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Coronavirus Live Updates: Officials Rush to Respond to a Drumbeat of New Cases Coronavirus Live Updates: Officials Rush to Respond to a Drumbeat of New Cases
(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
Financial markets around the world continued their relentless plunge on Friday, with Wall Street opening sharply lower following losses in both Asia and Europe earlier in the day. From eastern Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and Africa, a steady stream of new cases on Friday fueled the sense that the new coronavirus epidemic may be turning into a global pandemic, with some health officials saying it may be inevitable.
Investors have been unnerved by the steady march of the new coronavirus around the globe, and the growing threat it poses to economic growth. In Japan, officials in the northern island of Hokkaido declared a state of emergency because of the pace of new infections there. South Korean officials are rushing to test thousands of members of a church at the center of that country’s outbreak.
Africa has long been a source of concern, and a case in Nigeria raised fears that more infections might lurk there undetected. In Europe, Wales and Northern Ireland both reported their first confirmed cases. Africa has long been a source of concern, and a case in Nigeria raised fears that more infections might lurk there undetected. In Europe, Wales and Northern Ireland both reported their first confirmed cases, and Switzerland banned all gatherings of more than 1,000 people.
In Japan, officials in the northern island of Hokkaido declared a state of emergency because of the pace of new infections there. Switzerland banned all gatherings of more than 1,000 people.
The drumbeat of reports added to the sense that the outbreak may be becoming a pandemic, with health officials close to admitting it may have passed the point of no return.
More than 83,000 people in at least 53 countries have been infected, and more than 2,800 have died. New infections outside China are now outpacing those within the country, the site of the first and by far the largest outbreak.More than 83,000 people in at least 53 countries have been infected, and more than 2,800 have died. New infections outside China are now outpacing those within the country, the site of the first and by far the largest outbreak.
“This virus has pandemic potential,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, warned late Thursday. “We are actually in a very delicate situation in which the outbreak can go in any direction based on how we handle it.” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, said on Friday that there was still no evidence that the virus was spreading freely outside a few specific areas. If that remains the case, he said, then there is a chance to get ahead of the virus.
“The key to containing this virus is to break the chain of transmission,” he said.
Unnerved by the rapid spread of the virus and the growing threat it poses to economies, financial markets around the world continued their relentless plunge on Friday, with Wall Street opening sharply lower following losses in both Asia and Europe earlier in the day.
Even as countries prepared for the likelihood of significant outbreaks, early missteps raised troubling questions about how nations — even those with robust health care systems — will handle a flood of cases.Even as countries prepared for the likelihood of significant outbreaks, early missteps raised troubling questions about how nations — even those with robust health care systems — will handle a flood of cases.
A whistle-blower complaint in the United States outlined how federal health care workers had interacted with quarantined Americans without proper training or safety equipment.A whistle-blower complaint in the United States outlined how federal health care workers had interacted with quarantined Americans without proper training or safety equipment.
Worries in the stock market over the spreading coronavirus continued for a seventh day on Friday, with Wall Street opening down more than 2 percent after declines in Asia and Europe. Worries in the stock market over the spreading coronavirus continued for a seventh day on Friday, with Wall Street down more than 3 percent in early trading, after declines in Asia and Europe.
The sell-off is fueled mostly by worry that measures to contain the virus would hamper corporate profits and economic growth, and fears that the outbreak could worsen.The sell-off is fueled mostly by worry that measures to contain the virus would hamper corporate profits and economic growth, and fears that the outbreak could worsen.
Factory shutdowns and quarantines in China have disrupted the global supply chain. Companies like Microsoft have warned that this will affect their sales, and Wall Street analysts have begun to factor those warnings into their expectations for profit growth this year.Factory shutdowns and quarantines in China have disrupted the global supply chain. Companies like Microsoft have warned that this will affect their sales, and Wall Street analysts have begun to factor those warnings into their expectations for profit growth this year.
Hundreds of companies have started taking measures to try to prevent the illness from afflicting their workers, including restricting travel and asking employees to work from home. All of those could curtail productivity.Hundreds of companies have started taking measures to try to prevent the illness from afflicting their workers, including restricting travel and asking employees to work from home. All of those could curtail productivity.
Updated Feb. 26, 2020
Investors are responding by selling stocks, as well as commodities like oil, as they anticipate the coming slump. The selling itself could help bring the slowdown along as it discourages spending by companies and individual investors alike.Investors are responding by selling stocks, as well as commodities like oil, as they anticipate the coming slump. The selling itself could help bring the slowdown along as it discourages spending by companies and individual investors alike.
If the virus spreads in the United States, the Federal Reserve might have to cut rates. The outbreak represents a significant test for President Trump, whose barometer of presidential performance has been deeply tied to the economy and a rising stock market.If the virus spreads in the United States, the Federal Reserve might have to cut rates. The outbreak represents a significant test for President Trump, whose barometer of presidential performance has been deeply tied to the economy and a rising stock market.
Updated Feb. 26, 2020
On Friday, the slide in Asia and Europe followed a 4.4 percent dive in the S&P 500 index on Thursday, the worst day for American shares since 2011.On Friday, the slide in Asia and Europe followed a 4.4 percent dive in the S&P 500 index on Thursday, the worst day for American shares since 2011.
The U.S. Navy on Friday ordered all ships that have made stops in the Pacific to self-quarantine at sea for 14 days and said that all sailors who had traveled to high-risk areas should be closely monitored.The U.S. Navy on Friday ordered all ships that have made stops in the Pacific to self-quarantine at sea for 14 days and said that all sailors who had traveled to high-risk areas should be closely monitored.
“At this time, there are no indications that any U.S. Navy personnel have contracted coronavirus,” the Navy said in a statement. “The health and welfare of our sailors, civilians and their families is paramount, and our efforts are directed at detection and, if required, prevention of the spread of this illness.”“At this time, there are no indications that any U.S. Navy personnel have contracted coronavirus,” the Navy said in a statement. “The health and welfare of our sailors, civilians and their families is paramount, and our efforts are directed at detection and, if required, prevention of the spread of this illness.”
“Operational impact is minimal, if at all,” said a senior Navy officer with experience in the Pacific. “Most deployed ships in 7th Fleet already stay out to sea for that long, if not longer, and there is no better place for a ship operationally than at sea. I would expect some schedule impact to ships that do have port visits within two weeks, but no cancellations.”
The American military has already confirmed one coronavirus case: A 23-year-old soldier based near Daegu, South Korea, has tested positive for the virus, the military said on Wednesday. He has been quarantined in his off-base residence, the military said.The American military has already confirmed one coronavirus case: A 23-year-old soldier based near Daegu, South Korea, has tested positive for the virus, the military said on Wednesday. He has been quarantined in his off-base residence, the military said.
South Korea is experiencing the largest coronavirus outbreak outside China.South Korea is experiencing the largest coronavirus outbreak outside China.
The United States and South Korea have also postponed their joint military drills.The United States and South Korea have also postponed their joint military drills.
Italy, the epicenter of coronavirus in Europe, continued to pose problems for the rest of the Continent on Friday, with Northern Ireland and Wales experiencing their first cases on Friday, both of them tied to travel to Italy. Italy, the epicenter of coronavirus in Europe, continued to pose problems for the rest of the Continent on Friday, with Northern Ireland and Wales experiencing their first cases on Friday, both of them tied to travel to Italy. A total of 24 cases in 14 countries can be traced back to Italy, the W.H.O. said Friday.
Nations that only had a handful of cases at the start of the week continued to see new infections. The number of cases in Germany had nearly doubled by Friday afternoon, to 53.Nations that only had a handful of cases at the start of the week continued to see new infections. The number of cases in Germany had nearly doubled by Friday afternoon, to 53.
France registered 20 new cases, bringing the total there to 38.France registered 20 new cases, bringing the total there to 38.
The French health authorities were focusing on a cluster of 14 cases in the Oise region of northern France. Of particular concern are three infections on a military base in the city of Creil whose origins are unclear.The French health authorities were focusing on a cluster of 14 cases in the Oise region of northern France. Of particular concern are three infections on a military base in the city of Creil whose origins are unclear.
Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, said on Friday that a woman returning from Milan was the first confirmed case in the French city. The city had previously cut short its annual carnival over virus fears.Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, said on Friday that a woman returning from Milan was the first confirmed case in the French city. The city had previously cut short its annual carnival over virus fears.
About 2,000 school children who had recently returned from trips to at-risk areas like Italy or China were asked to self-isolate for 14 days, said the French education minister, Jean-Michel Blanquer.About 2,000 school children who had recently returned from trips to at-risk areas like Italy or China were asked to self-isolate for 14 days, said the French education minister, Jean-Michel Blanquer.
Switzerland reported nine new cases — bringing its total to 15 — and then said it was banning all gatherings of more than 1,000 people until March 15. The Geneva International Motor Show, an important annual automotive trade event, was among the gatherings that were abruptly canceled.Switzerland reported nine new cases — bringing its total to 15 — and then said it was banning all gatherings of more than 1,000 people until March 15. The Geneva International Motor Show, an important annual automotive trade event, was among the gatherings that were abruptly canceled.
England reported two additional cases on Friday, both contracted in Iran, bringing the total in Britain to 19, health officials said. Both patients were being treated at the Royal Free Hospital, a specialist infection center in London.England reported two additional cases on Friday, both contracted in Iran, bringing the total in Britain to 19, health officials said. Both patients were being treated at the Royal Free Hospital, a specialist infection center in London.
Three countries in Eastern Europe — Belarus, Estonia and Lithuania — have also reported their first cases. All appear to be linked to travel to either Iran or Italy, the principal hubs of the virus outside Asia.Three countries in Eastern Europe — Belarus, Estonia and Lithuania — have also reported their first cases. All appear to be linked to travel to either Iran or Italy, the principal hubs of the virus outside Asia.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said this week that the state had pushed for improved and expanded testing, urging federal officials to alter a testing protocol that he considered “inadequate.” He also said that officials were actively monitoring people who might have come into contact with the pathogen.Gov. Gavin Newsom said this week that the state had pushed for improved and expanded testing, urging federal officials to alter a testing protocol that he considered “inadequate.” He also said that officials were actively monitoring people who might have come into contact with the pathogen.
California has had more coronavirus cases than any other U.S. state, and it has also been the nucleus of American quarantine efforts. The sense of concern escalated after officials confirmed what is believed to be the first documented case of community transmission, in Solano County, between San Francisco and Sacramento.California has had more coronavirus cases than any other U.S. state, and it has also been the nucleus of American quarantine efforts. The sense of concern escalated after officials confirmed what is believed to be the first documented case of community transmission, in Solano County, between San Francisco and Sacramento.
The governor sought to strike a delicate note by quelling fears while acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. He told residents that the overall number of cases remained low and that the state government was well positioned to keep it that way.The governor sought to strike a delicate note by quelling fears while acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. He told residents that the overall number of cases remained low and that the state government was well positioned to keep it that way.
Mr. Newsom has resisted declaring a state of emergency, a step that some local officials have taken largely to muster public health resources. But there are worries about the economic fallout, with events having already been changed or canceled. Both Facebook and Microsoft said they were pulling out of conferences scheduled for March and May.Mr. Newsom has resisted declaring a state of emergency, a step that some local officials have taken largely to muster public health resources. But there are worries about the economic fallout, with events having already been changed or canceled. Both Facebook and Microsoft said they were pulling out of conferences scheduled for March and May.
Nigeria on Friday confirmed its first case of coronavirus, raising fears of how an outbreak could wreak havoc in Africa’s most populous nation and across the continent.Nigeria on Friday confirmed its first case of coronavirus, raising fears of how an outbreak could wreak havoc in Africa’s most populous nation and across the continent.
The case, confirmed by the Nigerian Health Ministry, is the first known infection in sub-Saharan Africa. The ministry said the patient was an Italian citizen who had returned to Lagos, the country’s largest city, from Milan on Tuesday.The case, confirmed by the Nigerian Health Ministry, is the first known infection in sub-Saharan Africa. The ministry said the patient was an Italian citizen who had returned to Lagos, the country’s largest city, from Milan on Tuesday.
The Nigerian government said in a statement that the patient was stable, did not have “serious symptoms” and was being treated at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, a suburb of Lagos.The Nigerian government said in a statement that the patient was stable, did not have “serious symptoms” and was being treated at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, a suburb of Lagos.
Despite the steady number of flights and the growing relationship between China and African countries, the only previously confirmed infections on the continent had been in Egypt and Algeria.Despite the steady number of flights and the growing relationship between China and African countries, the only previously confirmed infections on the continent had been in Egypt and Algeria.
Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Nigeria’s minister of health, said in a statement that the country had been shoring up its preparedness since the virus started spreading in China and that it would respond with all available resources.Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Nigeria’s minister of health, said in a statement that the country had been shoring up its preparedness since the virus started spreading in China and that it would respond with all available resources.
Africa has very few confirmed cases, but experts have already expressed concerns about how the continent would cope with a wide-scale outbreak.Africa has very few confirmed cases, but experts have already expressed concerns about how the continent would cope with a wide-scale outbreak.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and the W.H.O. have worked with African nations to improve surveillance and testing.The Africa Centers for Disease Control and the W.H.O. have worked with African nations to improve surveillance and testing.
Currently, 26 laboratories on the continent are able to test for the coronavirus, up from two in early February.Currently, 26 laboratories on the continent are able to test for the coronavirus, up from two in early February.
Dr. Ngozi Erondu, an associate fellow in the Global Health Program at Chatham House, an international research group in London, said it would be crucial to enhance scrutiny of all travelers, especially those coming from countries with documented outbreaks.Dr. Ngozi Erondu, an associate fellow in the Global Health Program at Chatham House, an international research group in London, said it would be crucial to enhance scrutiny of all travelers, especially those coming from countries with documented outbreaks.
“Staff at points of entry must realize that Covid-19 has no ethnicity or nationality, so personal biases must be checked,” she said, using the name of the disease caused by the coronavirus.“Staff at points of entry must realize that Covid-19 has no ethnicity or nationality, so personal biases must be checked,” she said, using the name of the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Four days after a resort in Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, placed guests on lockdown over coronavirus fears, guests were beginning to leave in small groups on Friday, even as those who remained confined continued to mingle in common areas.
Some 723 guests from 25 countries and dozens of staff were left stranded at the four-star Costa Adeje Palace hotel when loose isolation measures were put in place Monday after four coronavirus infections were discovered there.
By Friday, many guests had been told that they should stay in the hotel for a two week quarantine period. But some 130 vacationers were informed that they could leave the resort because they had arrived after the coronavirus patients had left the hotel, and hotel officials said they would all depart on Friday.
On Thursday, the hotel staff were told they could enter and leave the hotel if they adopted “necessary protection measures.”
But guests who remained confined to the resort have been allowed to wander its common areas, use its pools and restaurants, and health experts have warned that the loose policy could enable the virus to cieerculated among the guests or the staff.
“The risk is not large, but it is real,” said William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “It looks like they are taking a chance.”
Officials in Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, declared a state of emergency because of the pace of new infections there, the national broadcaster, NHK, reported on Friday.Officials in Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, declared a state of emergency because of the pace of new infections there, the national broadcaster, NHK, reported on Friday.
The governor of the prefecture, Naomichi Suzuki, urged residents to refrain from going out over the weekend, the broadcaster said. School boards on the island had already moved to cancel classes, even before Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s request on Thursday that all schools nationwide close for about a month.The governor of the prefecture, Naomichi Suzuki, urged residents to refrain from going out over the weekend, the broadcaster said. School boards on the island had already moved to cancel classes, even before Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s request on Thursday that all schools nationwide close for about a month.
Japan has more than 200 cases of the new coronavirus and four deaths, in addition to more than 700 cases and an additional four deaths from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which spent two weeks quarantined while docked in Yokohama.Japan has more than 200 cases of the new coronavirus and four deaths, in addition to more than 700 cases and an additional four deaths from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which spent two weeks quarantined while docked in Yokohama.
The latest death, reported on Thursday, was a man in his 80s on Hokkaido who had pre-existing conditions, the governor told reporters. Fifteen new cases were reported in the prefecture on Thursday, bringing the total number there to 54, the highest in Japan. Two new patients were children under 10, officials said.The latest death, reported on Thursday, was a man in his 80s on Hokkaido who had pre-existing conditions, the governor told reporters. Fifteen new cases were reported in the prefecture on Thursday, bringing the total number there to 54, the highest in Japan. Two new patients were children under 10, officials said.
Japanese officials are facing increasing pressure to take action amid discussion of canceling the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to begin in July. Major events have been canceled or postponed around the country.Japanese officials are facing increasing pressure to take action amid discussion of canceling the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to begin in July. Major events have been canceled or postponed around the country.
President Battulga Khaltmaa of Mongolia and other government officials have begun a 14-day quarantine after returning home from China, the state news agency Montsame reported on Friday.
Mr. Battulga, his foreign minister and other senior officials visited Beijing on Thursday, where they met with the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, and Premier Li Keqiang.
The Mongolian president said he would donate 30,000 sheep to China in support of the country’s fight against the epidemic, according to Chinese state media, which hailed Mr. Battulga as the first foreign head of state to visit the country since the outbreak.
The president and his team were immediately taken into quarantine upon arriving in Mongolia as a precautionary measure, Montsame reported.
Mongolia, which shares a border with China, has not reported any coronavirus cases. The landlocked country had earlier closed its borders to China and temporarily banned arrivals from Japan and South Korea. All schools and universities have been closed until the end of March, and the country has extended its suspension of coal deliveries to China until mid-March.
A dog that was owned by a Hong Kong resident infected with the coronavirus tested “weak positive” for the pathogen, the city’s government said Friday, but experts cautioned that further tests were needed to confirm whether the animal had actually contracted the virus.A dog that was owned by a Hong Kong resident infected with the coronavirus tested “weak positive” for the pathogen, the city’s government said Friday, but experts cautioned that further tests were needed to confirm whether the animal had actually contracted the virus.
The authorities found remnants of the virus in the dog, who was removed from its owner’s apartment on Wednesday, but said dog did not have any “relevant” symptoms.The authorities found remnants of the virus in the dog, who was removed from its owner’s apartment on Wednesday, but said dog did not have any “relevant” symptoms.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said it would conduct additional tests to determine if the initial findings were the result of “environmental contamination” rather than an infection.The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said it would conduct additional tests to determine if the initial findings were the result of “environmental contamination” rather than an infection.
Ben Cowling, a professor at the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong, said the result could indicate that the dog “licked a contaminated surface and the virus was picked up as contamination, not infection.”Ben Cowling, a professor at the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong, said the result could indicate that the dog “licked a contaminated surface and the virus was picked up as contamination, not infection.”
The dog was taken by the authorities and put in quarantine. The government said it would be reunited with its owners if it conclusively tested negative for the virus.The dog was taken by the authorities and put in quarantine. The government said it would be reunited with its owners if it conclusively tested negative for the virus.
The Health Department said on Friday that, going forward, pets owned by residents who tested positive for the virus would be placed in quarantine for 14 days.The Health Department said on Friday that, going forward, pets owned by residents who tested positive for the virus would be placed in quarantine for 14 days.
The new coronavirus is believed to have started in mammals, most likely bats, before jumping to humans. Since the start of the outbreak, some have feared that pet cats and dogs were at risk for infection, but the authorities have not yet determined if those animals can catch the virus or transmit it to people.The new coronavirus is believed to have started in mammals, most likely bats, before jumping to humans. Since the start of the outbreak, some have feared that pet cats and dogs were at risk for infection, but the authorities have not yet determined if those animals can catch the virus or transmit it to people.
In Hong Kong and mainland China, where surgical masks are a coveted commodity, protective pet owners have recently been seen putting masks and makeshift facial coverings on their cats and dogs.In Hong Kong and mainland China, where surgical masks are a coveted commodity, protective pet owners have recently been seen putting masks and makeshift facial coverings on their cats and dogs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday evening that a drug maker had notified the agency of a shortage that it said was caused by manufacturing problems at a site in China affected by the coronavirus epidemic.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday evening that a drug maker had notified the agency of a shortage that it said was caused by manufacturing problems at a site in China affected by the coronavirus epidemic.
The agency declined to identify the drug in question, saying that to reveal the product would be disclosing “confidential commercial information.” The F.D.A. said that there were alternatives that could be used by patients, and that it was working with the manufacturer to mitigate the shortage.The agency declined to identify the drug in question, saying that to reveal the product would be disclosing “confidential commercial information.” The F.D.A. said that there were alternatives that could be used by patients, and that it was working with the manufacturer to mitigate the shortage.
Public health experts have been watching closely to see whether a shutdown of pharmaceutical ingredient factories in China because of the coronavirus will lead to shortages. The F.D.A. said this week that it was monitoring about 20 products that were either manufactured in China or that obtained their ingredients solely from China. The agency also said that it had been in contact with about 180 manufacturers since January.Public health experts have been watching closely to see whether a shutdown of pharmaceutical ingredient factories in China because of the coronavirus will lead to shortages. The F.D.A. said this week that it was monitoring about 20 products that were either manufactured in China or that obtained their ingredients solely from China. The agency also said that it had been in contact with about 180 manufacturers since January.
The United States is heavily reliant on the drug supply chain from China. Many of the raw ingredients for vital medications, including much of the contents of drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen and penicillin, are made in China.The United States is heavily reliant on the drug supply chain from China. Many of the raw ingredients for vital medications, including much of the contents of drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen and penicillin, are made in China.
Reporting and research was contributed by Eric Schmitt, Rick Rojas, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Katie Thomas, Russell Goldman, Melissa Eddy, Aurelien Breeden, Elian Peltier, Andrew Higgins, Abdi Latif Dahir, Jack Ewing, Choe Sang-Hun, Keith Bradsher, Alexandra Stevenson, Elaine Yu, Tiffany May, Karen Zraick, Wang Yiwei, Andrew Das, Jamal Jordan, Heather Casey, Joseph Goldstein, Jesse McKinley and Ian Austen.Reporting and research was contributed by Eric Schmitt, Rick Rojas, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Katie Thomas, Russell Goldman, Melissa Eddy, Aurelien Breeden, Elian Peltier, Andrew Higgins, Abdi Latif Dahir, Jack Ewing, Choe Sang-Hun, Keith Bradsher, Alexandra Stevenson, Elaine Yu, Tiffany May, Karen Zraick, Wang Yiwei, Andrew Das, Jamal Jordan, Heather Casey, Joseph Goldstein, Jesse McKinley and Ian Austen.