A drop in airline flights from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">China </a>and Hong Kong due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">coronavirus </a>is increasing demand for private jets as wealthy passengers try to get out, executives say, but travel bans and nervous crew have kept that from translating to more business.

Australia-based Darin Voyles, of Paramount Business Jets, said the firm had seen a ''considerable uptick'' in requests, but the majority can't be filled as they can't get the crew or planes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">Coronavirus toll leaps past 1850 with 93 new deaths in China's Hubei province</a>

"Many simply do not want to send their aircraft and crews into mainland <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">China</a>. Aside from the risk of exposure for the crews, the operational and business concern is that when they return from mainland <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">China </a>they will essentially be unable to work for two weeks as they will have to go into quarantine immediately.''

Singapore-based MyJet Asia said it has seen an increase of 80 per cent -90 per cent in the last month.&nbsp;

"A lot of people went away for Chinese New Year and are now struggling to get back to China," said Logan Ravishkansar, chief executive of MyJet Asia. Many have asked to be flown back to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

"But we are massively restricted on where we can fly to, while the airlines are not letting us charter their planes despite the money," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-countries-suspend-flights-to-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-132-277368">Several countries suspend flights to China</a>

Other travellers are desperate to get out of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">China</a>.

A government client from South America asked PrivateFly, a global booking service for charter flights, ''to set up four flights out of Wuhan for hundreds of passengers,'' according to its chief executive Adam Twidell.

The UK-based firm said it has had plenty of other inquiries from private individuals and groups.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-countries-suspend-flights-to-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-132-277368">COVID-19</a> outbreak, which has killed more than 1,850 people in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-countries-suspend-flights-to-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-132-277368">China</a>, has led premium Asian airlines like Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd and Singapore Airlines Ltd &nbsp;to drastically cuts their flight schedules.

UK-based consultancy Ascend by Cirium said the number of flights scheduled to operate to, from and within <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-countries-suspend-flights-to-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-132-277368">China </a>had dropped by 34 per cent&nbsp;from January 23 through February 11.

Those cuts have left stranded passengers to rely on government-led evacuations.&nbsp;

For those who can afford it, there are private jet charters carrying smaller groups and promising less risk of exposure to the virus.

Strict quarantine requirements, travel bans on Chinese citizens and concerns for crew safety have left only a limited pool of private jet operators willing to fly to China.

A drop in airline flights from China and Hong Kong due to the coronavirus is increasing demand for private jets as wealthy passengers try to get out, executives say, but travel bans and nervous crew have kept that from translating to more business.

A drop in airline flights from China and Hong Kong due to the coronavirus is increasing demand for private jets as wealthy passengers try to get out, executives say, but travel bans and nervous crew have kept that from translating to more business. Australia-based Darin Voyles, of Paramount Business Jets, said the firm had seen a ''considerable uptick'' in requests, but the majority can't be filled as they can't get the crew or planes. Also read: Coronavirus toll leaps past 1850 with 93 new deaths in China's Hubei province "Many simply do not want to send their aircraft and crews into mainland China. Aside from the risk of exposure for the crews, the operational and business concern is that when they return from mainland China they will essentially be unable to work for two weeks as they will have to go into quarantine immediately.'' Singapore-based MyJet Asia said it has seen an increase of 80 per cent -90 per cent in the last month. "A lot of people went away for Chinese New Year and are now struggling to get back to China," said Logan Ravishkansar, chief executive of MyJet Asia. Many have asked to be flown back to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. "But we are massively restricted on where we can fly to, while the airlines are not letting us charter their planes despite the money," he added. Also read: Several countries suspend flights to China Other travellers are desperate to get out of China. A government client from South America asked PrivateFly, a global booking service for charter flights, ''to set up four flights out of Wuhan for hundreds of passengers,'' according to its chief executive Adam Twidell. The UK-based firm said it has had plenty of other inquiries from private individuals and groups. The COVID-19 outbreak, which has killed more than 1,850 people in China, has led premium Asian airlines like Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd and Singapore Airlines Ltd to drastically cuts their flight schedules. UK-based consultancy Ascend by Cirium said the number of flights scheduled to operate to, from and within China had dropped by 34 per cent from January 23 through February 11. Those cuts have left stranded passengers to rely on government-led evacuations. For those who can afford it, there are private jet charters carrying smaller groups and promising less risk of exposure to the virus. Strict quarantine requirements, travel bans on Chinese citizens and concerns for crew safety have left only a limited pool of private jet operators willing to fly to China.

Demand for private jets surges due to coronavirus scare

Indian authorities have detained a Hong Kong-bound vessel that was bound to sail to Port Qasim in Karachi in Pakistan. The ship has been detained for incorrectly declaring an autoclave, which can be used in the launch process of ballistic missiles as an industrial dryer.

Karachi-bound ship detained in Gujarat’s Kandla Port, carrying ballistic missile cargo

As the coronavirus continues to unleash its wrath over the world with more than 1700 dead and 71,000 infected, China is trying something unconventional to counter the spread.

As reported by CNN, the country intends to ''deep clean'' infected cash, which could indeed be a valid carrier of the virus. Additionally, most of the infected cash will be destroyed.

The People's Bank of China announced the measure on Saturday, with the aim to contain the virus, which recently received an official name - Covid-19, pegged by the WHO.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-99-more-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-in-diamond-princess-japanese-cruise-281124">99 more confirmed with coronavirus on Japanese cruise; total cases jump to 454</a>

Many people believed that receiving packages hailing from China could spread the virus further. But as per the directions of the WHO, the virus only survives for a few hours on surfaces.

The health bodies in deeply infected regions are cleaning elevator buttons, door handles, and other surfaces that may be more often touched by people.

There is where cash currency comes into play, for it is exchanged among people multiple times a day.

As per the guidelines, all banks have to disinfect their cash with ultraviolet light combined with high temperatures. This is followed by storing the cash for 14 days before it is released to the customers, as announced by a press release by the central Chinese government.

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The government has identified high-risk infection areas, especially hospitals, schools, and markets (with focus on wet markets). Currency emanating from any of these places will be treated, and then returned to the Chinese Central Bank before being put into circulation again.

However, in the Guangzhou branch of the Central Bank, these notes may be completely destroyed, a local tabloid Global Times reported.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-records-slowest-economy-in-over-five-years-as-coronavirus-halts-trade-with-its-biggest-partner-china-281107">Japan records slowest economy in over five years as coronavirus halts trade with its biggest partner, China</a>

This does not imply that the cash will not be recirculated. According to the statement, the bank intends to issue fresh currency to make up for the recall.

Additionally, in Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, over 4 billion yuan worth of new bank notes are being circulated.

Another route to limit the infection from spreading includes suspending cash transactions, especially in the hardest-hit provinces.

As the coronavirus continues to unleash its wrath over the world with more than 1700 dead and 71,000 infected, China is trying something unconventional to counter the spread.

As the coronavirus continues to unleash its wrath over the world with more than 1700 dead and 71,000 infected, China is trying something unconventional to counter the spread. As reported by CNN, the country intends to ''deep clean'' infected cash, which could indeed be a valid carrier of the virus. Additionally, most of the infected cash will be destroyed. The People's Bank of China announced the measure on Saturday, with the aim to contain the virus, which recently received an official name - Covid-19, pegged by the WHO. Also read: 99 more confirmed with coronavirus on Japanese cruise; total cases jump to 454 Many people believed that receiving packages hailing from China could spread the virus further. But as per the directions of the WHO, the virus only survives for a few hours on surfaces. The health bodies in deeply infected regions are cleaning elevator buttons, door handles, and other surfaces that may be more often touched by people. There is where cash currency comes into play, for it is exchanged among people multiple times a day. As per the guidelines, all banks have to disinfect their cash with ultraviolet light combined with high temperatures. This is followed by storing the cash for 14 days before it is released to the customers, as announced by a press release by the central Chinese government. The government has identified high-risk infection areas, especially hospitals, schools, and markets (with focus on wet markets). Currency emanating from any of these places will be treated, and then returned to the Chinese Central Bank before being put into circulation again. However, in the Guangzhou branch of the Central Bank, these notes may be completely destroyed, a local tabloid Global Times reported. Also read: Japan records slowest economy in over five years as coronavirus halts trade with its biggest partner, China This does not imply that the cash will not be recirculated. According to the statement, the bank intends to issue fresh currency to make up for the recall. Additionally, in Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, over 4 billion yuan worth of new bank notes are being circulated. Another route to limit the infection from spreading includes suspending cash transactions, especially in the hardest-hit provinces.

China intends to destroy 'infected currency' in a bid to contain coronavirus

A gang of knife-wielding men stole hundreds of toilet rolls after threatening a deliver driver in Hong Kong, where panic-buying is seen recently due to shortages affected by the coronavirus. &nbsp;

Toilet rolls have become hot property in Hong Kong, despite assurances by the administration that the novel virus has not caused any scarcity.

Police said that a truck driver was held up early on Monday by three men outside a supermarket in Mong Kok. The district is infamous for "triad" organised crime gangs.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-announces-punitive-measures-as-it-races-to-contain-coronavirus-279420">Hong Kong announces punitive measures as it races against time to contain coronavirus</a>

A police spokesman said that toilet paper rolls worth more than HK$1,000 ($130).

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-quarantined-in-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-1770-281002">Millions quarantined in China as coronavirus death toll rises to 1,770</a>

A police source said that the toilet rolls were later recovered and two suspects were arrested. However, it was not clear if the suspects themselves carried out the robbery.

Supermarkets are often found unable to restock toilet rolls quickly enough, causing lengthy queues and shelves getting empty within moments of opening.

The incident led to amusing and baffling reactions from the Hong Kongers.

"I'd steal face masks, but not toilet roll," a woman said who was passing by the scene of the crime to local TV station iCable.&nbsp;

The city, where 58 coronavirus cases are confirmed, is currently facing a genuine shortage of face masks.

Behind Hong Kong's panic-buying, there is a history of distrust where another deadly disease caused a large number of deaths.

In 20003, some 299 Hong Kongers died of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), an outbreak that was started in mainland China, who tried to cover it up in the first place.

The coronavirus outbreak also came at a time when Hong Kong was witnessing months of massive pro-democracy protests, which severely criticised the mainland for its authoritarian regime.

However, Hong Kong officials blamed online rumours for the panic-buying and claim that supplies of food and household goods remain adequate.

Social media users also posted photos of proudly stocking stuffing their homes with hoarded toilet rolls.

Calling the robbery a "senseless act", Supermarket chain Wellcome said in a statement that there are sufficient toilet roll supplies to meet the demand.

"The temporary shortage was caused by a sudden and unusual surge in demand."

&nbsp;

A gang of knife-wielding men stole hundreds of toilet rolls after threatening a deliver driver in Hong Kong, where panic-buying is seen recently due to shortages affected by the coronavirus.

A gang of knife-wielding men stole hundreds of toilet rolls after threatening a deliver driver in Hong Kong, where panic-buying is seen recently due to shortages affected by the coronavirus. Toilet rolls have become hot property in Hong Kong, despite assurances by the administration that the novel virus has not caused any scarcity. Police said that a truck driver was held up early on Monday by three men outside a supermarket in Mong Kok. The district is infamous for "triad" organised crime gangs. Also read: Hong Kong announces punitive measures as it races against time to contain coronavirus A police spokesman said that toilet paper rolls worth more than HK$1,000 ($130). Also read: Millions quarantined in China as coronavirus death toll rises to 1,770 A police source said that the toilet rolls were later recovered and two suspects were arrested. However, it was not clear if the suspects themselves carried out the robbery. Supermarkets are often found unable to restock toilet rolls quickly enough, causing lengthy queues and shelves getting empty within moments of opening. The incident led to amusing and baffling reactions from the Hong Kongers. "I'd steal face masks, but not toilet roll," a woman said who was passing by the scene of the crime to local TV station iCable. The city, where 58 coronavirus cases are confirmed, is currently facing a genuine shortage of face masks. Behind Hong Kong's panic-buying, there is a history of distrust where another deadly disease caused a large number of deaths. In 20003, some 299 Hong Kongers died of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), an outbreak that was started in mainland China, who tried to cover it up in the first place. The coronavirus outbreak also came at a time when Hong Kong was witnessing months of massive pro-democracy protests, which severely criticised the mainland for its authoritarian regime. However, Hong Kong officials blamed online rumours for the panic-buying and claim that supplies of food and household goods remain adequate. Social media users also posted photos of proudly stocking stuffing their homes with hoarded toilet rolls. Calling the robbery a "senseless act", Supermarket chain Wellcome said in a statement that there are sufficient toilet roll supplies to meet the demand. "The temporary shortage was caused by a sudden and unusual surge in demand."

Armed gang steals hundreds of toilet rolls as fears of supply shortage grow in Hong Kong

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/basketball-giannis-powers-nba-best-bucks-to-win-lakers-rip-spurs-278710" target="_blank">NBA</a>&nbsp;commissioner Adam Silver said Saturday the league expects to lose "several hundred million dollars" due to a row with China over a tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey supporting Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/celebrity-news-oscars-2020-nba-legend-kobe-bryant-to-be-honoured-on-the-awards-night-277345" target="_blank">NBA's</a>&nbsp;Chinese sponsors cut ties in a fierce mainland backlash following Morey's tweet in October, just before two NBA teams played preseason exhibition matches in China.

State broadcaster CCTV also stopped airing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tonight-is-for-kobe-nba-legend-remembered-at-grammy-awards-hours-aftre-his-death-276826" target="_blank">NBA</a>&nbsp;games for the country's millions of ardent basketball fans and has not resumed.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-fines-orlando-magic-coach-steve-clifford-25k-over-outburst-279415" target="_blank">NBA fines Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford $25K over outburst</a>

"The magnitude of the loss will be in the hundreds of millions of dollars," Silver told a press conference on the sidelines of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kobe-bryant-and-daughter-gianna-laid-to-rest-in-private-funeral-280401" target="_blank">All-Star</a>&nbsp;Weekend in Chicago.

"Probably less than $400 million, maybe even less than that," he said. However, "it's substantial", he added. "I don't want to run from that ... But I don't have any sense that there's any&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kobe-bryants-widow-vanessa-bryant-refuses-to-accept-death-of-her-husband-and-daughter-279982" target="_blank">permanent damage</a>&nbsp;to our business there."

The commissioner said he expected CCTV to resume broadcasts of NBA games but did not give a timeframe.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Saturday the league expects to lose "several hundred million dollars" due to a row with China over a tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey supporting Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Saturday the league expects to lose "several hundred million dollars" due to a row with China over a tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey supporting Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters. The NBA's Chinese sponsors cut ties in a fierce mainland backlash following Morey's tweet in October, just before two NBA teams played preseason exhibition matches in China. State broadcaster CCTV also stopped airing NBA games for the country's millions of ardent basketball fans and has not resumed. Also Read: NBA fines Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford $25K over outburst "The magnitude of the loss will be in the hundreds of millions of dollars," Silver told a press conference on the sidelines of the All-Star Weekend in Chicago. "Probably less than $400 million, maybe even less than that," he said. However, "it's substantial", he added. "I don't want to run from that ... But I don't have any sense that there's any permanent damage to our business there." The commissioner said he expected CCTV to resume broadcasts of NBA games but did not give a timeframe.

NBA loses 'hundreds of millions' in China over Hong Kong tweet

The Wuhan coronavirus has triggered a new crisis for China, 1716 medics who were treating the patients are now infected. More than 2,600 new cases from the coronavirus outbreak were confirmed in mainland China. A day later, people returning to the capital from the holiday were ordered to quarantine themselves for 14 days to try to stop its spread. In this segment of WION, watch how life looks like in China's Hubei province. Watch this report to know more.

A special wedding ceremony in Wuhan | WION CGTN Partnership

The Wuhan coronavirus has triggered a new crisis for China, 1716 medics who were treating the patients are now also infected with the coronavirus. More than 2,600 new cases from the coronavirus outbreak were confirmed in mainland China today. A day later, people returning to the capital from the holiday were ordered to quarantine themselves for 14 days to try to stop its spread. In this segment, WION answers your travel questions amid the coronavirus outbreak.

WION answers your travel questions amid coronavirus outbreak

The Wuhan coronavirus has triggered a new crisis for China. Over 1700 medics who were treating the patients, are now themselves infected. More than 2,600 new cases from the coronavirus outbreak were confirmed in mainland China. A day later, people returning to the capital from the holiday were ordered to quarantine themselves for 14 days to try to stop its spread. Meanwhile, a video has emerged in which it appears that police is shooting people who are trying to escape quarantine.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Video of people escaping quarantine goes viral | WION CGTN Partnership

The Wuhan coronavirus has triggered a new crisis for China. Over 1700 medics who were treating the patients, are now themselves infected. More than 2,600 new cases from the coronavirus outbreak were confirmed in mainland China. A day later, people returning to the capital from the holiday were ordered to quarantine themselves for 14 days to try to stop its spread.

Beijing imposes strict quarantine rules | WION Ground Report

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world.

WION Speed News: Watch National and International news | 12 February 2020 | World News | English News

WION Speed News: Watch National and International news | 11 February 2020 | World News | English News

WION Speed News: Watch National and International news | 10 February 2020 | World News | English News

WION Speed News: Watch National and International news | February 09, 2020

In a bid to stop deadly coronavirus from spreading, Hong Kong government has announced several punitive measures including jail term for those defying the quarantine measures.&nbsp;

Everyone arriving from mainland China has to go through a two-week quarantine period, the government said and those failing to comply with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-dies-of-coronavirus-in-chinas-wuhanus-embassy-spokesman-in-beijing-279399">new measure</a>, may face&nbsp;jail term or hefty fine.&nbsp;

The new measure also applies to travellers coming from other countries who had been to mainland China in the past 14 days.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Coronavirus Outbreak: 86 new casualties reported overnight

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Hong Kong residents will be allowed to quarantine themselves at home while foreigners must stay in hotels or their arranged accommodations.&nbsp;

Those who don't observe the quarantine could face up to six months in jail.

Amid protesters'&nbsp;demand&nbsp;to shut down of the border with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/toyota-keeps-china-plant-output-stopped-through-february-16-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-279291">mainland China</a>, the Hong Kong administration has refused to seal the border completely.&nbsp;

The protesters have refused to back down as they continue to raise their demands. The strike was called by 6,500 member - workers' union who have five demands viz., the government to fully close the border with mainland China, facilitate the proper distribution of masks among the public., ensure that frontline medical workers have adequate supplies and protection, provide enough isolation wards for patients and lastly -- the strike would result in no negative reprisals against medical staff. &nbsp;

The union has vowed to continue the strike if their demands are not met.

In a bid to stop deadly coronavirus from spreading, Hong Kong government has announced several punitive measures including jail term for those defying the quarantine measures.

In a bid to stop deadly coronavirus from spreading, Hong Kong government has announced several punitive measures including jail term for those defying the quarantine measures. Everyone arriving from mainland China has to go through a two-week quarantine period, the government said and those failing to comply with the new measure, may face jail term or hefty fine. The new measure also applies to travellers coming from other countries who had been to mainland China in the past 14 days. Watch | Coronavirus Outbreak: 86 new casualties reported overnight × Hong Kong residents will be allowed to quarantine themselves at home while foreigners must stay in hotels or their arranged accommodations. Those who don't observe the quarantine could face up to six months in jail. Amid protesters' demand to shut down of the border with mainland China, the Hong Kong administration has refused to seal the border completely. The protesters have refused to back down as they continue to raise their demands. The strike was called by 6,500 member - workers' union who have five demands viz., the government to fully close the border with mainland China, facilitate the proper distribution of masks among the public., ensure that frontline medical workers have adequate supplies and protection, provide enough isolation wards for patients and lastly -- the strike would result in no negative reprisals against medical staff. The union has vowed to continue the strike if their demands are not met.

Hong Kong announces punitive measures as it races against time to contain coronavirus

The number of deaths due to China's coronavirus epidemic jumped to 722, surpassing the toll from the SARS outbreak on the mainland and Hong Kong almost two decades ago.

More than 34,500 confirmed infections reported across the country.

84 new casualties were reported overnight.

China has struggled to contain the current virus despite having placed some 56 million people under effective<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-chinese-tech-giants-launch-platforms-and-services-aimed-at-providing-verified-information-about-ncov-279244"> lockdown in Hubei</a> and its provincial capital, Wuhan, reported news agency AFP.

Other cities far from the epicentre have also taken measures to keep people indoors, limiting the number of individuals who can leave their home.

Friday's death of a 34-year-old Wuhan doctor who was punished for raising the alarm about the virus in December sparked an outpouring of grief and anger over the government's handling of the crisis.

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The virus has spread to two dozen countries, prompting several governments to ban arrivals from China and urge their citizens to avoid travelling to the country. Some have recommended their citizens leave China.

Major airlines have suspended flights to and from China.

At least 61 people aboard a cruise ship off Japan have tested positive for the new coronavirus, with thousands of passengers and crew facing a two-week quarantine.

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

The number of deaths due to China's coronavirus epidemic jumped to 722, surpassing the toll from the SARS outbreak on the mainland and Hong Kong almost two decades ago.

The number of deaths due to China's coronavirus epidemic jumped to 722, surpassing the toll from the SARS outbreak on the mainland and Hong Kong almost two decades ago. More than 34,500 confirmed infections reported across the country. 84 new casualties were reported overnight. China has struggled to contain the current virus despite having placed some 56 million people under effective lockdown in Hubei and its provincial capital, Wuhan, reported news agency AFP. Other cities far from the epicentre have also taken measures to keep people indoors, limiting the number of individuals who can leave their home. Friday's death of a 34-year-old Wuhan doctor who was punished for raising the alarm about the virus in December sparked an outpouring of grief and anger over the government's handling of the crisis. × The virus has spread to two dozen countries, prompting several governments to ban arrivals from China and urge their citizens to avoid travelling to the country. Some have recommended their citizens leave China. Major airlines have suspended flights to and from China. At least 61 people aboard a cruise ship off Japan have tested positive for the new coronavirus, with thousands of passengers and crew facing a two-week quarantine. (With inputs from AFP)

Coronavirus death toll jumps to 722, surpasses toll from SARS outbreak

Matthew Cheung Kin-Chung, Chief Secretary of Hong Kong, addressed media on deadly coronavirus outbreak.

Hong Kong Press Conference on Coronavirus Crisis

Experts are believing that the Surat diamond industry could face losses of Rs 8,000 cr. This is because Hong Kong and China are integral to India's diamond export. Polished diamonds of worth Rs 50,000 cr are exported from Surat to Hong Kong every year.

Coronavirus hits Surat diamond industry

Japan's government said on Monday it would quarantine a Yokohama-bound cruise ship, after a Hong Kong man who sailed on it last month tested positive for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-coronavirus-killed-more-people-than-sars-in-mainland-china-278354">coronavirus</a>.

The 80-year-old man flew to Japan and boarded the ship, the Diamond Princess, run by Carnival Japan Inc, in Yokohama on January&nbsp;20 and disembarked on January&nbsp;25, NHK public broadcaster said.

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He developed a cough a day before embarking but did not develop a fever until January&nbsp;30, a day before he was confirmed to have been infected by the virus in Hong Kong, NHK reported.

Princess Cruises, a Carnival-owned cruise, said the review of the arriving guests and crew was standard practice after a guest tested positive.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-study-says-china-fudged-coronavirus-numbers-278115">Hong Kong University study says China fudged coronavirus numbers&nbsp;</a>

Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said in a news conference on Monday that Japanese authorities would quarantine the vessel.

The company confirmed that the turnaround of the ship had been delayed by about 24 hours to allow Japan's public health authorities to review the health status of all guests and crew on board.

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The cruise had 2,666  guests and  1,045 crew on board.

Japan has 20 confirmed coronavirus cases, of these 17 people have been in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/unfolding-the-spirit-of-wuhan-relations-between-india-and-china-are-on-the-move-244950">Wuhan</a>, the central Chinese city that is believed to be the centre of the virus outbreak.

Japan's government said on Monday it would quarantine a Yokohama-bound cruise ship, after a Hong Kong man who sailed on it last month tested positive for coronavirus.

Japan's government said on Monday it would quarantine a Yokohama-bound cruise ship, after a Hong Kong man who sailed on it last month tested positive for coronavirus. The 80-year-old man flew to Japan and boarded the ship, the Diamond Princess, run by Carnival Japan Inc, in Yokohama on January 20 and disembarked on January 25, NHK public broadcaster said. He developed a cough a day before embarking but did not develop a fever until January 30, a day before he was confirmed to have been infected by the virus in Hong Kong, NHK reported. Princess Cruises, a Carnival-owned cruise, said the review of the arriving guests and crew was standard practice after a guest tested positive. Read more: Hong Kong University study says China fudged coronavirus numbers Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said in a news conference on Monday that Japanese authorities would quarantine the vessel. The company confirmed that the turnaround of the ship had been delayed by about 24 hours to allow Japan's public health authorities to review the health status of all guests and crew on board. The cruise had 2,666  guests and  1,045 crew on board. Japan has 20 confirmed coronavirus cases, of these 17 people have been in Wuhan, the central Chinese city that is believed to be the centre of the virus outbreak.

Japan to quarantine cruise ship after Hong Kong man tests positive for coronavirus

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-study-says-china-fudged-coronavirus-numbers-278115">Hong&nbsp;Kong</a>&nbsp;reported its&nbsp;first&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;death&nbsp;on Tuesday, a 39-year-old male who had been suffering from an underlying illness and had visited China's Wuhan city in January,&nbsp;hospital&nbsp;staff said, marking the second&nbsp;death&nbsp;outside mainland China.

The&nbsp;first&nbsp;death&nbsp;outside of China was reported on Sunday - a 44-year-old Chinese man who died in the Philippines after traveling there from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-coronavirus-killed-more-people-than-sars-in-mainland-china-278354">Wuhan</a>, the epicenter of the virus.

The&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll in China rose on Tuesday by a new daily record to more than 420 and total infections in China rose by 3,235 to 20,438. There were at least 151 cases in 23 other countries and regions, including the United States, Japan, Thailand,&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, and Britain.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/frantic-pak-students-in-virus-hit-wuhan-ask-their-government-to-follow-indias-example-to-evacuate-them-278418"> Frantic Pak students in virus-hit Wuhan ask their government to follow India's example to evacuate them</a>

The&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;death&nbsp;comes as hundreds of medical&nbsp;workers&nbsp;in the Asian financial hub began the second day of&nbsp;strikes on Tuesday to force the government to completely close the city's borders with mainland China, a day after embattled leader Carrie Lam left three remaining checkpoints open.

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2b0605f-6e2b-4bc9-bcf9-f921628d88d6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2836%29_9.jpg" />

"As Carrie Lam refused to close the border, more (deaths) might come...We are not threatening the government, we just want to prevent the outbreak," said Cheng, a 26-year-old nurse attending the&nbsp;strike.

The latest&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;epidemic has rekindled memories of the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which killed nearly 300 people in the city.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fearing-virus-hong-kong-residents-stock-up-on-food-essentials-278288">Fearing virus, Hong Kong residents stock up on food, essentials</a>

The former British colony so far has had 15 confirmed cases of the newly discovered&nbsp;coronavirus, including one that was transmitted locally.

The&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;resident who died on Tuesday had been kept in an isolation ward after the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;was confirmed last week. His 72-year-old mother, who contracted the virus locally and had no travel history, was staying at home during the incubation period, authorities said.

The United States, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, and Vietnam are among countries that have denied entry to foreign nationals who have recently been in China.

Lam has rejected calls to shut the entire border, saying such a move would be "inappropriate and impractical" as well as "discriminatory".

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dbc38c03-ff6e-4451-9073-3cb432ff9a13" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2832%29_4.jpg" />

On Monday, authorities announced the closure of four more border crossings with mainland China, leaving open the international airport, the bridge connecting the city to Macau and the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai as well as Shenzhen Bay Port in the north.

Around 2,700&nbsp;workers&nbsp;from the newly formed&nbsp;Hospital&nbsp;Authority Employees Alliance (HAEA) went on&nbsp;strike&nbsp;on Monday calling for a sealing off of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's border and for better protection for&nbsp;hospital&nbsp;staff.

Holding red and white placards reading "Save HK now. I am a&nbsp;Hospital&nbsp;Authority staff on&nbsp;strike", masked&nbsp;workers&nbsp;on Tuesday spilled out from inside the Authority's Kowloon located headquarters, and onto the main road outside.

Around 9,000 members out of the alliance's roughly 18,000 members are expected to join the&nbsp;strike&nbsp;on Tuesday, HAEA chairwoman Winnie Yu said. "Our demands are not something the&nbsp;Hospital&nbsp;Authority can solve so we urge <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-firmly-support-carrie-lam-in-leading-hong-kong-china-247307">Carrie Lam</a> to negotiate with us directly," Yu said.

A spokesman for the city's&nbsp;hospital&nbsp;authority said that due to the large absence of medical staff in public&nbsp;hospitals today, some emergency services have been "severely" affected.

In a notice released on Monday, one of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's voluntary ambulance brigades - St John Ambulance- announced they would suspend all&nbsp;first&nbsp;aid and ambulance duties due to the recent spread of the&nbsp;coronavirus.

Hong Kong reported its first coronavirus death on Tuesday, a 39-year-old male who had been suffering from an underlying illness and had visited China's Wuhan city in January, hospital staff said, marking the second death outside mainland China.

Hong Kong reported its first coronavirus death on Tuesday, a 39-year-old male who had been suffering from an underlying illness and had visited China's Wuhan city in January, hospital staff said, marking the second death outside mainland China. The first death outside of China was reported on Sunday - a 44-year-old Chinese man who died in the Philippines after traveling there from Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus. The death toll in China rose on Tuesday by a new daily record to more than 420 and total infections in China rose by 3,235 to 20,438. There were at least 151 cases in 23 other countries and regions, including the United States, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Britain. Read More: Frantic Pak students in virus-hit Wuhan ask their government to follow India's example to evacuate them The Hong Kong death comes as hundreds of medical workers in the Asian financial hub began the second day of strikes on Tuesday to force the government to completely close the city's borders with mainland China, a day after embattled leader Carrie Lam left three remaining checkpoints open. "As Carrie Lam refused to close the border, more (deaths) might come...We are not threatening the government, we just want to prevent the outbreak," said Cheng, a 26-year-old nurse attending the strike. The latest coronavirus epidemic has rekindled memories of the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which killed nearly 300 people in the city. Read More: Fearing virus, Hong Kong residents stock up on food, essentials The former British colony so far has had 15 confirmed cases of the newly discovered coronavirus, including one that was transmitted locally. The Hong Kong resident who died on Tuesday had been kept in an isolation ward after the coronavirus was confirmed last week. His 72-year-old mother, who contracted the virus locally and had no travel history, was staying at home during the incubation period, authorities said. The United States, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, and Vietnam are among countries that have denied entry to foreign nationals who have recently been in China. Lam has rejected calls to shut the entire border, saying such a move would be "inappropriate and impractical" as well as "discriminatory". On Monday, authorities announced the closure of four more border crossings with mainland China, leaving open the international airport, the bridge connecting the city to Macau and the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai as well as Shenzhen Bay Port in the north. Around 2,700 workers from the newly formed Hospital Authority Employees Alliance (HAEA) went on strike on Monday calling for a sealing off of Hong Kong's border and for better protection for hospital staff. Holding red and white placards reading "Save HK now. I am a Hospital Authority staff on strike", masked workers on Tuesday spilled out from inside the Authority's Kowloon located headquarters, and onto the main road outside. Around 9,000 members out of the alliance's roughly 18,000 members are expected to join the strike on Tuesday, HAEA chairwoman Winnie Yu said. "Our demands are not something the Hospital Authority can solve so we urge Carrie Lam to negotiate with us directly," Yu said. A spokesman for the city's hospital authority said that due to the large absence of medical staff in public hospitals today, some emergency services have been "severely" affected. In a notice released on Monday, one of Hong Kong's voluntary ambulance brigades - St John Ambulance- announced they would suspend all first aid and ambulance duties due to the recent spread of the coronavirus.

Hong Kong reports first coronavirus death as hospital workers escalate strike

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - February 04, 2020

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - February 03, 2020

Hong Kong's leader announced the closure of four more border crossings with mainland China on Monday, leaving just three checkpoints open, but stopped short of demands for the entire border to be closed to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

Hong Kong has 15 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, which emerged in central China in December and has killed more than 360 people there and sent jitters through global markets.

Carrie Lam, chief executive of Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, was speaking hours after more than 2,500 workers from the Hospital Authority Employees Alliance (HAEA) went on strike to call for the border to be shut and better protection for hospital staff, among other demands.

"We should be united if we have the same goal. At this critical moment, (some people are) taking extreme means and it will inevitably affect the rights of patients," Lam said.

"Those using extreme means to try to force the government`s hand will not succeed."

The Hospital Authority said those using extreme means "to try to force the government and the Hospital Authority’s hands will not succeed".

Striking workers at the Hospital Authority building booed as they watched Lam speak, calling her a liar and chanting: "Close all borders."

The medical workers, members of the newly formed union, held a press conference shortly after Lam spoke and said they planned to keep up their strike action.

HAEA chairwoman Winnie Yu said she expected around 9,000 of the alliance`s roughly 18,000 members to strike on Tuesday.

Pro-democracy protesters have in recent months formed about 40 unions as a way to press their demands on the government and at least a dozen have come out in support of the HAEA's strike.

Reflecting concerns in the broader business community, three-quarters of American business leaders polled said they wanted Hong Kong to shut the border with the mainland, according to a survey of 156 executives by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

Lam has rejected calls to shut the entire border, saying such a move would be "inappropriate and impractical" as well as "discriminatory".

By making it inconvenient for people to cross the border, Lam said she hoped it would help contain the spread of the virus although she does not "rule out future measures as the situation evolves".

The health scare comes after months of at times violent anti-government protests in Hong Kong triggered by fears the city`s autonomy, guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula, is being eroded by Beijing.

China denies meddling and accuses foreign governments of fomenting the unrest.

The virus is expected to heap more pressure on the former British colony, which on Monday reported its economy contracted for the first time in a decade in 2019.

The HAEA's five demands are for the government to close the border, distribute masks to the public, ensure that front-line medical workers have adequate supplies and protection, provide enough isolation wards for patients and guarantee no reprisals for strikers.

Panic-stricken residents have emptied shelves in major supermarkets in Hong Kong, stockpiling meat, rice and cleaning products as fears escalate over the coronavirus.

About 90 per cent of the city`s food is imported, with the bulk coming from the mainland, according to official data.

Toy shop owner Lam Wa-yin, 45, said closing the border would intensify worries about supplies of staples.

"They`ve started rushing to buy supplies even before they fully close the borders," Lam said.

"It`ll get worse if it is fully closed. Especially food. People have been rushing to buy oil, salt and rice, not to mention the face masks."

Hong Kong's leader announced the closure of four more border crossings with mainland China on Monday, leaving just three checkpoints open, but stopped short of demands for the entire border to be closed to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

Hong Kong's leader announced the closure of four more border crossings with mainland China on Monday, leaving just three checkpoints open, but stopped short of demands for the entire border to be closed to curb the spread of the new coronavirus. Hong Kong has 15 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, which emerged in central China in December and has killed more than 360 people there and sent jitters through global markets. Carrie Lam, chief executive of Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, was speaking hours after more than 2,500 workers from the Hospital Authority Employees Alliance (HAEA) went on strike to call for the border to be shut and better protection for hospital staff, among other demands. "We should be united if we have the same goal. At this critical moment, (some people are) taking extreme means and it will inevitably affect the rights of patients," Lam said. "Those using extreme means to try to force the government`s hand will not succeed." The Hospital Authority said those using extreme means "to try to force the government and the Hospital Authority’s hands will not succeed". Striking workers at the Hospital Authority building booed as they watched Lam speak, calling her a liar and chanting: "Close all borders." The medical workers, members of the newly formed union, held a press conference shortly after Lam spoke and said they planned to keep up their strike action. HAEA chairwoman Winnie Yu said she expected around 9,000 of the alliance`s roughly 18,000 members to strike on Tuesday. Pro-democracy protesters have in recent months formed about 40 unions as a way to press their demands on the government and at least a dozen have come out in support of the HAEA's strike. Reflecting concerns in the broader business community, three-quarters of American business leaders polled said they wanted Hong Kong to shut the border with the mainland, according to a survey of 156 executives by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. Lam has rejected calls to shut the entire border, saying such a move would be "inappropriate and impractical" as well as "discriminatory". By making it inconvenient for people to cross the border, Lam said she hoped it would help contain the spread of the virus although she does not "rule out future measures as the situation evolves". The health scare comes after months of at times violent anti-government protests in Hong Kong triggered by fears the city`s autonomy, guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula, is being eroded by Beijing. China denies meddling and accuses foreign governments of fomenting the unrest. The virus is expected to heap more pressure on the former British colony, which on Monday reported its economy contracted for the first time in a decade in 2019. The HAEA's five demands are for the government to close the border, distribute masks to the public, ensure that front-line medical workers have adequate supplies and protection, provide enough isolation wards for patients and guarantee no reprisals for strikers. Panic-stricken residents have emptied shelves in major supermarkets in Hong Kong, stockpiling meat, rice and cleaning products as fears escalate over the coronavirus. About 90 per cent of the city`s food is imported, with the bulk coming from the mainland, according to official data. Toy shop owner Lam Wa-yin, 45, said closing the border would intensify worries about supplies of staples. "They`ve started rushing to buy supplies even before they fully close the borders," Lam said. "It`ll get worse if it is fully closed. Especially food. People have been rushing to buy oil, salt and rice, not to mention the face masks."

Coronavirus: Hong Kong suspends four more border crossings with mainland China to curb spread of virus

Hong Kong Medical Workers Strike for China Border Closure | WION News | World News Hundreds of Hong Kong medical workers walked off their jobs on Monday, demanding the city close its border with China to reduce the coronavirus spreading

Hong Kong Medical Workers Strike for China Border Closure

Hundreds of&nbsp;medical&nbsp;workers&nbsp;went on&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-protest-fizzling-out-as-over-1000-arrested-by-authorities-263246">Hong&nbsp;Kong</a>&nbsp;on Monday to demand the government shuts the&nbsp;border&nbsp;with mainland&nbsp;China&nbsp;to prevent the spread of a coronavirus&nbsp;and ease pressure on a stretched health sector.

The Hospital Authority Employees Alliance (HAEA), which has about 18,000 members, said 2,400&nbsp;workers&nbsp;took part in the&nbsp;strike, despite calls by the government for&nbsp;medical&nbsp;workers&nbsp;not to.

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16ff3b79-e784-409b-bc0a-3f802231839f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2824%29_5.jpg" />

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;has 15 confirmed cases of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-we-know-about-new-coronavirus-outbreak-in-chinese-city-of-wuhan-275295">new coronavirus</a>, which emerged in central&nbsp;China&nbsp;in December and has killed more than 360 people there and sent jitters through global markets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-coronavirus-infections-hit-daily-record-deaths-climb-to-304-278085">Coronavirus: China toll climbs to 304; Philippines becomes first country outside China to report first death</a>

"(We) hope that these&nbsp;strikes will make the government respond to our five demands, most importantly to stop the spread of the coronavirus&nbsp;in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong," said&nbsp;medical&nbsp;worker Tracy Pui, who queued up with colleagues to sign a petition in support of the HAEA.

The demands are for the government to close the&nbsp;border&nbsp;with the mainland, facilitate the distribution of masks to the public, ensure that front-line&nbsp;medical&nbsp;workers&nbsp;have adequate supplies and protection, provide enough isolation wards for patients, and guarantee no reprisals for striking&nbsp;medical&nbsp;staff.

About 100 people rallied in the heart of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's financial district in support of the health&nbsp;workers' union, with some holding banners saying: "Close&nbsp;Borders, Contain Epidemics."

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4146e7cc-d8c8-4697-86d6-0cf7bdd34d35" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2825%29_10.jpg" />

The scare over the&nbsp;virus&nbsp;comes after months of anti-government protests in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, triggered by what many residents see as unnecessary interference by Beijing in city affairs.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-firmly-support-carrie-lam-in-leading-hong-kong-china-247307">Carrie Lam</a> has suspended high-speed rail services to the mainland and cross-border&nbsp;ferries, but she has stopped short of closing the entire&nbsp;border, saying it would be "inappropriate and impractical".

Panic-stricken residents have emptied shelves in major supermarkets in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, stockpiling meat, rice and cleaning products as fears escalate over the coronavirus.

About 90 percent of the city's food is imported, with the bulk coming from the mainland, according to official data.

The coronavirus&nbsp;is expected to pile pressure on the city's economy, which sank into recession in the third quarter as the often violent protests scared away tourists and took a heavy toll on retailers.

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dfb5c438-0fd3-4a6a-b415-3fb2a19ddb4d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2826%29_7.jpg" />

Toy shop owner Lam Wa-yin, 45, said closing the&nbsp;border&nbsp;would intensify worries about supplies of staples.

"They've started rushing to buy supplies even before they fully close the&nbsp;borders," Lam said.

"It'll get worse if it is fully closed. Especially food, people have been rushing to buy oil, salt and rice, not to mention the face masks."

Hundreds of medical workers went on strike in Hong Kong on Monday to demand the government shuts the border with mainland China to prevent the spread of a coronavirus and ease pressure on a stretched health sector.

Hundreds of medical workers went on strike in Hong Kong on Monday to demand the government shuts the border with mainland China to prevent the spread of a coronavirus and ease pressure on a stretched health sector. The Hospital Authority Employees Alliance (HAEA), which has about 18,000 members, said 2,400 workers took part in the strike, despite calls by the government for medical workers not to. Hong Kong has 15 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, which emerged in central China in December and has killed more than 360 people there and sent jitters through global markets. Also read: Coronavirus: China toll climbs to 304; Philippines becomes first country outside China to report first death "(We) hope that these strikes will make the government respond to our five demands, most importantly to stop the spread of the coronavirus in Hong Kong," said medical worker Tracy Pui, who queued up with colleagues to sign a petition in support of the HAEA. The demands are for the government to close the border with the mainland, facilitate the distribution of masks to the public, ensure that front-line medical workers have adequate supplies and protection, provide enough isolation wards for patients, and guarantee no reprisals for striking medical staff. About 100 people rallied in the heart of Hong Kong's financial district in support of the health workers' union, with some holding banners saying: "Close Borders, Contain Epidemics." The scare over the virus comes after months of anti-government protests in Hong Kong, triggered by what many residents see as unnecessary interference by Beijing in city affairs. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has suspended high-speed rail services to the mainland and cross-border ferries, but she has stopped short of closing the entire border, saying it would be "inappropriate and impractical". Panic-stricken residents have emptied shelves in major supermarkets in Hong Kong, stockpiling meat, rice and cleaning products as fears escalate over the coronavirus. About 90 percent of the city's food is imported, with the bulk coming from the mainland, according to official data. The coronavirus is expected to pile pressure on the city's economy, which sank into recession in the third quarter as the often violent protests scared away tourists and took a heavy toll on retailers. Toy shop owner Lam Wa-yin, 45, said closing the border would intensify worries about supplies of staples. "They've started rushing to buy supplies even before they fully close the borders," Lam said. "It'll get worse if it is fully closed. Especially food, people have been rushing to buy oil, salt and rice, not to mention the face masks."

Hong Kong medical workers strike to urge closure of China border to block virus

Residents in Hong Kong's Kowloon district braved a seven-hour long queue on Thursday (January 30) morning to buy face masks only to discover stores were out of stock amid fears of increasing coronavirus cases.

Hongkongers queue for hours as mask supplies run short

Hong Kong has confirmed the eighth case the deadly coronavirus with 77 more suspected cases. The Hong Kong government has announced that all public, cultural and leisure facilities are closed under further notice. All schools have been closed. The Disney Land and Ocean park are also closed.

Hong Kong confirms 8th case of coronavirus, Hubei residents banned

Singapore said on Monday that the coronavirus outbreak will hurt its economy this year, as it announced new measures to tackle the disease which originated in China and has spread to the city-state and several other countries.

The Southeast Asian travel and tourism hub, which recorded its lowest growth rate in a decade last year at 0.7 per cent, has reported four cases of the coronavirus that has killed 80 people in China so far.

"We certainly expect there to be an impact on our economy, business, and consumer confidence this year especially as the situation is expected to persist for some time," trade minister Chan Chun Sing said.

The government is considering support measures for hard-hit sectors like tourism which could include property tax, rebates and worker levy cuts, he added.

Chinese nationals make up the largest share of visitors to Singapore, one of the worst-hit countries outside of China in the 2003 outbreak of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sars-like-virus-spreading-across-china-amid-140-new-cases-third-death-275342">Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome</a> (SARS) which killed 800 people globally.

Singapore is currently forecasting growth in a wide range of 0.5-2.5 per cent&nbsp;this year.

Chan is part of a government task force set up to tackle the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-declares-coronavirus-emergency-halts-official-visits-to-mainland-china-276488">coronavirus</a> spread in Singapore.

The task force also announced a raft of new measures on Monday to halt the spread of the virus, including urging all school students and staff with a recent travel history to China to stay at home for a fortnight. Families in Singapore, many of which are ethnically Chinese and have relatives in mainland China, are currently traveling for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-cancels-lunar-new-year-parade-due-to-chinas-viral-outbreak-276669">Lunar New Year</a> holidays.

It also issued a new advisory for travelers to defer all non-essential travel to mainland China and said it will start temperature screening all inbound flights to Singapore.

The death toll in China from the coronavirus grew to 80 on Monday as residents of the Hubei province, where the disease originated, were banned from entering Hong Kong amid global efforts to halt the rapid spread of the outbreak.

The virus has so far spread to more than 10 countries including the United States, Japan, and France.

Singapore said on Monday that the coronavirus outbreak will hurt its economy this year, as it announced new measures to tackle the disease which originated in China and has spread to the city-state and several other countries.

Singapore said on Monday that the coronavirus outbreak will hurt its economy this year, as it announced new measures to tackle the disease which originated in China and has spread to the city-state and several other countries. The Southeast Asian travel and tourism hub, which recorded its lowest growth rate in a decade last year at 0.7 per cent, has reported four cases of the coronavirus that has killed 80 people in China so far. "We certainly expect there to be an impact on our economy, business, and consumer confidence this year especially as the situation is expected to persist for some time," trade minister Chan Chun Sing said. The government is considering support measures for hard-hit sectors like tourism which could include property tax, rebates and worker levy cuts, he added. Chinese nationals make up the largest share of visitors to Singapore, one of the worst-hit countries outside of China in the 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which killed 800 people globally. Singapore is currently forecasting growth in a wide range of 0.5-2.5 per cent this year. Chan is part of a government task force set up to tackle the coronavirus spread in Singapore. The task force also announced a raft of new measures on Monday to halt the spread of the virus, including urging all school students and staff with a recent travel history to China to stay at home for a fortnight. Families in Singapore, many of which are ethnically Chinese and have relatives in mainland China, are currently traveling for the Lunar New Year holidays. It also issued a new advisory for travelers to defer all non-essential travel to mainland China and said it will start temperature screening all inbound flights to Singapore. The death toll in China from the coronavirus grew to 80 on Monday as residents of the Hubei province, where the disease originated, were banned from entering Hong Kong amid global efforts to halt the rapid spread of the outbreak. The virus has so far spread to more than 10 countries including the United States, Japan, and France.

Singapore says China virus outbreak will hit its economy this year

January 26  in history: Discovery of the Cullinan, Constitution of India comes into force and more

Chinese health authorities announced Monday that 24 new fatalities have brought the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak to 81 and more than 2,744 have been infected so far.

WION Dispatch: HK confirms 8th case of Coronavirus

At least five persons, including four <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-china-reports-2744-confirmed-cases-of-80-deaths-276738">Chinese nationals</a>, have been put under observation in Pakistan for suspected coronavirus infection, according to a media report.

The deadly novel virus, which causes pneumonia-like illness, has already killed 80 people and infected more than 2,700 others in China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-china-reports-2744-confirmed-cases-of-80-deaths-276738">Coronavirus outbreak: China reports 2,744 confirmed cases, 80 deaths</a>

Two samples from Multan have been sent to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-bars-hubei-residents-from-entering-city-as-coronavirus-fears-intensify-276708">Hong Kong</a> for confirmation as there are no laboratories in Pakistan equipped to diagnose the pathogen, The Express Tribune quoted the health ministry sources as saying.

One of the two patients in Multan is a Pakistani national, the report said.

On Saturday, National Institutes of Health chief Major General Dr Aamer Ikram said a Chinese national has been admitted to a hospital in Multan and kept in the isolation ward after he showed symptoms of the disease including flu, cough and fever.

Test reports are expected to arrive in a couple of days, the report said.

Watch: Dos and don'ts of coronavirus

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-are-the-dos-and-donts-of-coronavirus-who-release-guidelines-276827/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to sources, the Chinese national travelled from China to Dubai and reached Karachi on January 21. After landing in Karachi, he took a flight to Multan.

Three Chinese nationals were also admitted to a hospital in Lahore and shifted to the isolation ward on Saturday.

According to hospital sources, the suspected patients were residents of the Chinese city of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trapped-indians-in-wuhan-seek-help-from-indian-govt-276752">Wuhan</a> and had recently arrived in Lahore.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has confirmed that all Pakistanis in Wuhan, and in other parts of China, are safe.

The coronavirus, officially known as 2019-nCoV, was first reported in Hubei province's capital city Wuhan and has spread throughout China and around the world including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-known-us-patient-of-coronavirus-being-treated-by-robot-276107">US</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-flying-foxes-orphaned-by-australian-bushfires-get-a-foster-home-276599">Australia</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-airport-authorities-screen-over-9000-passengers-43-flights-coming-from-china-275940">South Korea</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-known-us-patient-of-coronavirus-being-treated-by-robot-276107">First US patient of coronavirus being treated by robot</a>

There are 41 incoming flights from China to Pakistan every week, mostly taking away and bringing the Chinese.

Thousands of Chinese nationals who are working on projects in various cities in Pakistan as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor regularly travel between the two countries, raising fears they could spread the disease.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tracking-chinas-sars-like-coronavirus-275537">coronavirus</a> has caused alarm because of its similarity to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China in 2002-2003.

At least five persons, including four Chinese nationals, have been put under observation in Pakistan for suspected coronavirus infection, according to a media report.

At least five persons, including four Chinese nationals, have been put under observation in Pakistan for suspected coronavirus infection, according to a media report. The deadly novel virus, which causes pneumonia-like illness, has already killed 80 people and infected more than 2,700 others in China. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: China reports 2,744 confirmed cases, 80 deaths Two samples from Multan have been sent to Hong Kong for confirmation as there are no laboratories in Pakistan equipped to diagnose the pathogen, The Express Tribune quoted the health ministry sources as saying. One of the two patients in Multan is a Pakistani national, the report said. On Saturday, National Institutes of Health chief Major General Dr Aamer Ikram said a Chinese national has been admitted to a hospital in Multan and kept in the isolation ward after he showed symptoms of the disease including flu, cough and fever. Test reports are expected to arrive in a couple of days, the report said. Watch: Dos and don'ts of coronavirus According to sources, the Chinese national travelled from China to Dubai and reached Karachi on January 21. After landing in Karachi, he took a flight to Multan. Three Chinese nationals were also admitted to a hospital in Lahore and shifted to the isolation ward on Saturday. According to hospital sources, the suspected patients were residents of the Chinese city of Wuhan and had recently arrived in Lahore. Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has confirmed that all Pakistanis in Wuhan, and in other parts of China, are safe. The coronavirus, officially known as 2019-nCoV, was first reported in Hubei province's capital city Wuhan and has spread throughout China and around the world including the US, Australia and South Korea. Also read: First US patient of coronavirus being treated by robot There are 41 incoming flights from China to Pakistan every week, mostly taking away and bringing the Chinese. Thousands of Chinese nationals who are working on projects in various cities in Pakistan as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor regularly travel between the two countries, raising fears they could spread the disease. The coronavirus has caused alarm because of its similarity to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China in 2002-2003.

Pakistan: 4 Chinese among 5 under observation for suspected coronavirus

Hong Kong authorities on Sunday barred residents of China's Hubei province, the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, from entering the city, in response to mounting pressure to enact preventative measures to contain the spreading epidemic.

The ban includes those who have been in the province in the past 14 days but excludes Hong Kong citizens.

Earlier a group of protesters set alight the lobby of a newly built residential building in Hong Kong that authorities planned to use as a quarantine facility for the coronavirus outbreak.

A Reuters witness saw several masked protesters, clad in black, rush into the public housing block in the Fanling district near to the border with China, and set alight a Molotov cocktail. Black smoke could be seen pouring out of the building to the sound of fire alarms. Windows were smashed.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire and the damage appeared to be confined to the lobby area. Hundreds of riot police also moved in, arresting at least one person.

As fears about the virus outbreak intensify, calls have grown for Hong Kong's government to close the financial hub's border with mainland China to minimise the risk of infection.

Earlier, hundreds of Hong Kong citizens had blocked roads leading to the building with bricks and other debris, to protest plans to convert the building into a quarantine zone as the number of confirmed cases in the city climbed to six.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-wuhan-mayor-predicts-1000-more-infected-with-virus-276704">Coronavirus outbreak - Wuhan mayor predicts 1,000 more infected with virus</a>

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"We are dissatisfied with the government selecting this housing estate as a (quarantine) separation village as it's very close to a residential area and a primary school," said a 28-year-old resident surnamed Tsang.

Hong Kong authorities had said they would convert "Fai Ming Estate, an unoccupied public estate in Fanling, into temporary flats for quarantine and observation of close contact persons without symptoms if needed."

Following the protest, the government said it would "cease the related preparation work in Fai Ming Estate."

Hong Kong has been convulsed with demonstrations over the last seven months centred on Hong Kong's relationship with mainland China: with some protesters railing against what they see as growing interference from Beijing. Beijing denies meddling and blames the West for stirring trouble in the former British colony.

Hong Kong authorities have so far refused to categorically block the flow of visitors from mainland China across several land border crossings. Direct train and flight connections to and from Wuhan have been suspended.

Health authorities in the afternoon said 107 people were under quarantine, and there were 77 suspected cases.

The ability of the new coronavirus to spread is strengthening and infections could continue to rise, China's National Health Commission said on Sunday, with nearly 2,000 people in China infected and 56 killed by the disease.

Hong Kong authorities on Sunday barred residents of China's Hubei province, the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, from entering the city, in response to mounting pressure to enact preventative measures to contain the spreading epidemic.

Hong Kong authorities on Sunday barred residents of China's Hubei province, the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, from entering the city, in response to mounting pressure to enact preventative measures to contain the spreading epidemic. The ban includes those who have been in the province in the past 14 days but excludes Hong Kong citizens. Earlier a group of protesters set alight the lobby of a newly built residential building in Hong Kong that authorities planned to use as a quarantine facility for the coronavirus outbreak. A Reuters witness saw several masked protesters, clad in black, rush into the public housing block in the Fanling district near to the border with China, and set alight a Molotov cocktail. Black smoke could be seen pouring out of the building to the sound of fire alarms. Windows were smashed. Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire and the damage appeared to be confined to the lobby area. Hundreds of riot police also moved in, arresting at least one person. As fears about the virus outbreak intensify, calls have grown for Hong Kong's government to close the financial hub's border with mainland China to minimise the risk of infection. Earlier, hundreds of Hong Kong citizens had blocked roads leading to the building with bricks and other debris, to protest plans to convert the building into a quarantine zone as the number of confirmed cases in the city climbed to six. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak - Wuhan mayor predicts 1,000 more infected with virus × "We are dissatisfied with the government selecting this housing estate as a (quarantine) separation village as it's very close to a residential area and a primary school," said a 28-year-old resident surnamed Tsang. Hong Kong authorities had said they would convert "Fai Ming Estate, an unoccupied public estate in Fanling, into temporary flats for quarantine and observation of close contact persons without symptoms if needed." Following the protest, the government said it would "cease the related preparation work in Fai Ming Estate." Hong Kong has been convulsed with demonstrations over the last seven months centred on Hong Kong's relationship with mainland China: with some protesters railing against what they see as growing interference from Beijing. Beijing denies meddling and blames the West for stirring trouble in the former British colony. Hong Kong authorities have so far refused to categorically block the flow of visitors from mainland China across several land border crossings. Direct train and flight connections to and from Wuhan have been suspended. Health authorities in the afternoon said 107 people were under quarantine, and there were 77 suspected cases. The ability of the new coronavirus to spread is strengthening and infections could continue to rise, China's National Health Commission said on Sunday, with nearly 2,000 people in China infected and 56 killed by the disease.

Hong Kong bars Hubei residents from entering city as coronavirus fears intensify

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