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Coronavirus Live Updates: Airlines Suspend Travel to Milan Coronavirus Live Updates: Scotland Reports Its First Case, Airlines Suspend Travel to Milan
(32 minutes later)
Officials in Washington State confirmed on Sunday two more cases of coronavirus in King County, bringing the total in the county to six and the number in the United States to 73.Officials in Washington State confirmed on Sunday two more cases of coronavirus in King County, bringing the total in the county to six and the number in the United States to 73.
The two patients, men in their 60s, were in critical condition, King County officials said.The two patients, men in their 60s, were in critical condition, King County officials said.
“This number is expected to rise as more people are tested and results confirmed,” public health officials in Seattle and King County said in a statement on Sunday.“This number is expected to rise as more people are tested and results confirmed,” public health officials in Seattle and King County said in a statement on Sunday.
Washington State has declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus, and researchers who studied two cases there say that the virus may have been spreading for weeks, with the possibility that up to 1,500 people may have been infected.Washington State has declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus, and researchers who studied two cases there say that the virus may have been spreading for weeks, with the possibility that up to 1,500 people may have been infected.
The state became the site of the country’s first coronavirus death on Saturday.The state became the site of the country’s first coronavirus death on Saturday.
The number of confirmed cases worldwide crossed 87,000 as of Sunday, with more than 7,000 cases outside mainland China, where the outbreak began late last year. The virus has now been detected in at least 60 countries. The number of confirmed cases worldwide crossed 87,000 as of Sunday, with more than 7,000 cases outside mainland China, where the outbreak began late last year. The virus has now been detected in at least 61 countries.
The coronavirus case of one patient in Washington State, a teenager, only came to light after he went to a clinic on Feb. 24 to be tested for the flu and his sample was shared with the Seattle Flu Study, which tested it for a variety of pathogens, including the new coronavirus. Rhode Island on Sunday reported its first “presumptive positive” coronavirus case, a man in his 40s who had recently traveled to Italy, France and Spain, state officials said at a news conference on Sunday.
It was the first case in the United States that officials had linked to travel in Europe.
[Do you know anyone who lives or works at Life Care Center in Kirkland, Wash.? If so, please email our reporter, Mike Baker, at mike.baker@nytimes.com.[Do you know anyone who lives or works at Life Care Center in Kirkland, Wash.? If so, please email our reporter, Mike Baker, at mike.baker@nytimes.com.
The Dominican Republic confirmed its first case of coronavirus — in a tourist visiting the country from Italy. The coronavirus continued to spread around the world on Sunday, with both Scotland and the Dominican Republic reporting their first cases.
The patient is a 62-year-old man who is in a stable condition. He has been taken to an isolation room in a military hospital near the capital, the country’s health minister, Rafael Sanchez, said at a news conference. Scotland said one person had tested positive out of some 700 people tested.
“We have to be prepared for the possibility of a significant outbreak of coronavirus in the weeks to come,” Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, said in an interview with Sky News.
In the Dominican Republic, a 62-year-old man — a tourist visiting the country from Italy — tested positive and was in stable condition, the country’s health minister, Rafael Sanchez, said at a news conference.
Another tourist, a 56-year-old man from France, is under observation at a hospital and awaiting test results for coronavirus.Another tourist, a 56-year-old man from France, is under observation at a hospital and awaiting test results for coronavirus.
On Friday, the Dominican Republic canceled all flights from Milan for 30 days. The government also said that all travelers retuning from Italy would have to undergo epidemiological reviews at airports.On Friday, the Dominican Republic canceled all flights from Milan for 30 days. The government also said that all travelers retuning from Italy would have to undergo epidemiological reviews at airports.
Rhode Island on Sunday reported its first “presumptive positive” coronavirus case, a man in his 40s who had recently traveled to Italy, France and Spain, state officials said at a news conference on Sunday.
It was the first case in the United States that officials had linked to travel in Europe.
The man was being treated in the hospital on Sunday, and his immediate family had quarantined themselves at home, the officials said.
The patient had not been to work and had limited travel in Rhode Island since returning from Europe, according to the state’s health department. State officials said that they were trying to reach at least 40 people who had come in contact with the man and were asking those people to quarantine themselves for 14 days since their contact.
Only people who exhibited symptoms would be tested, the officials said.
“We fully anticipated standing before you at some point to make the announcement we are making today,” said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of Rhode Island’s health department. “We are not seeing widespread community transmission in Rhode Island.”
Long lines of visitors were locked out of the Louvre in Paris on Sunday after the museum, the world’s most visited, said it was holding a staff meeting about the coronavirus outbreak.Long lines of visitors were locked out of the Louvre in Paris on Sunday after the museum, the world’s most visited, said it was holding a staff meeting about the coronavirus outbreak.
Updated Feb. 26, 2020
The Louvre said on Twitter that “the museum cannot open at the moment” because of an informational meeting on the public health situation linked to coronavirus prevention measures.The Louvre said on Twitter that “the museum cannot open at the moment” because of an informational meeting on the public health situation linked to coronavirus prevention measures.
A spokeswoman told reporters that the museum, in central Paris, was expected to reopen after the meeting among management, employees and the staff doctor, but it later said on Twitter that it would remain closed.A spokeswoman told reporters that the museum, in central Paris, was expected to reopen after the meeting among management, employees and the staff doctor, but it later said on Twitter that it would remain closed.
The move came as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continued to rise in Europe.The move came as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continued to rise in Europe.
Italy, the center of the outbreak on the continent, has a total of 1,694 confirmed cases and 34 deaths. France has reported 100 cases and two deaths. And Germany said on Sunday that cases there had risen to 117, including 66 in North Rhine-Westphalia, its most populous state.Italy, the center of the outbreak on the continent, has a total of 1,694 confirmed cases and 34 deaths. France has reported 100 cases and two deaths. And Germany said on Sunday that cases there had risen to 117, including 66 in North Rhine-Westphalia, its most populous state.
Updated Feb. 26, 2020
Ireland reported its first case, the country’s Health Protection Surveillance Center said on Twitter on Sunday, while in neighboring Britain officials said that the number of cases there had risen to 35. A school in Reading, in southeastern England, said on Saturday that a staff member had tested positive, forcing the school to “shut for some days to allow for a deep clean,” the school’s head teacher said in a message to the pupils’ parents.Ireland reported its first case, the country’s Health Protection Surveillance Center said on Twitter on Sunday, while in neighboring Britain officials said that the number of cases there had risen to 35. A school in Reading, in southeastern England, said on Saturday that a staff member had tested positive, forcing the school to “shut for some days to allow for a deep clean,” the school’s head teacher said in a message to the pupils’ parents.
In Norway, two more staff members at Oslo University Hospital tested positive for the virus, a hospital spokesman said on Sunday, raising the total number of cases in the country to 17, while Sweden has confirmed its 13th case.In Norway, two more staff members at Oslo University Hospital tested positive for the virus, a hospital spokesman said on Sunday, raising the total number of cases in the country to 17, while Sweden has confirmed its 13th case.
In the Czech Republic, three people, including an American girl, tested positive and were being treated at Na Bulovce Hospital in Prague, a spokesman said.In the Czech Republic, three people, including an American girl, tested positive and were being treated at Na Bulovce Hospital in Prague, a spokesman said.
The uptick in coronavirus cases in Italy has already prompted new local safety measures and mass tourist cancellations, leaving the usually dynamic city of Milan eerily deserted.The uptick in coronavirus cases in Italy has already prompted new local safety measures and mass tourist cancellations, leaving the usually dynamic city of Milan eerily deserted.
This weekend, the impact of the outbreak stretched even further.This weekend, the impact of the outbreak stretched even further.
Delta Air Lines said it would suspend daily flights between New York and Milan, becoming yet another travel business to alter its operations in light of the outbreak in Italy. On Saturday American Airlines said it would suspend flights to Milan from New York and Miami, citing a “reduction in demand.”Delta Air Lines said it would suspend daily flights between New York and Milan, becoming yet another travel business to alter its operations in light of the outbreak in Italy. On Saturday American Airlines said it would suspend flights to Milan from New York and Miami, citing a “reduction in demand.”
Organizers of the MotoGP in Qatar said they had canceled next week’s season-opening race.Organizers of the MotoGP in Qatar said they had canceled next week’s season-opening race.
In a statement posted on Sunday, organizers said that all passengers arriving in Doha, Qatar’s capital, who are on “direct flights from Italy, or having been in Italy in the past 2 weeks, will be taken straight to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.”In a statement posted on Sunday, organizers said that all passengers arriving in Doha, Qatar’s capital, who are on “direct flights from Italy, or having been in Italy in the past 2 weeks, will be taken straight to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.”
“Italy clearly plays a vital role in the Championship and in the MotoGP class — both on track and off,” organizers said. “Therefore the decision has been taken to cancel premier class competition.”“Italy clearly plays a vital role in the Championship and in the MotoGP class — both on track and off,” organizers said. “Therefore the decision has been taken to cancel premier class competition.”
The airlines’ suspensions came as President Trump on Saturday announced elevated restrictions on foreign travel to the parts of Italy most affected by the virus.The airlines’ suspensions came as President Trump on Saturday announced elevated restrictions on foreign travel to the parts of Italy most affected by the virus.
Delta said it planned to resume flights between Milan and New York in early May, and American said its flights would resume on April 25. The airlines said travelers affected by the suspensions could rebook their flights after service began again, or could get a refund.Delta said it planned to resume flights between Milan and New York in early May, and American said its flights would resume on April 25. The airlines said travelers affected by the suspensions could rebook their flights after service began again, or could get a refund.
After weeks of stalled testing for the coronavirus, the United States now has enough diagnostic kits to test 75,000 people, with more on the way, Alex M. Azar II, the health and human services secretary, said Sunday.After weeks of stalled testing for the coronavirus, the United States now has enough diagnostic kits to test 75,000 people, with more on the way, Alex M. Azar II, the health and human services secretary, said Sunday.
“Within the next week or two, we’ll have a radical expansion even beyond that of the testing that’s available,” he said on Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” one of several appearances by Mr. Azar and Vice President Mike Pence on the Sunday morning news shows.“Within the next week or two, we’ll have a radical expansion even beyond that of the testing that’s available,” he said on Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” one of several appearances by Mr. Azar and Vice President Mike Pence on the Sunday morning news shows.
The administration has faced widespread criticism for a slow and scattered delivery of testing materials to states, where only 12 labs are capable of diagnosing the virus.The administration has faced widespread criticism for a slow and scattered delivery of testing materials to states, where only 12 labs are capable of diagnosing the virus.
Mr. Pence, who was appointed Wednesday to lead the Trump administration’s response to a possible outbreak of the virus, said on Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” that federal health agencies were working with a “commercial provider” to send out another 50,000 kits soon. He sought to defend the White House’s handling of the response, saying he was “more confident than ever that we are bringing the whole-of-government approach.”Mr. Pence, who was appointed Wednesday to lead the Trump administration’s response to a possible outbreak of the virus, said on Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” that federal health agencies were working with a “commercial provider” to send out another 50,000 kits soon. He sought to defend the White House’s handling of the response, saying he was “more confident than ever that we are bringing the whole-of-government approach.”
Strict federal standards for testing possible new cases have also delayed testing. Doctors in California, where one new and unexplained case of the virus appeared last week, said that they could not test that patient for almost a week because of the federal criteria, which include displaying symptoms after recent travel to China.Strict federal standards for testing possible new cases have also delayed testing. Doctors in California, where one new and unexplained case of the virus appeared last week, said that they could not test that patient for almost a week because of the federal criteria, which include displaying symptoms after recent travel to China.
Frustrated with the pace of testing, Hawaii last week began working to buy test kits from Japan, and officials in New York City began working with New York State to independently develop a local test, a spokeswoman for Mayor Bill de Blasio said.Frustrated with the pace of testing, Hawaii last week began working to buy test kits from Japan, and officials in New York City began working with New York State to independently develop a local test, a spokeswoman for Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
Officials from the city of Seoul, South Korea, on Sunday asked prosecutors to investigate the founder of a church at the center of the country’s coronavirus outbreak and other top leaders of the sect on murder and other criminal charges.Officials from the city of Seoul, South Korea, on Sunday asked prosecutors to investigate the founder of a church at the center of the country’s coronavirus outbreak and other top leaders of the sect on murder and other criminal charges.
Officials believe that the church has contributed to the country’s rising death toll from the virus — which reached 18 as of Sunday — by failing to provide disease-control officials with an accurate list of church members and by interfering with the government’s efforts to fight the outbreak.Officials believe that the church has contributed to the country’s rising death toll from the virus — which reached 18 as of Sunday — by failing to provide disease-control officials with an accurate list of church members and by interfering with the government’s efforts to fight the outbreak.
In a Facebook post, Mayor Park Won-soon of Seoul said the church’s behavior was tantamount to “murder through to willful negligence.”In a Facebook post, Mayor Park Won-soon of Seoul said the church’s behavior was tantamount to “murder through to willful negligence.”
Officials say that nearly 60 percent of the 3,736 confirmed cases in South Korea are in members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus in the southeastern city of Daegu or people who came into contact with them.Officials say that nearly 60 percent of the 3,736 confirmed cases in South Korea are in members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus in the southeastern city of Daegu or people who came into contact with them.
Prosecutors have yet to decide whether to begin a formal investigation into the founder, Lee Man-hee, and other sect leaders.Prosecutors have yet to decide whether to begin a formal investigation into the founder, Lee Man-hee, and other sect leaders.
Shincheonji officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday. The church has said it was fully cooperating with the government, calling itself the victim of a “witch hunt.”Shincheonji officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday. The church has said it was fully cooperating with the government, calling itself the victim of a “witch hunt.”
South Korean officials also said on Sunday that some church members had visited the Chinese city of Wuhan in January. The global outbreak is believed to have begun in a seafood and poultry market in Wuhan.South Korean officials also said on Sunday that some church members had visited the Chinese city of Wuhan in January. The global outbreak is believed to have begun in a seafood and poultry market in Wuhan.
Officials in South Korea have been trying to figure out how the virus reached the congregation. The church has acknowledged having members in Wuhan, but it said none of them had visited South Korea since December.Officials in South Korea have been trying to figure out how the virus reached the congregation. The church has acknowledged having members in Wuhan, but it said none of them had visited South Korea since December.
A Japanese official said on Sunday that all of the passengers and crew members from the Diamond Princess cruise ship who spent more than two weeks quarantined onboard had been cleared of the coronavirus, but a man who was a passenger on the ship has become the first in Australia to die of the virus.A Japanese official said on Sunday that all of the passengers and crew members from the Diamond Princess cruise ship who spent more than two weeks quarantined onboard had been cleared of the coronavirus, but a man who was a passenger on the ship has become the first in Australia to die of the virus.
The cruise ship, on which hundreds of Americans were passengers, represents the largest concentration of coronavirus cases outside China, with several hundred infections.The cruise ship, on which hundreds of Americans were passengers, represents the largest concentration of coronavirus cases outside China, with several hundred infections.
Japan’s health minister, Katsunobu Kato, said in a press briefing on Sunday that 238 crew members would be quarantined for 14 days at a government facility in Saitama Prefecture outside Tokyo.Japan’s health minister, Katsunobu Kato, said in a press briefing on Sunday that 238 crew members would be quarantined for 14 days at a government facility in Saitama Prefecture outside Tokyo.
The ministry says that 149 crew members contracted the virus onboard the ship. Hundreds of other crew members have been evacuated to their home countries.The ministry says that 149 crew members contracted the virus onboard the ship. Hundreds of other crew members have been evacuated to their home countries.
The health minister also confirmed that an eighth public official who worked onboard the cruise ship during the quarantine had tested positive on Friday.The health minister also confirmed that an eighth public official who worked onboard the cruise ship during the quarantine had tested positive on Friday.
Early Sunday, a 78-year-old man who had been a passenger on the Diamond Princess died of the coronavirus at a hospital in Perth, Australia, the first known death from the illness in that country, officials said.Early Sunday, a 78-year-old man who had been a passenger on the Diamond Princess died of the coronavirus at a hospital in Perth, Australia, the first known death from the illness in that country, officials said.
The man’s wife, who had also been on the cruise ship and was later discovered to have the virus, was in stable condition, said Andrew Robertson, the chief health officer at the Western Australia Department of Health.The man’s wife, who had also been on the cruise ship and was later discovered to have the virus, was in stable condition, said Andrew Robertson, the chief health officer at the Western Australia Department of Health.
Australia has reported 25 confirmed cases of the virus, nine of which were associated with the Diamond Princess. Fifteen of these patients have recovered.Australia has reported 25 confirmed cases of the virus, nine of which were associated with the Diamond Princess. Fifteen of these patients have recovered.
“We still need to make the point very clear that there isn’t community spread within Australia,” Mr. Robertson said. “This very tragic case is still related to the Diamond Princess.”“We still need to make the point very clear that there isn’t community spread within Australia,” Mr. Robertson said. “This very tragic case is still related to the Diamond Princess.”
“The public shouldn’t be panicking at this stage,” he said.“The public shouldn’t be panicking at this stage,” he said.
Iran, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East, said on Sunday that 385 new cases had been detected in the country this weekend, raising its total number of officially confirmed cases to 987, state news media reported.Iran, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East, said on Sunday that 385 new cases had been detected in the country this weekend, raising its total number of officially confirmed cases to 987, state news media reported.
The continued rise in infections has prompted the United States to ban all travel to Iran and bar entry to foreign citizens who have visited Iran in the past 14 days.The continued rise in infections has prompted the United States to ban all travel to Iran and bar entry to foreign citizens who have visited Iran in the past 14 days.
An Iranian health ministry spokesman, Kianoush Jahanpur, said on Sunday that the country’s death toll from the virus had risen to 54, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported.An Iranian health ministry spokesman, Kianoush Jahanpur, said on Sunday that the country’s death toll from the virus had risen to 54, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported.
Iran has temporarily closed schools and universities and canceled public events like concerts in an effort to curtail the virus’s spread. But secrecy and confusion over the outbreak in the country have fueled suspicions that its number of cases is far higher than officially acknowledged.Iran has temporarily closed schools and universities and canceled public events like concerts in an effort to curtail the virus’s spread. But secrecy and confusion over the outbreak in the country have fueled suspicions that its number of cases is far higher than officially acknowledged.
In neighboring Iraq, the government grappled with how tightly to shut down daily life as some international flights were suspended.In neighboring Iraq, the government grappled with how tightly to shut down daily life as some international flights were suspended.
Turkish Airlines on Sunday suspended flights to and from Iraq, saying initially that the suspension was for 24 hours but later suggesting that it could last at least three or four days.Turkish Airlines on Sunday suspended flights to and from Iraq, saying initially that the suspension was for 24 hours but later suggesting that it could last at least three or four days.
The suspension of flights came as something of a surprise in Iraq, since the country has relatively few coronavirus cases, with 19 confirmed by the Health Ministry on Sunday. Yet despite the presence of health teams at all of the country’s airports, and the use of masks by all passport control officers as of Saturday, a day earlier hardly any were wearing masks, according to Jawad al Musawi, an orthopedist and member of Parliament.The suspension of flights came as something of a surprise in Iraq, since the country has relatively few coronavirus cases, with 19 confirmed by the Health Ministry on Sunday. Yet despite the presence of health teams at all of the country’s airports, and the use of masks by all passport control officers as of Saturday, a day earlier hardly any were wearing masks, according to Jawad al Musawi, an orthopedist and member of Parliament.
Efforts to shut down gathering places such as cafes have proved difficult, but on Sunday the government closed or partly closed many ministries, focusing on those that have extensive contact with the public. The government said the ministry closings would last at least a week.Efforts to shut down gathering places such as cafes have proved difficult, but on Sunday the government closed or partly closed many ministries, focusing on those that have extensive contact with the public. The government said the ministry closings would last at least a week.
President Trump’s greatest strength with voters has been his stewardship of the economy.President Trump’s greatest strength with voters has been his stewardship of the economy.
But after the effects of the coronavirus dealt stock markets their worst week since 2008, Democratic presidential candidates opened a new line of attack. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York have revamped their stump speeches to portray themselves as the type of president the United States needs to endure a potential economic and public health crisis.But after the effects of the coronavirus dealt stock markets their worst week since 2008, Democratic presidential candidates opened a new line of attack. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York have revamped their stump speeches to portray themselves as the type of president the United States needs to endure a potential economic and public health crisis.
Mr. Bloomberg will deliver a three-minute recorded address on the coronavirus outbreak in an ad on network television Sunday night, according to his presidential campaign.Mr. Bloomberg will deliver a three-minute recorded address on the coronavirus outbreak in an ad on network television Sunday night, according to his presidential campaign.
It was not immediately clear how much of Mr. Bloomberg’s personal fortune he spent on the elevated platform. The ad is set to air around 8:30 p.m. Eastern on CBS and NBC, and media executives estimated that it could cost the campaign $1.25 million to $3 million, depending on whether the networks charged a premium for a last-minute purchase.It was not immediately clear how much of Mr. Bloomberg’s personal fortune he spent on the elevated platform. The ad is set to air around 8:30 p.m. Eastern on CBS and NBC, and media executives estimated that it could cost the campaign $1.25 million to $3 million, depending on whether the networks charged a premium for a last-minute purchase.
Before its scheduled airing, the Bloomberg campaign released the video of his remarks, pitching it as an “unprecedented candidate address.”Before its scheduled airing, the Bloomberg campaign released the video of his remarks, pitching it as an “unprecedented candidate address.”
“The public wants to know their leader is trained, informed and respected,” he says. “When a problem arises, they want someone in charge who can marshal facts and expertise to confront the problem.”“The public wants to know their leader is trained, informed and respected,” he says. “When a problem arises, they want someone in charge who can marshal facts and expertise to confront the problem.”
China’s initial response to the coronavirus epidemic was marred by policy stumbles that fueled public anger, the nation’s leader, Xi Jinping, said in published speech excerpts that laid out his ideas for strengthening the country’s defenses against such outbreaks.China’s initial response to the coronavirus epidemic was marred by policy stumbles that fueled public anger, the nation’s leader, Xi Jinping, said in published speech excerpts that laid out his ideas for strengthening the country’s defenses against such outbreaks.
Mr. Xi’s comments, drawn from two internal speeches that he made in February, were published on Saturday in Qiushi, or “Seeking Truth,” the ruling Communist Party’s leading journal. They seemed intended to highlight the policy and legal changes that Mr. Xi intends to push to confront the epidemic.Mr. Xi’s comments, drawn from two internal speeches that he made in February, were published on Saturday in Qiushi, or “Seeking Truth,” the ruling Communist Party’s leading journal. They seemed intended to highlight the policy and legal changes that Mr. Xi intends to push to confront the epidemic.
Those include banning the trade in wildlife that scientists believe may have let the coronavirus jump from animals into the human population; more effective monitoring of potential epidemics; and stronger coordination to direct emergency medical supplies when an outbreak happens.Those include banning the trade in wildlife that scientists believe may have let the coronavirus jump from animals into the human population; more effective monitoring of potential epidemics; and stronger coordination to direct emergency medical supplies when an outbreak happens.
While praising the Chinese government’s response to the crisis, Mr. Xi also acknowledged problems, using blunter language than he had in previous public comments on the epidemic.While praising the Chinese government’s response to the crisis, Mr. Xi also acknowledged problems, using blunter language than he had in previous public comments on the epidemic.
“Some localities and departments were at a loss in how to react to this sudden epidemic,” Mr. Xi said. “Some protective measures went through abrupt changes, and in some areas there was even lawless and criminal conduct that seriously impeded containing the epidemic, and there was public dissatisfaction about this.”“Some localities and departments were at a loss in how to react to this sudden epidemic,” Mr. Xi said. “Some protective measures went through abrupt changes, and in some areas there was even lawless and criminal conduct that seriously impeded containing the epidemic, and there was public dissatisfaction about this.”
Mr. Xi did not elaborate on what he meant by criminal conduct. Chinese news media outlets have reported cases of officials neglecting stricken families, as well as crude, unhygienic efforts to transfer patients.Mr. Xi did not elaborate on what he meant by criminal conduct. Chinese news media outlets have reported cases of officials neglecting stricken families, as well as crude, unhygienic efforts to transfer patients.
One notable thing was what Mr. Xi did not say.One notable thing was what Mr. Xi did not say.
Many Chinese people, including health experts, have said that the epidemic illustrated the risks to public health created by official censorship, which early in the epidemic led to doctors being silenced by the authorities after they discussed the outbreak with colleagues. One of those doctors, Li Wenliang, himself died from the virus, making him into a martyr-like symbol of the costs of speaking out.Many Chinese people, including health experts, have said that the epidemic illustrated the risks to public health created by official censorship, which early in the epidemic led to doctors being silenced by the authorities after they discussed the outbreak with colleagues. One of those doctors, Li Wenliang, himself died from the virus, making him into a martyr-like symbol of the costs of speaking out.
But Mr. Xi gave no indication that loosening censorship was on his agenda. The government, he said, would continue to crack down on “concocting and spreading rumors” — the accusation that the police in Wuhan leveled against Dr. Li.But Mr. Xi gave no indication that loosening censorship was on his agenda. The government, he said, would continue to crack down on “concocting and spreading rumors” — the accusation that the police in Wuhan leveled against Dr. Li.
Reporting was contributed by Sheri Fink, Choe Sang-hun, Motoko Rich, Knvul Sheikh, Alissa J. Rubin, Mike Baker, Michael Crowley, Keith Bradsher, Raymond Zhong, Iliana Magra, Tess Felder, Norimitsu Onishi, Noah Weiland, Mihir Zaveri, Mitch Smith and Aimee Ortiz.Reporting was contributed by Sheri Fink, Choe Sang-hun, Motoko Rich, Knvul Sheikh, Alissa J. Rubin, Mike Baker, Michael Crowley, Keith Bradsher, Raymond Zhong, Iliana Magra, Tess Felder, Norimitsu Onishi, Noah Weiland, Mihir Zaveri, Mitch Smith and Aimee Ortiz.