The latest on the Coronavirus epidemic for February 1, 2020

Coronavirus kills 259 in China, nearly 12,000 infected worldwide

SHANGHAI (UPI) — China’s death toll from the Coronavirus rose to at least 259 people Saturday as the number of cases worldwide rose to nearly 12,000. The National Health Commission said that among those infected by the disease, which began in December, were 10 in Taiwan. The outbreak is believed to have originated from a now-closed Wuhan seafood market. The World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern Thursday after the first case of human-to-human transmission in the United States was confirmed. On Friday, health officials in Britain and Sweden confirmed their first cases of the coronavirus. One of two people who tested positive for the Coronavirus in Britain was a student at the University of York in northern England. Australia also recorded its first case of the virus and on Saturday barred all entry for foreigners traveling from China. “Effective immediately, foreign nationals (excluding permanent residents) who are in mainland China from today forward, will not be allowed to enter Australia for 14 days from the time they have left or transited through mainland China,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has asked the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over the phone to help China obtain medical supplies to curb the epidemic, a Chinese government statement showed. The country also canceled retaliatory tariffs on U.S. medical and other products needed to help combat the virus, the Ministry of Finance said. Meanwhile, China continued to encourage residents to stay home amid the outbreak. Some 60 million people are under lockdown in the country. Authorities in 19 provinces have also encouraged businesses to delay workers’ return to work after the Lunar New Year Holiday. Officials requested a delay until at least Feb. 10. Apple temporarily closed all its stores in mainland China and Britain recalled some staff from its consulates in China. Reporting by Sommer Brokaw

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Boston man becomes 8th U.S. coronavirus diagnosis

BOSTON (UPI) — Massachusetts health officials say a man who traveled to Boston from Wuhan, China, has been diagnosed with Coronavirus, making him the first Massachusetts resident with the virus and the eighth confirmed case in the United States. According to a news release issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the man, who is in his 20s and lives in Boston, has been isolated since his diagnosis and will remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. The man’s close contacts are also being monitored for any signs of symptoms, health officials said. “We are grateful that this young man is recovering and sought medical attention immediately,” said Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel. “Massachusetts has been preparing for a possible case of this new Coronavirus, and we were fortunate that astute clinicians took appropriate action quickly. Again, the risk to the public from the 2019 novel coronavirus remains low in Massachusetts.” More than 250 people have died of the novel strain of coronavirus, which has infected 12,000 people worldwide. The United States has declared Coronavirus a public health emergency, and the United States and Australia are temporarily denying entry to non-citizens who have recently visited China. Several U.S. airlines have temporarily suspended flights to China. China has also restricted international travel as it attempts to contain the virus. Massachusetts officials said they are not asking residents to do anything differently, as the risk of infection from the virus remains low and the flu has infected and killed far more people this winter. Public health officials recommend taking the same steps to prevent colds and flu, including frequent and thorough hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick. They also encourage patients with respiratory difficulties who have visited China recently, especially Hubei province, to seek treatment as soon as possible. Reporting by Christen McCurdy