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Coronavirus Live Updates: 2 Health Care Workers in California Test Positive Coronavirus Live Updates: 2 Health Care Workers in California Test Positive
(31 minutes later)
Two health care workers in the San Francisco Bay Area tested positive for the coronavirus after they were exposed to a patient now being treated for the virus at a hospital in Sacramento, the authorities said on Sunday.Two health care workers in the San Francisco Bay Area tested positive for the coronavirus after they were exposed to a patient now being treated for the virus at a hospital in Sacramento, the authorities said on Sunday.
The workers’ conditions were not immediately available, but public health officials in Alameda County and Solano County said in a news release that the workers were isolated in their homes.The workers’ conditions were not immediately available, but public health officials in Alameda County and Solano County said in a news release that the workers were isolated in their homes.
The news came after new cases were reported in both Washington State and Rhode Island, bringing the total across the United States to at least 75. Alex M. Azar II, the health and human services secretary, said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” on Sunday that the government planned a “radical expansion” in testing capacity.The news came after new cases were reported in both Washington State and Rhode Island, bringing the total across the United States to at least 75. Alex M. Azar II, the health and human services secretary, said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” on Sunday that the government planned a “radical expansion” in testing capacity.
Globally, the number of infections has risen to more than 88,000. China reported an additional 202 infections and 42 deaths from the virus, bringing its total number of confirmed infections to 80,026 and total of deaths from the virus to 2,912.
In Washington, two new patients in King County, both men in their 60s, were in critical condition, officials said. The state became the site of the country’s first coronavirus death on Saturday.In Washington, two new patients in King County, both men in their 60s, were in critical condition, officials said. The state became the site of the country’s first coronavirus death on Saturday.
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.
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.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.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.]
Two Amazon employees in Europe have contracted the coronavirus, the company said, and other tech firms have begun taking more drastic measures to prevent their employees around the world from being affected by the outbreak.Two Amazon employees in Europe have contracted the coronavirus, the company said, and other tech firms have begun taking more drastic measures to prevent their employees around the world from being affected by the outbreak.
On Sunday, Amazon spokesman Drew Herdener said that the internet retailer was “supporting the affected employees, who were in Milan and are now in quarantine.” He added that Amazon, which is based in Seattle, did not know of any employees in the United States who had become sick.On Sunday, Amazon spokesman Drew Herdener said that the internet retailer was “supporting the affected employees, who were in Milan and are now in quarantine.” He added that Amazon, which is based in Seattle, did not know of any employees in the United States who had become sick.
Late last week, Amazon, the second largest private employer in the United States, indefinitely halted all travel, including trips within the U.S. Any employee looking to book critical travel must get approval from a vice president, and recruiters were told that all hiring interviews were to be done by video conference. The company also told employees to refrain from scheduling meetings that required flights until at least the end of April. Late last week, Amazon, the second largest private employer in the United States, indefinitely halted all nonessential travel, including trips within the U.S. Any employee looking to book critical travel must get approval from a vice president, and recruiters were told that many hiring interviews were to be done by video conference. The company also told employees to refrain from scheduling meetings that required flights until at least the end of April.
Other tech firms are also working to secure their offices while minimizing the potential for the spread of the virus. Facebook has advised employees to reach out if they feel ill and to feel free to work from home, according to two company employees familiar with the company’s plans. Over the weekend, the company also said in an internal memo that it would no longer allow social visits from non-employees at any of its global offices.Other tech firms are also working to secure their offices while minimizing the potential for the spread of the virus. Facebook has advised employees to reach out if they feel ill and to feel free to work from home, according to two company employees familiar with the company’s plans. Over the weekend, the company also said in an internal memo that it would no longer allow social visits from non-employees at any of its global offices.
And on Sunday, Twitter said in a blog post that it would also restrict all nonessential business travel for its employees and partners.And on Sunday, Twitter said in a blog post that it would also restrict all nonessential business travel for its employees and partners.
The coronavirus continued to spread around the world on Sunday.The coronavirus continued to spread around the world on Sunday.
Ecuador’s health ministry said it had six confirmed cases of coronavirus, with one person in critical condition. All are part of the same family, the authorities said. The five noncritical patients were in home isolation “as a protective measure” and under observation, Catalina Andramuño Zeballos, the country’s health minister, said in a news conference.Ecuador’s health ministry said it had six confirmed cases of coronavirus, with one person in critical condition. All are part of the same family, the authorities said. The five noncritical patients were in home isolation “as a protective measure” and under observation, Catalina Andramuño Zeballos, the country’s health minister, said in a news conference.
Scotland said one person had tested positive out of some 700 people tested.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.“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.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.
The coronavirus and the flu are often compared these days. But what are their basic similarities and differences?The coronavirus and the flu are often compared these days. But what are their basic similarities and differences?
Updated Feb. 26, 2020
So far, the coronavirus seems to be deadlier. On average, the seasonal flu strain kills about 0.1 percent of people who become infected. Early estimates of the death rate in the coronavirus outbreak’s epicenter in Wuhan, China, have been around 2 percent, though at least one medical journal claims it’s as low as 1.4 percent.So far, the coronavirus seems to be deadlier. On average, the seasonal flu strain kills about 0.1 percent of people who become infected. Early estimates of the death rate in the coronavirus outbreak’s epicenter in Wuhan, China, have been around 2 percent, though at least one medical journal claims it’s as low as 1.4 percent.
Updated Feb. 26, 2020
The rate could fall if it turns out that many cases aren’t detected because they are so mild or even symptom-free.The rate could fall if it turns out that many cases aren’t detected because they are so mild or even symptom-free.
As with influenza, the coronavirus is most dangerous to people over the age of 65, or who have chronic illness or a weak immune system.As with influenza, the coronavirus is most dangerous to people over the age of 65, or who have chronic illness or a weak immune system.
And so far, the flu has sickened more people than the coronavirus. In the United States, there have been 32 million cases of flu, several hundred thousands hospitalizations and 18,000 deaths, according to the C.D.C. By contrast, fewer than 70 people in the United States have been infected with the new coronavirus, and there has been one death, which was reported on Saturday.And so far, the flu has sickened more people than the coronavirus. In the United States, there have been 32 million cases of flu, several hundred thousands hospitalizations and 18,000 deaths, according to the C.D.C. By contrast, fewer than 70 people in the United States have been infected with the new coronavirus, and there has been one death, which was reported on Saturday.
One area where the two ailments diverge is treatment. There is no approved antiviral drug for the coronavirus, but several are being tested. For those infected with any viral illness, doctors recommend rest, medicine to reduce pain and fever, and fluids to avoid dehydration. For the flu, doctors can offer four prescription medicines and they tend to work best within a day or two of when symptoms start.One area where the two ailments diverge is treatment. There is no approved antiviral drug for the coronavirus, but several are being tested. For those infected with any viral illness, doctors recommend rest, medicine to reduce pain and fever, and fluids to avoid dehydration. For the flu, doctors can offer four prescription medicines and they tend to work best within a day or two of when symptoms start.
There are no coronavirus vaccinations available, but one may be available in a year or two. Flu vaccines are widely available and generally 40 percent to 60 percent effective.There are no coronavirus vaccinations available, but one may be available in a year or two. Flu vaccines are widely available and generally 40 percent to 60 percent effective.
The coronavirus has yet to arrive in New York City, but it looms in the back of the minds of many residents.
Some pharmacies are seeing huge queues of customers buying hand sanitizers and face masks. One newsstand owner is cleaning his hands obsessively with a bowl of warm water that he keeps inside his stall. A bar owner has written to the mayor to see whether the city can offer licenses for takeout cocktails.
On Sunday, New York City’s health department said that two more people had been tested for the virus and were awaiting results, bringing the total number tested to 11. The nine other tests have come back negative.
New York City officials also said that the Food and Drug Administration had approved their application to develop their own coronavirus test and would soon begin administering it in the city.
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.
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.
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.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.
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.”
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.
The consultant IHS Markit announced on Sunday that it was canceling its annual CERAWeek energy conference — one of the biggest energy conferences in the world.The consultant IHS Markit announced on Sunday that it was canceling its annual CERAWeek energy conference — one of the biggest energy conferences in the world.
The conference had been scheduled for the week of March 9. Energy executives and experts from over 80 countries had been expected to attend.The conference had been scheduled for the week of March 9. Energy executives and experts from over 80 countries had been expected to attend.
“Our number one concern is the health and safety of delegates and speakers, our partners, our colleagues and vendors,” IHS Markit said in a statement. “We have spent the last several weeks focused on this question, established a medical partnership with Houston Methodist Hospital, have been in continuing dialogue with experts on infectious disease, and established an extensive protocol. But the spread of COVID-19 is moving quickly around the world.”“Our number one concern is the health and safety of delegates and speakers, our partners, our colleagues and vendors,” IHS Markit said in a statement. “We have spent the last several weeks focused on this question, established a medical partnership with Houston Methodist Hospital, have been in continuing dialogue with experts on infectious disease, and established an extensive protocol. But the spread of COVID-19 is moving quickly around the world.”
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.“We still need to make the point very clear that there isn’t community spread within Australia,” Mr. Robertson 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.
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.“The public wants to know their leader is trained, informed and respected,” he says.
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, Aimee Ortiz and Clifford Krauss. 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, Aimee Ortiz, Clifford Krauss, Julie Turkewitz, Mike Isaac, Karen Weise and Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura.