spring break. The Japanese school year ends in March, and the new year usually starts at the beginning of April.Mr. Abe said schools should remain closed through spring break. The Japanese school year ends in March, and the new year usually starts at the beginning of April.
He specifically requested that all elementary, middle and high schools close. He did not mention universities or day-care centers.He specifically requested that all elementary, middle and high schools close. He did not mention universities or day-care centers.
The move toward a countrywide shutdown follows a decision on Wednesday by the Education Board of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, to close more than 1,600 schools in the prefecture until at least March 4. Hokkaido has had 54 confirmed cases and two deaths from the virus.The move toward a countrywide shutdown follows a decision on Wednesday by the Education Board of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, to close more than 1,600 schools in the prefecture until at least March 4. Hokkaido has had 54 confirmed cases and two deaths from the virus.
Hours before Mr. Abe spoke, the mayor of Osaka said he had requested that schools in the city, Japan’s third largest, be closed until March 13.Hours before Mr. Abe spoke, the mayor of Osaka said he had requested that schools in the city, Japan’s third largest, be closed until March 13.
The fast-growing coronavirus outbreak touched South Korea’s military alliance with the United States on Thursday, as the two countries announced that they would postpone their joint spring military exercise.The fast-growing coronavirus outbreak touched South Korea’s military alliance with the United States on Thursday, as the two countries announced that they would postpone their joint spring military exercise.
The decision came as South Korea reported 505 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, bringing the total number to 1,766, the largest outbreak outside of China. Most of the patients were from Daegu, a city in southeastern South Korea, and in nearby towns.The decision came as South Korea reported 505 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, bringing the total number to 1,766, the largest outbreak outside of China. Most of the patients were from Daegu, a city in southeastern South Korea, and in nearby towns.
Updated Feb. 26, 2020
On Wednesday, the United States military reported the first case of a soldier being infected. The soldier was stationed at a base near Daegu.On Wednesday, the United States military reported the first case of a soldier being infected. The soldier was stationed at a base near Daegu.
Both South Korea and the United States said their annual spring combined training, originally scheduled to take place next month, would be postponed “until further notice.”Both South Korea and the United States said their annual spring combined training, originally scheduled to take place next month, would be postponed “until further notice.”
South Korea has placed itself on the highest possible alert to deal with the outbreak, suspending nonessential military training and placing more than 9,500 troops under quarantine. It has also barred most of its enlisted soldiers from taking leave.South Korea has placed itself on the highest possible alert to deal with the outbreak, suspending nonessential military training and placing more than 9,500 troops under quarantine. It has also barred most of its enlisted soldiers from taking leave.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia, unwilling to wait for global health authorities to declare the coronavirus a pandemic, said on Thursday that the country is enacting an emergency response plan as if it were one.Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia, unwilling to wait for global health authorities to declare the coronavirus a pandemic, said on Thursday that the country is enacting an emergency response plan as if it were one.
“We believe the risk of a global pandemic is very much upon us,” he said. “And as a result, as a government we need to take the steps necessary to prepare for such a pandemic.”“We believe the risk of a global pandemic is very much upon us,” he said. “And as a result, as a government we need to take the steps necessary to prepare for such a pandemic.”
The steps outlined on Thursday include extending a ban through March 7 on foreigners who have been to mainland China in the past 14 days. There have been 22 confirmed cases of the virus in Australia, with no deaths.The steps outlined on Thursday include extending a ban through March 7 on foreigners who have been to mainland China in the past 14 days. There have been 22 confirmed cases of the virus in Australia, with no deaths.
Mr. Morrison said Australians should continue to attend mass gatherings, play on the street and eat at restaurants.Mr. Morrison said Australians should continue to attend mass gatherings, play on the street and eat at restaurants.
“You can do all of these things because Australia has acted quickly, Australia has gotten ahead of it at this point of time,” he said. “But to stay ahead of it, we need to now elevate our response to this next phase.”“You can do all of these things because Australia has acted quickly, Australia has gotten ahead of it at this point of time,” he said. “But to stay ahead of it, we need to now elevate our response to this next phase.”
Stocks fell in Europe and Asia on Thursday amid further signs of the coronavirus’s spread around the world and after the United States tried to reassure the public that it is ready to deal with the problem. Stocks fell in Europe and Asia on Thursday amid further signs of the coronavirus’s spread around the world and after the United States tried to reassure the public that it was ready to deal with the problem.
Stocks in Japan fell more than 2 percent, leading a broad drop in Asia, while markets in Europe opened sharply lower. Futures markets predicted Wall Street would open lower too, continuing a weeklong slump.Stocks in Japan fell more than 2 percent, leading a broad drop in Asia, while markets in Europe opened sharply lower. Futures markets predicted Wall Street would open lower too, continuing a weeklong slump.
Most of the region fell by less. The Kospi index in South Korea fell 1 percent, while stocks in Taiwan fell by 1.2 percent. Shares in Hong Kong were up 0.3 percent near the end of the Chinese territory’s trading day. Most of the region fell by less. The Kospi index in South Korea dropped 1 percent, while stocks in Taiwan lost 1.2 percent. Shares in Hong Kong were up 0.3 percent near the end of the trading day.
Shares in China bucked the trend, with Shanghai rising 0.1 percent. Regulators and government-controlled investors often step in to help the country’s stock market in troubled times. Shares in China bucked the general trend, with Shanghai rising 0.1 percent. Regulators and government-controlled investors often step in to help the country’s stock market in troubled times.
Oil prices also fell, while the price of gold rose, signaling continued nervousness among global investors.Oil prices also fell, while the price of gold rose, signaling continued nervousness among global investors.
The outbreak has taken a toll on global companies. On Thursday Anheuser-Busch InBev joined the chorus, as the brewer forecast a steep drop in quarterly profit. The outbreak has taken a toll on multinational companies. On Thursday, Anheuser-Busch InBev joined the chorus, as the brewer forecast a steep drop in quarterly profit.
In Europe, London’s FTSE 100 index, Germany’s DAX and the CAC 40 index in Paris opened about 2 percent lower. In Europe, the FTSE 100 in Britain, the CAC 40 in France and the DAX in Germany opened about 2 percent lower.
The drug maker Gilead Sciences is expanding its clinical trials of the antiviral drug remdesivir as a possible coronavirus treatment into several countries, mainly in Asia.The drug maker Gilead Sciences is expanding its clinical trials of the antiviral drug remdesivir as a possible coronavirus treatment into several countries, mainly in Asia.
Two new clinical trials starting in March will involve about 1,000 patients who are severely or moderately ill from the virus, to try to determine which patients would be helped most, Gilead said.Two new clinical trials starting in March will involve about 1,000 patients who are severely or moderately ill from the virus, to try to determine which patients would be helped most, Gilead said.
The drug is experimental and has not been approved yet to treat any disease. It is already being tested in Wuhan, China, the center of the epidemic, and on patients who are being treated in Nebraska. The drug is experimental and has not been approved yet to treat any illness. It is already being tested in Wuhan, China, the center of the epidemic, and on patients who are being treated in Nebraska.
“We are looking for ways we can help the world prepare as well as possible for what appears to be a pandemic at this point,” Dr. Diana Brainard, Gilead’s senior vice president for H.I.V. and emerging viruses, said in an interview.“We are looking for ways we can help the world prepare as well as possible for what appears to be a pandemic at this point,” Dr. Diana Brainard, Gilead’s senior vice president for H.I.V. and emerging viruses, said in an interview.
In the last month, Gilead’s stock has risen 17 percent, to $74.70 at the close of markets Wednesday from $68.80 in late January. In the last month, Gilead’s stock has risen 17 percent, to $74.70 at the close of markets Wednesday, from $68.80 in late January.
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A person in California who was not exposed to anyone known to be infected with the coronavirus, and who had not traveled to countries where it is circulating, has tested positive for the infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday night. It may be the first instance of community transmission in the United States.A person in California who was not exposed to anyone known to be infected with the coronavirus, and who had not traveled to countries where it is circulating, has tested positive for the infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday night. It may be the first instance of community transmission in the United States.
“The case was detected through the U.S. public health system and picked up by astute clinicians,” a C.D.C. statement said.“The case was detected through the U.S. public health system and picked up by astute clinicians,” a C.D.C. statement said.
It brought the number of cases in the United States to 60, including the 45 cases among Americans repatriated from Wuhan, China — the epicenter of the outbreak — and the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was overwhelmed by the virus after it docked in Japan.It brought the number of cases in the United States to 60, including the 45 cases among Americans repatriated from Wuhan, China — the epicenter of the outbreak — and the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was overwhelmed by the virus after it docked in Japan.
The new case, in which the source of infection is unknown, is cause for concern, experts said.The new case, in which the source of infection is unknown, is cause for concern, experts said.
“That would suggest there are other undetected cases out there, and we have already started some low-grade transmission,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University.“That would suggest there are other undetected cases out there, and we have already started some low-grade transmission,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University.
Fourteen percent of patients discharged in China’s populous Guangdong Province later tested positive for the coronavirus during follow-up examinations, according to the provincial authorities. The finding has led some experts to question the accuracy of the tests that have been used to diagnose patients.Fourteen percent of patients discharged in China’s populous Guangdong Province later tested positive for the coronavirus during follow-up examinations, according to the provincial authorities. The finding has led some experts to question the accuracy of the tests that have been used to diagnose patients.
It is unclear if these patients are contagious, said Song Tie, a Guangdong health official, during a news conference. But he said that in the city of Guangzhou, for instance, 13 patients had tested positive again after being discharged, but none of their 104 close contacts showed signs of infection.It is unclear if these patients are contagious, said Song Tie, a Guangdong health official, during a news conference. But he said that in the city of Guangzhou, for instance, 13 patients had tested positive again after being discharged, but none of their 104 close contacts showed signs of infection.
Several other regions, including Hainan Province in the south and the city of Chengdu in southwestern China, have said they found patients who tested positive even after being cleared.Several other regions, including Hainan Province in the south and the city of Chengdu in southwestern China, have said they found patients who tested positive even after being cleared.
Under China’s latest national treatment plan, patients must test negative twice for the virus and have a chest scan before they can be discharged from the hospital. Several medical experts have said that patients who have already been infected with the virus cannot be infected again, as they will have developed immunity.Under China’s latest national treatment plan, patients must test negative twice for the virus and have a chest scan before they can be discharged from the hospital. Several medical experts have said that patients who have already been infected with the virus cannot be infected again, as they will have developed immunity.
Some of the lockdown tactics used to stop the spread of the virus in China went too far, a top Chinese security official said on Wednesday.Some of the lockdown tactics used to stop the spread of the virus in China went too far, a top Chinese security official said on Wednesday.
Du Hangwei, the vice minister of public security, said at a news conference that some members of China’s security forces had practiced “excessive enforcement, simplistic enforcement, and crude enforcement” of quarantines and other containment measures.Du Hangwei, the vice minister of public security, said at a news conference that some members of China’s security forces had practiced “excessive enforcement, simplistic enforcement, and crude enforcement” of quarantines and other containment measures.
It was a rare admission by a Chinese official of excessive force in response to the outbreak.It was a rare admission by a Chinese official of excessive force in response to the outbreak.
China has implemented residential lockdowns of varying strictness on at least 760 million people, or more than half the country’s population, according to a New York Times analysis of government announcements in provinces and major cities.China has implemented residential lockdowns of varying strictness on at least 760 million people, or more than half the country’s population, according to a New York Times analysis of government announcements in provinces and major cities.
Some episodes of seemingly overzealous enforcement have caused outrage. Videos of local officials in Henan tying up pedestrians who were not wearing face masks went viral on social media. In Chongqing, officials paraded four residents through the streets, shaming them for gathering to play mahjong at home. Some episodes of seemingly overzealous enforcement have caused outrage. Videos of local officials in Henan tying up pedestrians who were not wearing face masks were shared widely on social media. In Chongqing, officials paraded four residents through the streets, shaming them for gathering to play mahjong at home.
“The relentless management triggered people’s panic and anxiety,” Mr. Du said.“The relentless management triggered people’s panic and anxiety,” Mr. Du said.
Saudi Arabia on Wednesday temporarily barred Muslim pilgrims from entering the country to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, as it tries to slow the spread of the coronavirus, a stark illustration of the fear the epidemic has stirred. Saudi Arabia on Wednesday temporarily barred Muslim pilgrims from entering the country to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, as the kingdom tried to slow the spread of the coronavirus, a stark illustration of the fear the epidemic has stirred.
The Saudi royal family derives much of its stature in the Islamic world from its status as guardians of the holy sites, and it very rarely closes them off. The Saudi response contrasts with that of Iran, which has kept its pilgrimage sites open, despite a significant coronavirus outbreak there, and evidence that people who visited Iran have spread the virus to many other countries. The Saudi royal family derives much of its stature in the Islamic world from its status as guardians of the holy sites, and it very rarely closes them off. The Saudi response contrasts with that of Iran, which has kept its pilgrimage sites open, despite a significant coronavirus outbreak there, and evidence that people who had visited Iran had spread the virus to other countries.
Each year, millions of Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca, or Umrah, which can take place at any time of year; the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims are expected to make at least once, takes place in a specific part of the lunar year, which this year falls in midsummer.Each year, millions of Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca, or Umrah, which can take place at any time of year; the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims are expected to make at least once, takes place in a specific part of the lunar year, which this year falls in midsummer.
Many Muslims also visit the mosque in Medina that was established by the prophet Mohammed. Many Muslims also visit the mosque in Medina that was established by the Prophet Muhammad.
The government is “suspending entry into the kingdom for the purpose of Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque temporarily,” the government-run Saudi Press Agency said.The government is “suspending entry into the kingdom for the purpose of Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque temporarily,” the government-run Saudi Press Agency said.
With just under five months before the opening of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo on July 24, organizers in Japan and at the International Olympic Committee say they are confident the Games will go on.With just under five months before the opening of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo on July 24, organizers in Japan and at the International Olympic Committee say they are confident the Games will go on.
At a news briefing on Wednesday, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said that preparations for the Games were proceeding “as planned,” adding that the Olympic torch would begin its journey to Japan in March as scheduled.At a news briefing on Wednesday, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said that preparations for the Games were proceeding “as planned,” adding that the Olympic torch would begin its journey to Japan in March as scheduled.
The I.O.C. has also declined to entertain the possibility that the Games might not take place as planned.The I.O.C. has also declined to entertain the possibility that the Games might not take place as planned.
But sporting events in Japan and elsewhere are already being canceled, as governments try to discourage large gatherings in major cities. In preparing for the Olympics, Japan had focused on the prevention of measles and rubella, sexually transmitted diseases and food poisoning.But sporting events in Japan and elsewhere are already being canceled, as governments try to discourage large gatherings in major cities. In preparing for the Olympics, Japan had focused on the prevention of measles and rubella, sexually transmitted diseases and food poisoning.
A new disease, like the coronavirus, was not central to its calculations. A new illness, like the coronavirus, was not central to its calculations.
“I’ve never seen an Olympic organizing committee asked, ‘Are you prepared for a global pandemic?’” said Terrence Burns, a veteran Olympics consultant.“I’ve never seen an Olympic organizing committee asked, ‘Are you prepared for a global pandemic?’” said Terrence Burns, a veteran Olympics consultant.
Reporting and research was contributed by Russell Goldman, Carlos Tejada, Choe Sang-Hun, Zoe Mou, Daniel Victor, Roni Caryn Rabin, Denise Grady, David Yaffe-Bellany, Ed Shanahan, Andrew Keh and Ben Dooley. Reporting and research was contributed by Marc Santora, Russell Goldman, Carlos Tejada, Choe Sang-Hun, Zoe Mou, Daniel Victor, Roni Caryn Rabin, Denise Grady, David Yaffe-Bellany, Ed Shanahan, Andrew Keh and Ben Dooley.