Coronavirus: Death Toll in Hubei Surges by 242 in One Day
Catch all the live updates on the coronavirus outbreak here.
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Catch all the updates on the Coronavirus outbreak here.
According to the Indian Mission in Japan, two Indian crew members on board the cruise ship Diamond Princess off Japanese coast have tested positive for coronavirus.
A total of 138 Indians, including passengers and crew, are on board the ship.
The number of fatalities from China's new coronavirus epidemic jumped to 1,113 nationwide on Wednesday, 12 February, after hard-hit Hubei province reported 94 new deaths.
In its daily update, Hubei's health commission also confirmed another 1,638 new cases in the central province, where the outbreak emerged in December, reported AFP.
There are now more than 44,653 confirmed cases across China, based on previously released figures from the government.
On Tuesday, the World Health Organisation said “Covid-19” would be the new official name for the deadly coronavirus that was first identified in China on 31 December.
- The head of the WHO has warned that the novel coronavirus is a “very grave threat” for the world
- The virus is novel, meaning it has never been encountered before in humans
- US has offered $100 million to China and other impacted countries to combat coronavirus
- PM Modi has also offered India’s assistance to China to deal with coronavirus outbreak
Virus Death Toll in Hubei Surges by 242 in One Day: Govt
The number of fatalities and new cases from China's coronavirus outbreak soared on Thursday, with 242 more deaths and nearly 15,000 extra patients in hard-hit Hubei province as authorities changed their threshold for diagnosis, reported PTI.
At least 1,355 people have now died nationwide and nearly 60,000 have been infected after Hubei's health commission reported the new numbers.
In its daily update, Hubei's health commission confirmed another 14,840 new cases in the central province, where the outbreak emerged in December.
WHO Says 'Way Too Early' to Predict End of Novel Coronavirus
The UN health agency on Wednesday cautioned it was "way too early" to say whether COVID-19 might have peaked or when it might end, following a drop in new cases, reported PTI.
"I think it's way too early to try to predict the beginning, the middle or the end of this epidemic right now," Michael Ryan, head of WHO's health emergencies programme, told reporters.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "The number of newly reported cases from China has stabilised in the past week but that has to be interpreted with extreme caution.
"This outbreak could go in any direction," he added.
Chinese Vessel Quarantined in Kolkata
Nineteen Chinese crew of a vessel coming from Shanghai via Singapore was quarantined at Sagar Island near Kolkata. They were allowed to enter Kolkata. The thermal scanning of the crew will again be done on 13 February, reports ANI.
Punjab Govt Cancels Holidays of Key Staff Engaged in Coronavirus Reporting
The Punjab Government issued instructions to cancel the holidays/leaves of all the key staff engaged in the reporting and management for the Coronavirus, reports ANI.
OPEC Chops Global Oil Demand Growth Forecast Over Coronavirus
The OPEC oil cartel on Wednesday lowered its forecast for growth in global oil demand this year by nearly a fifth over the outbreak of the new coronavirus in China.
In its monthly report on the world's oil market, OPEC said it now expects growth in global oil demand of 0.99 million barrels per day (mbd) this year, which is down from 1.22 mbd in its forecast last month.
"The outbreak of the Coronavirus in China during the first half of 2020 is the major factor behind this downward revision," OPEC said.
China's F1 Grand Prix Hangs in Balance Over Virus Fears
The fate of the Chinese Grand Prix is expected to be announced on Thursday as reports said it will not take place as planned on 19 April because of the new coronavirus, reports AFP.
Several British media outlets ran unsourced reports on Wednesday saying the Shanghai race, the fourth of the new season, will be either postponed or cancelled.
Formula One's managing director Ross Brawn said last week that they will look to reschedule the Shanghai race if it does not go ahead in April.
China Welcomes Support From BRICS to Its Efforts to Combat Coronavirus
China on Wednesday welcomed the support extended by the BRICS countries in its efforts to combat the deadly coronavirus epidemic that has brought the country to a virtual standstill, describing it as an epitome of the support Beijing has received from the international community, reports PTI.
Russia, the current chairman of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) on Wednesday issued a statement extending support of the BRICS group to the firm commitment and decisive efforts of the Chinese government to combat the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic.
2 Russians Flee Virus Quarantine, in Dismay at Hospitals
Two Russian women, who were kept in isolation for possible inflection by a new virus, say they fled from their hospitals this month because of uncooperative doctors, poor conditions and fear they would become infected, reports AP.
One patient jumped out of a hospital window to escape her quarantine and another managed to break out by disabling an electronic lock.
Govt Not Taking Coronavirus Threat Seriously: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday alleged that the government is not taking the coronavirus threat seriously and called for timely action to prevent the spread of the virus, reports PTI.
"The coronavirus is an extremely serious threat to our people and our economy. My sense is the government is not taking this threat seriously. Timely action is critical," Gandhi said in a tweet.
DMK Seeks Centre's Help in Securing Release of Indians Onboard Quarantined Ship
DMK president M K Stalin on Wednesday, 12 February, sought the Centre's intervention in securing the release of around 100 Indians, including six from Tamil Nadu, from a cruise ship quarantined in Japan for nearly 10 days over outbreak of novel coronavirus.
A total of 174 confirmed cases have been reported from the ship so far.
Japan Cruise Ship Virus Cases Climb to 174
Another 39 people aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan have tested positive for the new coronavirus, authorities said Wednesday, as thousands more steel themselves for a second week in quarantine, reports AFP.
With 174 confirmed cases, the ship that arrived with over 3,700 passengers and crew has become the largest single cluster of the newly named COVID-19 virus outside its origin in China, where it has killed more than 1,100.
China Virus Death Toll Reaches 1,110: Govt
The number of fatalities from China's new coronavirus epidemic jumped to 1,110 nationwide on Wednesday, 12 February after hard-hit Hubei province reported 94 new deaths.
In its daily update, Hubei's health commission also confirmed another 1,638 new cases in the central province, where the outbreak emerged in December.
There are now more than 44,200 confirmed cases across China, based on previously released figures from the government.
The new virus is believed to have emerged last year in a market that sells wild animals in Hubei's capital Wuhan, the city at the centre of the outbreak.
No Case of Coronavirus Detected in Mizoram: Health Dept
The Mizoram government's Health department on Tuesday said that no case of novel coronavirus has been detected in the state, reports PTI,
Health department principal director Dr F Lallianhlira told PTI that wrong information was circulated in social media that a person, who was suspected to be infected with coronavirus, has been admitted to state's Zoram Medical College (ZMC).
The principal director also said that there was hardly any possibility for the patient to contract novel coronavirus as he arrived from Goa, where the spread of the deadly disease was not known.
No Confirmed Case of Coronavirus in MP so Far; 151 Under Watch
No confirmed case of the novel coronavirus has been found in Madhya Pradesh so far though 151 people have been kept in isolation following their return from China and other countries affected by the deadly pathogen, an official said on Tuesday, reports PTI.
Of these, 145 people have been kept under home isolation, while the rest are in hospitals, the official said.
The state government has set up a call centre for monitoring suspected cases of the novel coronavirus (2019- nCoV) and created isolation wards in different hospitals to treat patients showing symptoms of the viral infection, he said.
Madras HC Directs TN Govt to File Report on Steps to Check Spread of Viruses
The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Tamil Nadu government to file report on the steps taken by it to check the spread of viruses including dengue, reports PTI.
The First Bench comprising Chief Justice AP Sahi and Justice Subramonium Prasad gave the direction on PIL by advocate AP Suryaprakasam.
The PIL was already filed seeking a direction to the state government to appoint an expert committee of health and other experts in the field of public safety and communicable diseases to ascertain the efficacy/adequacy of the measures taken by authorities in tackling dengue menace in the state.
Arunachal Strengthens Surveillance Across State
The Arunachal Pradesh government has strengthened surveillance in all districts of the state in the wake of the outbreak of novel coronavirus in neighbouring China, a government official said on Tuesday, reports PTI.
A 24x7 state control room has been set up at the state surveillance unit (SSU), state surveillance officer L Jampa informed.
However, the state health and family welfare ministry has said that no passenger from the state have been identified to have travelled to and from China or other coronavirus affected countries till date, Jampa said.
China Tightens Movement Restrictions in Locked-Down Wuhan
China tightened restrictions at the locked-down epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak on Tuesday, 11 February, forbidding feverish people in Wuhan from visiting hospitals outside of their home districts, reports AFP.
In order to "contain the spread of the epidemic", Wuhan residents with fever symptoms are only allowed to seek treatment at designated facilities in the district they live in, the city's health commission said Tuesday.
People diagnosed with pneumonia who require observation must remain at the clinics, or at alternative premises provided by the facilities, the commission said in a notice.
Coronavirus Found in Japan Evacuees Who Initially Tested Negative
Two Japanese citizens evacuated from the epicentre of a novel coronavirus outbreak have been diagnosed with the infection after initially testing negative, the health ministry said on Tuesday, 11 February.
One of the two, a man in his 50s who returned from the Chinese city of Wuhan on the first Japanese evacuation flight on 29 January, previously twice tested negative for the virus.
However, a third test 12 days later found the man -- who has been isolated in his hotel room since his return -- was infected.
According to the World Health Organization, the coronavirus incubation period "could be up to 14 days".
Indian National Infected With Coronavirus in UAE
An Indian national has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus in the UAE, bringing the total number of confirmed infection cases to eight, the country's health ministry has said, according to PTI.
China Removes Two Hubei Leaders as Virus Crisis Deepens
The two most senior health officials at the epicentre of China's deadly virus outbreak have been sacked, state media said on Tuesday, as pressure mounts over the way local authorities have handled the epidemic.
Zhang Jin, the Communist Party boss of the provincial health commission in Hubei, and its director Liu Yingzi have been removed from their positions, AFP reported citing state broadcaster CCTV, after a decision by the province's party committee Monday.
'Use Window of Opportunity to Prevent Bigger fire': WHO Warns Countries on Coronavirus
Expressing concern over instances of coronavirus infection among people with no travel history to China, the head of the World Health Organization has warned that the small number of cases could be the "spark that becomes a bigger fire", urging the countries to use the "window of opportunity" to contain the novel virus that has killed over 1,000 people.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said while the spread of the respiratory disease appeared to be slow, it could accelerate. His remarks have come a day after he warned the overseas coronavirus spread may be "tip of the iceberg", reported PTI.
Death Toll Due to Coronavirus Rises to 1,016
The death toll in China due to the novel coronavirus epidemic has crossed 1,000, while the confirmed cases have gone over 42,000, health officials announced on Tuesday.
As many as 108 deaths were reported on Monday and 2,478 new cases of the lethal disease were confirmed, the National Health Commission said in its daily report.
The death toll due to nCoV rose to 1,016 and the confirmed cases have gone up to 42,638, according to the commission.
China Coronavirus Death Toll Passes 1,000: Govt
The number of fatalities from China's new-coronavirus epidemic jumped to 1,011 nationwide on Tuesday after hard-hit Hubei province reported 103 new deaths, reported PTI.
In its daily update, Hubei's health commission also confirmed another 2,097 new cases in the central province, where the outbreak emerged in December.
Trump Expects Coronavirus Crisis to 'Go Away' in April
US President Donald Trump on Monday, 10 February said that he expects the coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 900 people to disappear in April due to hotter weather, reported PTI quoting AFP.
"The virus, typically that will go away in April," he told reporters at the White House, adding: "The heat, generally speaking, kills this kind of virus." The SARS-like pathogen has infected 40,000 people since its emergence in China late last year, while the United States has seen 12 confirmed cases of varying severity.
Trump praised China -- and its leader Xi Jinping -- for the Asian giant's efforts in containing the spread.
Govt Aims to Stock up 50,000 Personal Protection Equipment for Medical Staff
The Union Health Ministry has decided to stock up at least 50,000 personal protection equipment (PPE) kits for doctors and other medical staff treating the patients, reports PTI.
The move assumes significance as there could be a spurt in the demand for PPE, which includes disposable clothing, boots, masks and gloves, in case India witnesses an outbreak of the deadly coronavirus that has claimed more than 900 lives in China.
Evacuation of Indians From Virus-Hit Wuhan a Logistical Nightmare: Indian Envoy
India's efforts to evacuate its citizens from the coronavirus-epicentre Hubei province and its capital Wuhan were a logistical nightmare since the entire operation had to be done in a region sealed from all sides, Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Misri said on Monday, 10 January, reports PTI.
“It was a logistical nightmare as data had to be collected about Indians stranded in the virus-hit areas while many left for home for the Chinese New Year holidays,” he told PTI here.
EU Calls Emergency Talks on New Coronavirus
The European Union will host an extraordinary meeting of health ministers on Thursday, 13 February along with a WHO envoy, to discuss the novel coronavirus outbreak, reports AFP.
So far, only around 30 cases of the new strain have been detected in Europe, but the World Health Organisation warns that cases outside China could accelerate.
The EU ministers will discuss ways to prevent the virus' spread and "adopt conclusions in relation to the EU response to the novel coronavirus outbreak".
China Praises PM Modi's Letter to Xi on Coronavirus Assistance
China on Monday, 10 February appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter to President Xi Jinping offering solidarity and assistance to deal with the deadly coronavirus outbreak, saying it "fully demonstrated" New Delhi's friendship with Beijing.
In a letter to Xi, Modi expressed solidarity with the president and people of China over the outbreak of the virus that has claimed over 900 lives in the neighbouring country.
"We thank and appreciate India's support for China's fight against the NCP Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia, the official name for coronavirus," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.
About 60 More Coronavirus Cases on Japan Cruise Ship
Around 60 more people aboard the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship moored off Japan have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus, national broadcaster NHK said Monday, bringing the total number of infected to about 130.
Other local media also reported the new cases, but health ministry officials declined to comment.
Coronavirus Death Toll Rises to 908 in China
The death toll in China due to novel coronavirus epidemic has gone up to 908 and the number of confirmed cases rose over 40,000, reported PTI quoting Chinese health officials.
There were 97 deaths and 3,062 new confirmed cases of the lethal infection on Sunday, China's National Health Commission said.
Ninety-one deaths were in Hubei province, the epicentre of the epidemic, two in Anhui, and one each in Heilongjiang, Jiangxi, Hainan and Gansu, according to the commission.
A total of 908 people have died of the disease and 40,171 confirmed cases of the outbreak were reported in 31 provincial-level regions so far, it said.
China Virus Deaths Jump to 902: Official
The number of deaths from China's new coronavirus epidemic jumped to 902 on Monday after the hardest-hit province of Hubei reported 91 new fatalities, reported PTI.
In its daily update, Hubei's health commission also confirmed another 2,618 new cases in the central province, where the outbreak emerged in December.
There are now more than 39,800 confirmed cases across China, based on previously released figures from the government.
Thousands From Cruise Ship in Hong Kong Freed After Virus Tests
Thousands of people stranded aboard a cruise ship in Hong Kong for five days were allowed to disembark on Sunday, 9 February after its 1,800 crew tested negative for the deadly new coronavirus, reported PTI.
Health authorities in the semi-autonomous Asian financial hub said the crew and a similar number of passengers had been released from a quarantine imposed because of fears some staff could have contracted the deadly virus on a previous voyage and passed it on.
Two Arrested for Spreading Misinformation on Coronavirus in Kerala
Two people, on Sunday, 9 Februray were arrested for spreading misinformation on Coronavirus today. Arrested persons have been identified as Bipesh and Pradosh, hailing from the city. The case registered, investigation underway.
151 People Screened Across Airports in Assam
A total of 151 people were screened for novel coronavirus across different airports in Assam, while 56 persons travelling from abroad were kept under home isolation, an official release said on Sunday, 9 February.
31 of 36 Quarantined in Maha Test Negative, Five Others' Reports Awaited
Thirty one persons, out of the total 36 quarantined in Maharashtra since 18 January for possible exposure to novel coronavirus, have tested negative for the infection, while the test results of five others are awaited, the state Health Department said on Sunday, 9 February.
No Fresh Symptoms of 406 People Housed at ITBP Facility
406 people housed at the quarantine facility of ITBP are being looked after with due medical protocol and seven people shifted to Safdarjung Hospital last week are back at the ITBP facility, ANI reported on Sunday, 9 February. Teams from the Health Ministry are visiting facility routinely and taking stock of the situation.
Their sampling has been done and sent for a lab test. Their samples were found negative earlier and no fresh symptoms have been seen today.
Bangladesh Scraps Plans to Bring Back Stuck 171 Nationals From Coronavirus-Hit China
Bangladesh has scrapped plans to bring back its 171 nationals stuck in coronavirus-hit China after it failed to arrange a flight following refusal from crew members to fly to the affected country, according to media reports on Sunday.
State-run Biman Airlines' Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft on February 1 brought back 312 Bangladeshis, including 12 children and three infants in the wake of the deadly coronavirus outbreak in China, that has claimed 811 lives and infected over 37,000 others.
“We can't send any flight. No crew member agrees to go there either. So, we've told them [stranded Bangladeshis] to wait,” Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen was quoted as saying by bdnews24.com.
Suspected Coronavirus Patient in Odisha Tests Negative
Suspected coronavirus patient in Odisha has tested negative and has been discharged from a state-run hospital in Cuttack, authorities of the medical institution said on Sunday.
Earlier, two medical students admitted to the hospital had also tested negative, they said.
The remaining patient, who was admitted to the coronavirus isolation special ward of the SCB Medical College and Hospital, was discharged on Saturday after reports from Pune's National Institute of Virology verified he was not infected, hospital authorities said.
The person, who hails from Jagatsinghpur district, is an engineer working with a Beijing-based firm and had recently visited Hong Kong, they said.
He was admitted to the hospital after he showed symptoms of novel coronavirus, the authorities said.
Coronavirus Death Toll in China Climbs to 811
The death toll in China due to novel coronavirus epidemic rose to 811, while the confirmed cases jumped to over 37,000, the National Health Commission announced on Sunday, 9 February.
According to AP, coronavirus has now surpassed the number of fatalities in the 2002-2003 SARS pandemic, as authorities enforce ever-stricter measures to curb the further spread.
Eighty-nine deaths were reported on Saturday and there were 2,656 new confirmed cases of the deadly infection, it said in its daily report.
A total of 811 people have died of the disease so far and 37,198 confirmed cases have been reported in 31 provincial-level regions, according to the commission.
Among the 89 deaths, 81 were from Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak, two in Henan, and one each in Hebei, Heilongjiang, Anhui, Shandong, Hunan and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, it said.
On Saturday, 600 people recovered and walked out of the hospitals. This included 324 in Hubei province, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Nepal Donates 1 Lakh Protective Masks to China
Nepal Foreign Ministry stated, “Nepal donates 1 lakh protective masks to China after breakout of Coronavirus,” reported ANI.
Brazilian Plane Evacuates Indian From Wuhan
A Brazilian air force plane has evacuated an Indian from the novel coronavirus-hit Wuhan in China along with a group of Brazilian citizens, diplomatic sources said on Saturday, 8 February.
The Indian has disembarked from the plane in Poland, they said.
Brazil has said that two of its military planes flew to Wuhan, epicentre of the outbreak, to rescue its citizens stuck in the city.
No other detail is available so far about the evacuated Indian citizen. India has evacuated more than 640 of its citizens from Wuhan.
Hong Kong Starts Quarantine for Mainland China Arrivals
Hong Kong on Saturday, 8 February, began enforcing a mandatory two-week quarantine for anyone arriving from mainland China, an escalation of its bid to stop coronavirus from spreading.
The majority of people crossing the border are expected to self-quarantine and will face daily phone calls and spot checks by officials, with up to six months in prison for those found in breach of the isolation period.
Authorities hope the prospect of quarantine will virtually halt cross-border traffic while allowing the city to remain stocked with food and goods from the mainland, where the virus has now killed more than 700 people.
Chinese Man Hospitalized in Pune Tests Negative for Coronavirus
Samples of three persons including a Chinese national who were quarantined in Pune for possible exposure to the novel coronavirus have tested negative, a civic official said on Saturday, 8 February.
The Chinese man, who is 31 years old, was admitted to the civic-run Naidu Hospital upon arrival in the city after he vomited on a Delhi-Pune flight on Friday morning.
He would still have to remain at the hospital till February 11, said Dr Ramchandra Hankare, chief health officer, Pune Municipal Corporation.
Coronavirus: 2 Chinese Nationals Under Observation at Chennai's Stanley Hospital
Two Chinese nationals have been admitted to the Internal Medicine department at Chennai’s Stanley Medical College and Hospital over fears of coronavirus spread.
The two men had arrived in Chennai about two weeks prior and were admitted for observation and monitoring in view of the recent outbreak of the virus.
“Though neither of them were showing any symptoms, they were taken to the hospital in view of the recent outbreak of the virus ... We are currently awaiting their test results which have yet to return. Once the reports are back, if it’s confirmed that they are negative for the virus, we will discharge them soon,” said Dr K Kolandasamy, the state’s Director of Public Health (DPH) to The News Minute.
(Read the full story at: The News Minute)
PM Lee Urges Singaporeans to Stay United in Facing Coronavirus Outbreak
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Saturday, 8 February, urged the people of his country not to panic and remain united as the novel coronavirus outbreak which has claimed over 720 lives continues to wreak havoc in China and abroad.
"We have faced the 2019-nCoV situation for about 2 weeks now. People are understandably anxious & fearful, but there is no need to panic — Singapore has ample supplies. Instead, let us remain united & resolute, stay calm & carry on with our lives," the prime minister said in a tweet.
He advised the Singaporeans to "take courage" and "see through this stressful time together".
15 Kerala Students Stranded in China Reach Kochi; No Coronavirus Symptoms
Fifteen students from the state who returned here from China were allowed to go back to their homes by doctors as none of them had symptoms of the novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection, officials said on Saturday, 8 February.
However, their samples have been collected for detailed lab testing, they said.
Before allowing them to leave the Kalamassery government medical college hospital, doctors advised them to remain home quarantined for 28 days, officials added.
The students, who were stranded in Hubei province of China following the virus outbreak, had landed at the Cochin International Airport on Friday night.
WHO Debates About What to Call Virus
Keen to avoid stigmatising the city of Wuhan, where the outbreak began, or Chinese people, the World Health Organization is debating on the official name of the novel virus, currently using an official temporary name for the disease,"2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease". The date refers to when it was first identified on December 31, 2019 and "nCoV" stands for "novel coronavirus" -- the family of viruses it belongs to.
The final decision on a name is expected within days, decided by WHO and coronavirus experts on the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).
Meanwhile, China announced Saturday, 8 February, that it would temporarily call the disease, which has killed more than 700 people, Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (NCP).
China Turns to AI, Data in Fight Against Coronavirus
Chinese authorities are turning to data tracking and artificial intelligence to control the spread of coronavirus.
Several Chinese tech firms have developed apps to help people check if they have taken the same flight or train as confirmed virus patients, scraping data from lists published by state media.
"Use big data technology to track, screen priority (cases), and effectively forecast the development of the epidemic in real time," China's National Health Commission (NHC) had told local governments in an online statement on Tuesday, 4 February. "Strengthen the information link between... public security and transportation, and other departments," it said, urging them to share train, flight, communication, and medical data.
Three More Coronavirus Cases Found on Japan Cruise Ship
Three more people on a cruise ship off Japan have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the number aboard to 64, the government said Saturday, 8 February, with passengers facing a two-week quarantine.
The latest confirmation came a day after an additional 41 passengers were found to have contracted the virus.
Japanese authorities have so far tested about 280 people on board the Diamond Princess, which was quarantined after a former passenger who disembarked in Hong Kong last month was diagnosed with the virus.
Test results from six more people were released on Saturday, with three of them confirmed infected, the health ministry said.
Stranded Chinese Stay on Bali as Few Take Flight Back to Wuhan
Thousands of Chinese tourists stranded on the Indonesian island of Bali appeared happy to extend their holiday as only a few dozen boarded a repatriation flight on Saturday, 8 February, back to the coronavirus-stricken city of Wuhan, officials said.
As many as 189 seats on the charter flight were offered to around 3,000 Chinese tourists stranded on the island after Indonesia suspended flights to mainland China, according to Bali authorities.
However only 61 people, including 12 children, took up the offer and boarded the China Eastern Airlines flight for Wuhan, the city at the epicentre of the new coronavirus outbreak which has killed more than 700 people in China and spread around the world.
Five British Nationals Test Positive for Coronavirus in France
Five British nationals including a child have tested positive for the new coronavirus in France, the health minister said Saturday, 8 February, adding that they had all been staying at the same ski chalet.
France has now detected a total of 11 cases of the novel coronavirus, and the new "cluster" is centred on a Briton who had returned from Singapore and stayed in Contamines-Montjoie, near Mont Blanc in the French Alps, Health Minister Agnes Buzyn said.
Authorities are now seeking to contact people who came into close contact with the initially infected Briton, she said.
Malaysian Hindus Defy Virus Fears to Mark Festival at Batu Caves
Hindus gathered in temples across Malaysia on Saturday to celebrate the annual Thaipusam festival, with many piercing their bodies with hooks and skewers, despite concerns about the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
Massive crowds descended on the Batu Caves temple complex on the outskirts of capital Kuala Lumpur to participate in the event, where Hindus showcase their devotion to the deity Lord Murugan.
The crowd at the Batu Caves looked as big as in previous years despite worries about the new virus, and only a handful were wearing protective masks. Malaysia has so far reported 16 cases, mostly in visiting Chinese nationals.
Three Suspected Cases of Coronavirus in Karnataka's Udupi, Patients Kept in Isolation
Three people from Karnataka’s Udupi have been kept in the isolation ward of the district government hospital on suspicion of coronavirus infection after being admitted on Friday, 7 February.
The three persons were kept in the isolation ward after being admitted to the Ajjarkad Government Hospital late on Friday night. Udupi DHO Dr Sudhir Chandra Suda said that a family residing in Mandarthi had recently visited China but not Wuhan. When the father and his daughter aged 12 caught a cold and cough, they approached the hospital.
Panic Buying Hits Singapore After Virus Alert Raised in Singapore
Anxious Singapore shoppers formed long lines at grocery stores on Saturday, 8 February, and cleared the shelves of essential items, after the city-state raised its alert level over China's coronavirus outbreak.
Singapore, which has reported 33 cases, raised its alert level on Friday, 7 February, to "orange," the same as during the deadly 2003 SARS outbreak, indicating the virus is severe and passes easily between people.
The announcement triggered panic in the city-state of 5.7 million starting late Friday, with shoppers -- many wearing masks -- rushing to stock up on items including rice, noodles and toilet paper. Pictures on social media showed empty shelves in stores, carts filled with goods and long lines at counters.
Latest Coronavirus Figures: More Than 34,800 People Infected Globally
On Saturday, 8 February, global health authorities in Beijing reported the latest figures about coronavirus cases. China has had 722 deaths and 34,546 confirmed cases on the mainland. In addition, Hong Kong has had 25 cases, including one death. Macao has had 10 cases.
Most of the deaths have been in central Hubei province, where illnesses from the new type of coronavirus were first detected in December.
Japan with 89 cases, Singapore with 33, Thailand with 32 and 24 cases in South Korea are among the countries that have been affected the most.
Japanese With Suspected Coronavirus Infection Dies in China
A Japanese man with a suspected coronavirus infection has died in hospital in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the Japanese foreign ministry said Saturday, 8 February.
The man in his 60s had been hospitalised due to severe pneumonia and the hospital reported his death to the Japanese embassy in China, the ministry said in a statement.
Chinese medical authorities said the man was highly likely to have been infected with the new coronavirus but "it is difficult to make a definitive judgement," the statement said. His cause of death was given as viral pneumonia, it added.
The man would be the first Japanese victim of the outbreak if his infection is confirmed, and the second foreign national, after a US citizen.
US Citizen Dies of Coronavirus in Wuhan: US Embassy at Beijing
A US citizen has died from the new coronavirus at the epicentre of the epidemic in China, the US embassy said on Saturday, 8 February, in what appears to be the first confirmed foreign death from the outbreak.
"We can confirm that a 60-year-old US citizen diagnosed with coronavirus died at a hospital in Wuhan, China, on February 6," an embassy spokesman told AFP.
Coronavirus: 15 Kerala Students Stranded in China's Hubei Reach Kochi
Fifteen students from the state who were stranded in Hubei province of China following the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus have landed at the Cochin International Airport Limited and undergone a thermal screening for the infection, airport officials said on Saturday, 8 February.
The students travelled to Bangkok from Kunming Airport and then took an Air Asia flight to reach Kochi, where they were directly taken to the Kalamassery Medical College Hospital’s isolation ward in five sterilised ambulances.
Relatives of the students had reached the airport but they were not allowed to meet them.
Coronavirus Infected 40 Staff in Single Wuhan Hospital: Study
Forty health care workers were infected with the novel coronavirus by patients at a single Wuhan hospital in January, a new study has found, underscoring the risks to those at the frontlines of the growing epidemic, reports AFP.
One patient who was admitted to the surgical department was presumed to have infected 10 health care workers, according to the paper that was authored by doctors at the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on Friday.
Indian Crew, Passengers on Board Cruise Ship Quarantined off Japan Due to Coronavirus
Several Indian crew members and passengers on board a cruise ship have been quarantined off Japan in the wake of coronavirus outbreak, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said today.
He said that none of them have tested positive and India is closely following the developments, reported PTI.
80 Indian Students Still in Coronavirus-Hit Wuhan: Jaishankar
An estimated 80 Indian are still living in the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha today, adding that 70 of them chose to stay behind at the time of the evacuation operation, reported ANI.
Major Ports Asked to Procure N-95 Masks: Shipping Ministry
“All major ports have been asked to procure N-95 masks and install thermal scanners,”said Shipping Ministry, reported PTI.
Kerala Withdraws 'State Disaster' Status Given Due to Coronavirus
Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja said, “Kerala withdraws 'state disaster' status given to Coronavirus. Alert to be continued and health guidelines to be followed,” reported ANI.
'Govt Taking Steps to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus': Health Min
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan in Rajya Sabha said, “Three people have tested positive for coronavirus in Kerala. They have travel history to Wuhan in China.”
“GoM headed by Union health minister monitoring coronavirus situation in country and the government has taken several measures to check spread of coronavirus to India. Visas issued to Chinese nationals no longer valid.”
He added, “1,39,539 passengers of 1,275 flights have been screened for coronavirus.
150 passengers identified with symptoms of coronavirus referred to isolation facilities.”
Man Quarantined in Pune After Vomitting in Flight
A man flying from Delhi to Pune was admitted to an isolation ward of the civic-run Naidu Hospital here on Friday, 7 February for possible exposure to novel coronavirus after he vomitted mid-flight, an official said.
The passenger was admitted to the hospital after the flight arrived at the Pune airport in the morning, an Air India official said.
"The passenger was traveling from Delhi to Pune on Air India flight. He complained of nausea and vomitted on board. After the plane landed at the Pune airport, he was immediately isolated and shifted to Naidu Hospital," the official said.
According to the Pune Airport authorities, the flight was sanitized later.
China Launches Probe After Whistleblower Doctor Dies
China's anti-graft watchdog announced on Friday, 7 February, an investigation after the death of a whistleblower doctor sparked anger over the government's handling of the coronavirus emergency.
The discipline inspection commission said in a statement that an investigative team would go to Wuhan, the virus-hit city where doctor Li Wenliang died, to "conduct a comprehensive investigation into issues involving Dr Li Wenliang reported by the masses".
Japan's 4th Evacuation Flight Lands From Wuhan
Japan's fourth chartered flight has returned to Tokyo from Wuhan, the epicentre of a viral outbreak in central China, carrying 198 Japanese evacuees and their Chinese spouses.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters on Friday, 7 February that so far nobody was seen having obvious symptoms of the coronavirus infection.
He said they will be all screened at a hospital before being sent to a government facility near Tokyo for quarantine.
At 86, Japan now has the highest number of cases outside mainland China. On Friday, Japan reported 41 more cases aboard a quarantined cruise ship.
Vice Prez Naidu Congratulates Air India Team for Evacuating Over 600 Indians From Wuhan
Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu on Friday, 7 February congratulated the Air India team that evacuated around 600 Indians from Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak.
The two special flights carrying as many as 647 Indians and 7 Maldivians had reached New Delhi on Saturday and Sunday.
The team led by Air India's Director of Operations Captain Amitabh Singh included 30 cabin crew, eight pilots, 10 commercial staff of Air India and one senior officer from AI CMD Secretariat
Chinese President Xi Jinping Discusses Coronavirus Outbreak With Trump
Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on Friday, 7 February with US President Donald Trump on the novel coronavirus outbreak, emphasising that China has "spared no effort in fighting the epidemic", state media reported.
Xi told Trump on the phone that China was "fully confident and capable of defeating the epidemic", and that "the long-term trend of China's economic development for the better will not change", broadcaster CCTV said in its report.
Shinzo Abe Asks Govt to Limit Economic Impact of the Virus
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has reportedly called on his government to take “all necessary steps” in order to limit the economic impact of the virus outbreak. That could include dipping into budget reserves.
(Source: Reuters)
Baby Born in Wuhan Becomes Youngest Person Diagnosed With Virus
A baby who was born on 2 February in Wuhan tested positive for the virus 36 hours after he was delivered, the Associated Press reported. Authorities said he was the youngest person known to be infected with the new coronavirus.
Another 41 on Japan Cruise Have New Coronavirus
Another 41 people on board a cruise ship off Japan's coast have tested positive for the new strain of coronavirus, local media including national broadcaster NHK said on Friday, 7 February, reports AFP.
The new cases raise to 61 the number of people on the Diamond Princess so far diagnosed with the new virus, which has killed more than 600 people -- most of them in mainland China where the strain emerged.
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