A collection of key developments in the fight against the Wuhan coronavirus (nCoV-2019), posted throughout the week for those who just want the signal and not the noise. If there’s something you think we should include, sound off in the comments thread attached to the post.
Visit our Wuhan coronavirus status page and learn how to prepare for possible spread to your area. Scenarios, shopping lists, background info, and everything else you need, all in one place.
Previously: The previous day’s key developments post is here.
[8:33 pm] Coronavirus: Bill Gates warns of 10 million deaths as virus spreads to Africa [8:32 pm] More on the 12 military bases the Pentagon has approved as COVID-19 quarantine sites. [8:28 pm] 3,000 infected medics, vs. the 1,700 infected medics previously reported. Coronavirus Among Medics More Widespread Than Reported, Research Shows [8:27 pm] In this new study, 14% of the confirmed illnesses were severe, which tracks with numbers in the 18% to 25% range I’ve seen in other sources for severe illness from the virus More outbreak details emerge as COVID-19 cases top 70,000 [8:25 pm] Why the World Health Organization isn’t calling the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
[8:24 pm] Why is the WHO praising the Chinese response? Their dereliction has been thoroughly documented by sources inside and outside of China. Coronavirus: WHO head stands by his praise for China and Xi Jinping on response to outbreak [8:23 pm] ‘This may be the last piece I write’: prominent Xi critic has internet cut after house arrest. “The Chinese professor Xu Zhangrun, who published a rare public critique of President Xi Jinping over China’s coronavirus crisis, was placed under house arrest for days, barred from social media and is now cut off from the internet, his friends have told the Guardian.” [7:59 pm] The latest on the Diamond Princess cruise ship situation, where the attempt at containment by keeping people in their rooms utterly failed, with tragic results. The US is at least bringing our people home, but even that is no picnic.Dr. Michael Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization’s Health Emergencies Programme, said the organization is still not classifying the coronavirus outbreak a “pandemic.”
“I think we need to be extremely cautious in using the term ‘pandemic.’ We had lots of controversies during the H1N1 situation, around when it was pandemic and when it wasn’t pandemic, and I think we need to be careful,” Ryan said.
Canada is also evacuating its citizens from the ship.
[7:58 pm] ‘Every scenario on the table’ in China virus outbreak: WHO’s Tedros [7:15 pm] The threat of impending drug shortages due to the China lockdowns has been a major theme of our coverage. Now it’s getting real. Europe braces for coronavirus-induced drug shortages. “With China responsible for most of the EU’s pharma ingredients, supplies are at risk.” [7:12 pm] There are so many trade shows in so many industries being canceled or postponed due to the virus. I’m not going to keep reporting on these because they volume is too high at this point. If you have a big trade show on your calendar for this year that hasn’t already been affected, then you should probably plan on it being affected. [7:11 pm] Slump in Global Goods Trade to Deepen With Coronavirus, WTO Says. [7:10 pm] Apple Says Won’t Meet Revenue Guidance in Quarter Due to Coronavirus. “The tech giant also said that iPhone supply will be constrained.” [6:28 pm] Another cluster in Japan: 11 infected on Tokyo tour boat, likely transmitted coronavirus to non-passengers. “A sudden spike in new coronavirus cases was confirmed among attendees at a New Year’s party for independent taxi drivers held on a traditional “yakatabune” river tour boat in the capital.” [6:24 pm] Japan seized with anxiety over homegrown outbreak. “Lack of beds and limited testing ability raise fears of nation unprepared to cope.”
You are reporting the comment """ by on