More than 1,000 Pakistani students in China’s Hubei province were told by their government that it had ruled out the very possibility of their return home. The province is believed to be the epicentre of the deadly nCoV, and Pakistani nationals are being told by the government that they should <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-pak-students-plead-for-their-govts-help-279729">abandon all hope</a> of being rescued.

Despite such demoralising statements from the State, many Pakistani citizens who were studying in Wuhan are desperate to find their way home, a feeling which only compounds every day as the fear of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/inside-wuhans-quarantine-centres-wion-cgtn-exclusive-report-from-wuhan-ncov-report-279783">contracting the virulent strain</a> persists.

Some have grown increasingly critical of their government's response, especially after seeing how neighbouring nations of India and Bangladesh managed to evacuate their citizens from Hubei province including citizens of other nations, such as the Maldives.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/latest-south-asia-news-coronavirus-hit-china-gets-a-supportive-resolution-from-pakistan-279963">Pakistan Parliament passes resolution backing coronavirus-hit China</a>

Life of most students and families has been confined to indoor environments, which has increased feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression. Worsening this destructive state of mind is the fear of catching the virus and uncertainty as to how long the conditions would last.

Whatever binary slivers of hope the students from Pakistan had of returning home was crushed after the video conference call between them and Pakistan’s Health and Overseas Citizens Minister, who declined the prospect of an imminent evacuation.

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210/ My very dear students in China &amp; ur respectable family members, v r intensely discussing the situation @ highest level &amp; will make the best decision in view of all factors with ref to devastating <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> potential global pandemic. Rest assured you are our own &amp; we care!
— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) <a href="https://twitter.com/zfrmrza/status/1226466196045926400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Reason for such negligence on Pakistan's part was justified by students who suggested that Pakistan did not have the necessary quarantine facilities. A statement was issued by the spokesperson for Zafar Mirza, saying that the Health Minister had expressed concern for the welfare of students in the call and that it was quarantine protocols in China that barred evacuation procedures, though the situation was being closely monitored.

“We are all completely disappointed with our government,” said a PhD student in Wuhan, adding that “after this call, we don’t have any hope from our government that they will evacuate students.”

More than 1,000 Pakistani students in China’s Hubei province were told by their government that it had ruled out the very possibility of their return home. The province is believed to be the epicentre of the deadly nCoV, and Pakistani nationals are being told by the government that they should abandon all hope of being rescued.

More than 1,000 Pakistani students in China’s Hubei province were told by their government that it had ruled out the very possibility of their return home. The province is believed to be the epicentre of the deadly nCoV, and Pakistani nationals are being told by the government that they should abandon all hope of being rescued. Despite such demoralising statements from the State, many Pakistani citizens who were studying in Wuhan are desperate to find their way home, a feeling which only compounds every day as the fear of contracting the virulent strain persists. Some have grown increasingly critical of their government's response, especially after seeing how neighbouring nations of India and Bangladesh managed to evacuate their citizens from Hubei province including citizens of other nations, such as the Maldives. Also Read: Pakistan Parliament passes resolution backing coronavirus-hit China Life of most students and families has been confined to indoor environments, which has increased feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression. Worsening this destructive state of mind is the fear of catching the virus and uncertainty as to how long the conditions would last. Whatever binary slivers of hope the students from Pakistan had of returning home was crushed after the video conference call between them and Pakistan’s Health and Overseas Citizens Minister, who declined the prospect of an imminent evacuation. 210/ My very dear students in China & ur respectable family members, v r intensely discussing the situation @ highest level & will make the best decision in view of all factors with ref to devastating #coronavirus potential global pandemic. Rest assured you are our own & we care! — Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) February 9, 2020 × Reason for such negligence on Pakistan's part was justified by students who suggested that Pakistan did not have the necessary quarantine facilities. A statement was issued by the spokesperson for Zafar Mirza, saying that the Health Minister had expressed concern for the welfare of students in the call and that it was quarantine protocols in China that barred evacuation procedures, though the situation was being closely monitored. “We are all completely disappointed with our government,” said a PhD student in Wuhan, adding that “after this call, we don’t have any hope from our government that they will evacuate students.”

Pakistan tells citizens in Wuhan to sit tight and face coronavirus

The death toll in mainland China topped 1,016, according to Chinese state media. One death each has been reported Hong Kong and the Philippines. The number of infections in mainland China reached almost 42,300

WION-CGTN Exclusive Report | Farmers faces brunt of city Lockdowns | Coronavirus

The total number of deaths on the mainland reached 1,016 in the 24 hours until midnight, the National Health Commission said on Tuesday.

Coronavirus Outbreak: WION gets you the latest from inside China

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.

Tencent denies showing real nCoV death toll, says media reports doctored

More than 900 people have now died in mainland China from the coronavirus that emerged in the central city of Wuhan at the end of last year with the World Health Organization (WHO) deploying a team to the country to investigate the outbreak.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Death Toll from nCoV surges to 908

The death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak has now surpassed that of the severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, epidemic nearly two decades ago, as the number of fatalities reaches 900

Coronavirus deaths exceeds that of SARS

More than 900 people have now died in mainland China from the coronavirus that emerged in the central city of Wuhan at the end of last year with the World Health Organization (WHO) deploying a team to the country to investigate the outbreak. More than 80 Chinese city governments have launched some form of quarantine measures.

Inside Wuhan's Quarantine Centres | WION-CGTN Exclusive report from Wuhan | nCoV report

A British man who contracted the new coronavirus while attending a conference in Singapore may have infected seven other people when he stopped off at a chalet in a French mountain village for a few days on his way home, health experts said on Sunday.

The man, Britain's third case of the virus, stayed with a group of holidaymakers for four days in the chalet in Les Contamines-Montjoie late last month.

Five other Britons in the Alpine ski resort have since tested positive for the coronavirus, French officials said this weekend, linking the cases to the chalet group.

The trail does not appear to end there, however. The disease carried by the same man may have spread elsewhere, underlining the challenges health authorities face in containing infections in an era of global air travel.

Also read: A<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-death-tolls-crosses-800-china-allocates-1026-billion-to-fight-the-outbreak-279604">s coronavirus death toll&nbsp;crosses 800, China allocates $10.26 billion to fight the outbreak</a>

Spanish authorities said on Sunday that a British man had tested positive in Mallorca after coming into contact with an infected person in France, whom they said appeared to have been part of the chalet group.

British health officials, meanwhile, said on Sunday that the country had recorded its fourth case of coronavirus, and the person had caught the illness from a Briton while in France.

"This new case would appear to be linked to the cluster of cases in the French ski resort," said Paul Hunter, professor in medicine at England's University of East Anglia. "As such, this case is part of the same cluster which is being reported as linked to a British national returning from Singapore."

However, more broadly, while the outbreak of the new coronavirus has spread to at least 27 countries and territories, according to a Reuters count, only a tiny fraction of cases - about 330 out of over 37,000 - have been outside mainland China.

Tracing chalet group

Residents of Les Contamines-Montjoie, a few wearing facemasks, lined up on Sunday to get tested for the new coronavirus as authorities sought to contain the spread.

French officials said they were tracing all the people who might have been in close contact with the group of 11 Britons exposed to the virus after sharing lodgings in the village.

Five of those tested positive, including a nine-year-old child and their father. Two other children - the infected child's siblings - were hospitalised in France for checks, officials added.

Their mother had left the country by the time the investigation began and was under observation in a UK hospital, French officials said. It was not clear if she was the latest case to be diagnosed in Britain.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-letter-pm-modi-offers-assistance-to-chinese-president-xi-jinping-over-coronavirus-outbreak-279583">In a letter, PM Modi offers assistance to Chinese President Xi Jinping over coronavirus outbreak&nbsp;</a>

Spanish authorities said the British man who had tested positive in Mallorca was one of four members of a family taken into observation on Friday after coming into contact with someone in France who was subsequently diagnosed with the virus.

The family appear to have been part of the larger group in the French ski resort, Fernando Simon, director of the Centre of Coordination of Health Emergencies at Spain's Health Ministry, told reporters.

However, he said he could not confirm this 100% because of respect for the family's privacy.

The family returned to Mallorca from France on Jan. 29 and the father started to show light symptoms 24 hours later.

Simon said the man was currently "in good health" but was being kept in isolation and authorities were drawing up a list of everyone he may have come into contact with in Mallorca.

A British man who contracted the new coronavirus while attending a conference in Singapore may have infected seven other people when he stopped off at a chalet in a French mountain village for a few days on his way home, health experts said on Sunday.

A British man who contracted the new coronavirus while attending a conference in Singapore may have infected seven other people when he stopped off at a chalet in a French mountain village for a few days on his way home, health experts said on Sunday. The man, Britain's third case of the virus, stayed with a group of holidaymakers for four days in the chalet in Les Contamines-Montjoie late last month. Five other Britons in the Alpine ski resort have since tested positive for the coronavirus, French officials said this weekend, linking the cases to the chalet group. The trail does not appear to end there, however. The disease carried by the same man may have spread elsewhere, underlining the challenges health authorities face in containing infections in an era of global air travel. Also read: As coronavirus death toll crosses 800, China allocates $10.26 billion to fight the outbreak Spanish authorities said on Sunday that a British man had tested positive in Mallorca after coming into contact with an infected person in France, whom they said appeared to have been part of the chalet group. British health officials, meanwhile, said on Sunday that the country had recorded its fourth case of coronavirus, and the person had caught the illness from a Briton while in France. "This new case would appear to be linked to the cluster of cases in the French ski resort," said Paul Hunter, professor in medicine at England's University of East Anglia. "As such, this case is part of the same cluster which is being reported as linked to a British national returning from Singapore." However, more broadly, while the outbreak of the new coronavirus has spread to at least 27 countries and territories, according to a Reuters count, only a tiny fraction of cases - about 330 out of over 37,000 - have been outside mainland China. Tracing chalet group Residents of Les Contamines-Montjoie, a few wearing facemasks, lined up on Sunday to get tested for the new coronavirus as authorities sought to contain the spread. French officials said they were tracing all the people who might have been in close contact with the group of 11 Britons exposed to the virus after sharing lodgings in the village. Five of those tested positive, including a nine-year-old child and their father. Two other children - the infected child's siblings - were hospitalised in France for checks, officials added. Their mother had left the country by the time the investigation began and was under observation in a UK hospital, French officials said. It was not clear if she was the latest case to be diagnosed in Britain. Also read: In a letter, PM Modi offers assistance to Chinese President Xi Jinping over coronavirus outbreak Spanish authorities said the British man who had tested positive in Mallorca was one of four members of a family taken into observation on Friday after coming into contact with someone in France who was subsequently diagnosed with the virus. The family appear to have been part of the larger group in the French ski resort, Fernando Simon, director of the Centre of Coordination of Health Emergencies at Spain's Health Ministry, told reporters. However, he said he could not confirm this 100% because of respect for the family's privacy. The family returned to Mallorca from France on Jan. 29 and the father started to show light symptoms 24 hours later. Simon said the man was currently "in good health" but was being kept in isolation and authorities were drawing up a list of everyone he may have come into contact with in Mallorca.

Briton in French Alps may have spread coronavirus to others across Europe

China's finance ministry said on Sunday all levels of government had allocated a total of 71.85 billion yuan ($10.26 billion) as of Saturday afternoon to fight coronavirus.

The ministry will deploy the funds to ensure that members of the public can afford diagnosis and treatment, it said in a statement on its website.

The funds will also be used to ensure that efforts of every region to fight the virus are not hampered by financial constraints, it added.

China raised the death toll from its coronavirus outbreak to 811 on Sunday, passing the number killed globally by the SARS epidemic, as authorities made plans for millions of people returning to work after an extended Lunar New Year break.

Many of China's usually teeming cities have almost become ghost towns during the past two weeks as Communist Party rulers ordered virtual lockdowns, cancelled flights, closed factories and shut schools.

Even on Monday, a large number of workplaces and schools will remain closed and many white-collar employees will work from home.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-resorts-to-wartime-measures-to-stop-coronavirus-in-wuhan-279537">China resorts to 'wartime' measures to stop coronavirus in Wuhan</a>

The scale of the potential hit to an economy that has been the engine of global growth in recent years has taken a toll on financial markets, as shares slumped and investors switched into safe-havens such as gold, bonds and the Japanese yen.

China's cabinet said on Sunday it would coordinate with transport authorities to ensure the smooth return to work of employees in key industries such as food and medicines.

The State Council's special coronavirus group also said workers should return in "batches", rather than all at once, in order to reduce infection risks.

China's ambassador to Britain described the newly identified virus as "the enemy of mankind" in an interview with BBC television on Sunday, but added it "is controllable, is preventable, is curable".

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"At this moment is very difficult to predict when we are going to have an inflection point," Liu Xiaoming said. "We certainly hope it will come soon, but the isolation and quarantine measures have been very effective."

China's National Health Commission recorded another 89 deaths on Saturday, pushing the total well above the 774 who died from SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in 2002/2003.

Total confirmed coronavirus cases in China stood at 37,198, commission data showed. New infections recorded the first drop since Feb. 1, falling back below 3,000 to 2,656 cases. Of those, 2,147 cases were in Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak.

The virus has also spread to at least 27 countries and regions, according to a Reuters count based on official reports, infecting more than 330 people. Two deaths have been reported outside mainland China - both of Chinese nationals.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-global-death-toll-overtakes-sars-epidemic-fatalities-279534">Coronavirus global death toll overtakes Sars epidemic fatalities</a>

Mistrust and dismay

As millions of Chinese prepared to go back to work, the public dismay and mistrust of official numbers was evident on Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter.

"What's even more frustrating is that these are only the 'official' data," said one user.

"We all know we can't purchase masks anywhere, why are we still going back to work?" said a second.

"More than 20,000 doctors and nurses around the country have been sent to Hubei, but why are the numbers still rising?" asked a third.

Authorities had told businesses to tack up to 10 extra days on to holidays that had been due to finish at the end of January and some restrictions continued.

Gaming giant Tencent Holdings Ltd said on Sunday it had asked staff to continue working from home until Feb. 21.

Hebei province, which surrounds Beijing, will keep schools shut until March 1, the People's Daily newspaper said. Several provinces have shut schools until the end of February.

The local government in the southern manufacturing hub of Shenzhen, meanwhile, denied a report in the Nikkei business daily that it had blocked a plan by Apple Inc supplier Foxconn Technology Co Ltd to resume production in China from Monday. The company would restart once inspections were completed, it said.

Global alarm

Among the latest deaths, 81 were in Hubei.

An American hospitalised in the provincial capital Wuhan, where the outbreak began, became the first confirmed non-Chinese victim. The Washington Post identified him as Hong Ling, a 53-year old geneticist who studied rare diseases at Berkeley.

Joseph Eisenberg, professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan, said it was too early to say whether the epidemic was peaking.

"Even if reported cases might be peaking, we don't know what is happening with unreported cases," he said.

Major cities and capitals announced new travel restrictions as concern over the spread of the virus increased.

Chinese-ruled Hong Kong introduced a two-week quarantine on Saturday for all people arriving from the mainland, or who have been there during the previous 14 days. Malaysia expanded its ban on visitors from China.

France issued a new travel advisory for its citizens, saying it did not recommend travelling to China unless there was an "imperative" reason. Italy asked children travelling from China to stay away from school for two weeks voluntarily.

The latest patients outside China include five British nationals staying in a mountain village in Haute-Savoie in the Alps, French health officials said, raising fears of further infections at a busy period in the ski season.

Princess Cruises, operator of the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off the coast of Japan, said a further six people had tested positive, bringing the total cases aboard to 70.

China's finance ministry said on Sunday all levels of government had allocated a total of 71.85 billion yuan ($10.26 billion) as of Saturday afternoon to fight coronavirus.

China's finance ministry said on Sunday all levels of government had allocated a total of 71.85 billion yuan ($10.26 billion) as of Saturday afternoon to fight coronavirus. The ministry will deploy the funds to ensure that members of the public can afford diagnosis and treatment, it said in a statement on its website. The funds will also be used to ensure that efforts of every region to fight the virus are not hampered by financial constraints, it added. China raised the death toll from its coronavirus outbreak to 811 on Sunday, passing the number killed globally by the SARS epidemic, as authorities made plans for millions of people returning to work after an extended Lunar New Year break. Many of China's usually teeming cities have almost become ghost towns during the past two weeks as Communist Party rulers ordered virtual lockdowns, cancelled flights, closed factories and shut schools. Even on Monday, a large number of workplaces and schools will remain closed and many white-collar employees will work from home. Also read: China resorts to 'wartime' measures to stop coronavirus in Wuhan The scale of the potential hit to an economy that has been the engine of global growth in recent years has taken a toll on financial markets, as shares slumped and investors switched into safe-havens such as gold, bonds and the Japanese yen. China's cabinet said on Sunday it would coordinate with transport authorities to ensure the smooth return to work of employees in key industries such as food and medicines. The State Council's special coronavirus group also said workers should return in "batches", rather than all at once, in order to reduce infection risks. China's ambassador to Britain described the newly identified virus as "the enemy of mankind" in an interview with BBC television on Sunday, but added it "is controllable, is preventable, is curable". × "At this moment is very difficult to predict when we are going to have an inflection point," Liu Xiaoming said. "We certainly hope it will come soon, but the isolation and quarantine measures have been very effective." China's National Health Commission recorded another 89 deaths on Saturday, pushing the total well above the 774 who died from SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in 2002/2003. Total confirmed coronavirus cases in China stood at 37,198, commission data showed. New infections recorded the first drop since Feb. 1, falling back below 3,000 to 2,656 cases. Of those, 2,147 cases were in Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak. The virus has also spread to at least 27 countries and regions, according to a Reuters count based on official reports, infecting more than 330 people. Two deaths have been reported outside mainland China - both of Chinese nationals. Also read: Coronavirus global death toll overtakes Sars epidemic fatalities Mistrust and dismay As millions of Chinese prepared to go back to work, the public dismay and mistrust of official numbers was evident on Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter. "What's even more frustrating is that these are only the 'official' data," said one user. "We all know we can't purchase masks anywhere, why are we still going back to work?" said a second. "More than 20,000 doctors and nurses around the country have been sent to Hubei, but why are the numbers still rising?" asked a third. Authorities had told businesses to tack up to 10 extra days on to holidays that had been due to finish at the end of January and some restrictions continued. Gaming giant Tencent Holdings Ltd said on Sunday it had asked staff to continue working from home until Feb. 21. Hebei province, which surrounds Beijing, will keep schools shut until March 1, the People's Daily newspaper said. Several provinces have shut schools until the end of February. The local government in the southern manufacturing hub of Shenzhen, meanwhile, denied a report in the Nikkei business daily that it had blocked a plan by Apple Inc supplier Foxconn Technology Co Ltd to resume production in China from Monday. The company would restart once inspections were completed, it said. Global alarm Among the latest deaths, 81 were in Hubei. An American hospitalised in the provincial capital Wuhan, where the outbreak began, became the first confirmed non-Chinese victim. The Washington Post identified him as Hong Ling, a 53-year old geneticist who studied rare diseases at Berkeley. Joseph Eisenberg, professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan, said it was too early to say whether the epidemic was peaking. "Even if reported cases might be peaking, we don't know what is happening with unreported cases," he said. Major cities and capitals announced new travel restrictions as concern over the spread of the virus increased. Chinese-ruled Hong Kong introduced a two-week quarantine on Saturday for all people arriving from the mainland, or who have been there during the previous 14 days. Malaysia expanded its ban on visitors from China. France issued a new travel advisory for its citizens, saying it did not recommend travelling to China unless there was an "imperative" reason. Italy asked children travelling from China to stay away from school for two weeks voluntarily. The latest patients outside China include five British nationals staying in a mountain village in Haute-Savoie in the Alps, French health officials said, raising fears of further infections at a busy period in the ski season. Princess Cruises, operator of the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off the coast of Japan, said a further six people had tested positive, bringing the total cases aboard to 70.

As coronavirus death toll crosses 800, China allocates $10.26 billion to fight the outbreak

Coronavirus Outbreak: 86 new casualties reported overnight

Tencent denies showing real nCoV death toll

A new report on the novel coronavirus outbreak has revealed some worrying information. A single patient in a hospital in Wuhan reportedly infected 10 medical workers and four other patients.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Super Spreaders, a new nightmare for doctors

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. Thousands of people are in quarantine across the globe. Let's take a look at how life is like inside quarantine camps.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Life inside quarantine camps

The death toll in China's coronavirus continued to rise on Friday (February 7) with authorities reporting at least 636 deaths with infections rising past 31,000.

Death toll from coronavirus in China rises to 638

The United States encouraged the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday (February 6) to "engage directly with Taiwan public health authorities" in the fight against coronavirus.

Why is Taiwan upset with WHO over China?

The Chinese doctor who had flagged the possibility of coronavirus outbreak in December 2019 died in the early morning on Friday (February 7). Li Wenliang's death was reported by the Wuhan Central Hospital, a little after 3 am local time in China.

Chinese coronavirus whistleblower doctor dead

The Ministry of Home Affairs of India on Thursday (February 6) confirmed that all 645 Indian evacuees from Wuhan, China have been tested negative for coronavirus.

645 Indian evacuees from Wuhan test negative

Around 500 Pakistani nationals are stranded in China. Islamabad has refused to rescue them. Today, India said it could help, if Pakistan makes a request. Will Islamabad reach out to New Delhi? WION's Palki Sharma has the story.

Gravitas: Wuhan Virus, India throws a lifeline to Pakistan

Gravitas: Coronavirus- India offers help to Pakistan

The death of Chinese doctor Li Wenliang has galvanised the Chinese public to a large extent. People are demanding the truth behind Li's death and the reason why state-backed media was so confused on the issue.

The death of Chinese doctor Li Wenliang has galvanised the Chinese public to a large extent. People are demanding the truth behind Li's death and the reason why state-backed media was so confused on the issue. Li was the one to flag the coronavirus outbreak. He died early morning on Friday. His death was reported by the Wuhan central hospital, a little after 3 am local time in China. The grief of his demise was most visible on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Li's death was the most-read topic on the website with over 1.5 billion page views. Also read: Chinese whistleblower doctor who flagged coronavirus dies × The circumstances behind his death were also discussed on 'We Chat' - another popular social networking app in the country. People are deeply hurt by Wenliang's death in China and are channelling the rage towards the government. Li's death was a "tragic reminder" of how China's preoccupation with maintaining stability drives it to suppress vital information, Nicholas Bequelin, Southeast Asia regional director for Amnesty International said. Also read: Coronavirus cure found by Indian Scientist; team leader at CSIRO cultured the first viable batch “China must learn the lesson from Li’s case and adopt a rights-respecting approach to combating the epidemic," he said. Ophthalmologist Li was among eight people reprimanded by police in Wuhan for spreading 'illegal and false' information. On January 3, Li was forced to sign a letter saying he had "severely disrupted social order". He was threatened with charges. The number of deaths from the deadly coronavirus outbreak shows no sign of abating with the death toll mounting to over 600 people with thousands infected.

Chinese react over coronavirus doctor's demise, anger against government erupts online

The Chinese doctor who had flagged the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">coronavirus</a> outbreak died early morning on Friday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctor-who-was-silenced-becomes-a-coronavirus-victim-278542">Li Wenliang</a>'s death was reported by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">Wuhan </a>central hospital, a little after 3 am local time in China.

However, there have been conflicting reports about his death.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor: Report</a>

The state-backed Chinese media had already reported his death on Thursday, hours before it was confirmed by the hospital.

The initial report of Li's death led to a massive reaction on Chinese social media.&nbsp;People hailed him as a hero and even blamed the government for dismissing his claims on the virus back in December. But very soon, the state-backed media changed their narrative.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctor-who-was-silenced-becomes-a-coronavirus-victim-278542">Chinese doctor who was silenced becomes a coronavirus victim</a>

They said that Li was alive and was being given ECMO treatment which is a kind of life support.&nbsp;However, hours later, they finally confirmed his time of death as 2:58 am.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-world-has-window-of-opportunity-to-halt-virus-spread-world-health-organisation-chief-278881">World Health Organisation</a>'s representative Mike Ryan initially expressed condolences on Li's death.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-world-has-window-of-opportunity-to-halt-virus-spread-world-health-organisation-chief-278881">World has 'window of opportunity' to halt virus spread: World Health Organisation chief</a>

Two months ago, Li, 34, had warned the world about a possible virus outbreak in his country.&nbsp;He had written to fellow doctors about a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">SARS</a>-like infection in December and had&nbsp;urged them to take precautions so as to not contract the disease.

The authorities had dismissed him as a fear-monger and accused him of spreading rumours.&nbsp;He was asked to sign a letter which accused him of making false statements and&nbsp;then on January 10, Li contracted the disease from a patient he had operated.

From his hospital bed, Li revealed that the outbreak could have been controlled better&nbsp;had the government been proactive.

The Chinese doctor who had flagged the coronavirus outbreak died early morning on Friday. Li Wenliang's death was reported by the Wuhan central hospital, a little after 3 am local time in China.

The Chinese doctor who had flagged the coronavirus outbreak died early morning on Friday. Li Wenliang's death was reported by the Wuhan central hospital, a little after 3 am local time in China. However, there have been conflicting reports about his death. Also read: Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor: Report The state-backed Chinese media had already reported his death on Thursday, hours before it was confirmed by the hospital. The initial report of Li's death led to a massive reaction on Chinese social media. People hailed him as a hero and even blamed the government for dismissing his claims on the virus back in December. But very soon, the state-backed media changed their narrative. Also read: Chinese doctor who was silenced becomes a coronavirus victim They said that Li was alive and was being given ECMO treatment which is a kind of life support. However, hours later, they finally confirmed his time of death as 2:58 am. World Health Organisation's representative Mike Ryan initially expressed condolences on Li's death. Also read: World has 'window of opportunity' to halt virus spread: World Health Organisation chief Two months ago, Li, 34, had warned the world about a possible virus outbreak in his country. He had written to fellow doctors about a SARS-like infection in December and had urged them to take precautions so as to not contract the disease. The authorities had dismissed him as a fear-monger and accused him of spreading rumours. He was asked to sign a letter which accused him of making false statements and then on January 10, Li contracted the disease from a patient he had operated. From his hospital bed, Li revealed that the outbreak could have been controlled better had the government been proactive.

Chinese whistleblower doctor who flagged coronavirus dies

China describes Xi Jinping as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao, but that description is increasingly being contested by the outside world.

He faced a crisis in Hong Kong, millions took to the streets to protest against Beijing's meddling. On the trade front, the Chinese economy took a hit - because of tarrifs imposed by US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

In Taiwan, the people rejected pro-Beijing candidates, a pro-democracy candidate won big. Now, Xi Jinping is staring at another problem, this time - it's a global health emergency that originated in mainland China.

The Chinese President has now ruled China for over eight years, he is tipped to be President for life, he has removed term limits,&nbsp;but it won't be easy.

The anger of the people is growing, they are venting on social media. After the death of Dr Li Wenliang, there was an outpouring of criticism. He was the coronavirus whistleblower who faced police action for speaking about the virus. The people blamed the government for withholding information and downplaying the severity of the outbreak.

Had the government listened to this doctor and acted in time, the outbreak could have been contained.

This crisis led to an admission of guilt. It's unprecedented in the Chinese government to admit they did anything wrong.

But China's most powerful governing body said that there were 'shortcomings and difficulties' in its response to the outbreak.&nbsp;

Xi Jinping knows its a mess which is why he's missing in action. He doesn't want to be the face of this failing response.

Xi Jinping might hide until it's all over, but he will certainly feel the political fallout it matters get out of hand. In fact, he could already be looking at the first casualty.

A report by news agency Reuters says that China might delay the annual meeting of Parliament.&nbsp;

Club this situation with the slowdown in the Chinese economy, and the growing dissent - Xi Jinping's troubles could start to look a lot bigger.

He has spent 8 years trying to develop a highly centralised political system, so much so that he's called the chairman of all things. &nbsp;

The Wuhan virus threatens to bug his carefully designed empire. 
 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

China describes Xi Jinping as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao, but that description is increasingly being contested by the outside world. He faced a crisis in Hong Kong, millions took to the streets to protest against Beijing's meddling.

China describes Xi Jinping as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao, but that description is increasingly being contested by the outside world. He faced a crisis in Hong Kong, millions took to the streets to protest against Beijing's meddling. On the trade front, the Chinese economy took a hit - because of tarrifs imposed by US President Donald Trump. In Taiwan, the people rejected pro-Beijing candidates, a pro-democracy candidate won big. Now, Xi Jinping is staring at another problem, this time - it's a global health emergency that originated in mainland China. The Chinese President has now ruled China for over eight years, he is tipped to be President for life, he has removed term limits, but it won't be easy. The anger of the people is growing, they are venting on social media. After the death of Dr Li Wenliang, there was an outpouring of criticism. He was the coronavirus whistleblower who faced police action for speaking about the virus. The people blamed the government for withholding information and downplaying the severity of the outbreak. Had the government listened to this doctor and acted in time, the outbreak could have been contained. This crisis led to an admission of guilt. It's unprecedented in the Chinese government to admit they did anything wrong. But China's most powerful governing body said that there were 'shortcomings and difficulties' in its response to the outbreak. Xi Jinping knows its a mess which is why he's missing in action. He doesn't want to be the face of this failing response. Xi Jinping might hide until it's all over, but he will certainly feel the political fallout it matters get out of hand. In fact, he could already be looking at the first casualty. A report by news agency Reuters says that China might delay the annual meeting of Parliament. Club this situation with the slowdown in the Chinese economy, and the growing dissent - Xi Jinping's troubles could start to look a lot bigger. He has spent 8 years trying to develop a highly centralised political system, so much so that he's called the chairman of all things. The Wuhan virus threatens to bug his carefully designed empire. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Wuhan crisis - Xi Jinping missing in action

China's National Health Commission held a press briefing on the coronavirus outbreak. The number of confirmed deaths from China's coronavirus outbreak jumped to 638. The infected cases rose to 31,000 in China as the virus continues to spread in China. Chinese officials said in the briefing that they are trying to reduce the infection rate.

China's National Health Commission: Trying to reduce the infection rate

The number of confirmed deaths from China's coronavirus outbreak has now reached 638 just in mainland China. The infected cases rose to more than 31,000 in China as the virus continues to spread. Chinese officials said in the briefing that they are trying to reduce the infection rate.

Why coronavirus' death toll still on rise? | Ground Report from Hong Kong

How badly can coronavirus outbreak impact Chinese economy?

The number of confirmed deaths from China's coronavirus outbreak jumped to 490 on Wednesday. The infected cases rose to 24,324 as the virus continues to spread in China.

Will nCoV be forgotten like SARS?

Under Mao Zedong, China once wanted to eradicate religion.

Under Xi Jinping's rule, it wants to rule over all religions. China has now issued a new set of rules, declaring that the communist party is above all religions.

In the summer of 2019, the true Jesus Church in the same province was razed to the ground. And in December, it came to light that China wants to rewrite the Quran and the Bible in order to reflect socialist values.

Christian rights activists have called this the worst crackdown on religion since the cultural revolution when under the leadership of Mao Zedong, China had vowed to eradicate religion.

Practising your religion in China is a tricky affair, President Xi Jinping maintains a tight grip on the country. And his ruling communist party of China is the supreme power.

But now, the party also has supremacy over all religions in China. And there are rules which govern this, running into six chapters and 41 articles. The rules were released in December 2019 by the National Religious Affairs Administration of China, and came into effect this month.

"The regulations include content on the organisation, functions, supervision and management of religious groups. They stipulate that religious affairs departments of people’s governments are the administrative bodies of religious groups, and should perform their functions such as guiding and supervising the groups’ operation," said the Chinese state media.

As anticipated, the unholy diktat has met with criticism. The regulations mean that all religions and related organisations should support what is called the 'sinicisation'&nbsp;of religions.

What is sinicisation?

The process by which the non-Chinese societies come under the influence of Chinese culture. This means all five religions that are practised in China are secondary to the Communist Party.

And those practising Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism and Protestantism must now look up to the party for leadership. Not just that, they should also promote the party's policies.

But these rules are in a way only a rubber stamp, a confirmation of what was known on the ground all along. 
 
&nbsp;

Under Mao Zedong, China once wanted to eradicate religion. Under Xi Jinping's rule, it wants to rule over all religions. China has now issued a new set of rules, declaring that the communist party is above all religions.

Under Mao Zedong, China once wanted to eradicate religion. Under Xi Jinping's rule, it wants to rule over all religions. China has now issued a new set of rules, declaring that the communist party is above all religions. In the summer of 2019, the true Jesus Church in the same province was razed to the ground. And in December, it came to light that China wants to rewrite the Quran and the Bible in order to reflect socialist values. Christian rights activists have called this the worst crackdown on religion since the cultural revolution when under the leadership of Mao Zedong, China had vowed to eradicate religion. Practising your religion in China is a tricky affair, President Xi Jinping maintains a tight grip on the country. And his ruling communist party of China is the supreme power. But now, the party also has supremacy over all religions in China. And there are rules which govern this, running into six chapters and 41 articles. The rules were released in December 2019 by the National Religious Affairs Administration of China, and came into effect this month. "The regulations include content on the organisation, functions, supervision and management of religious groups. They stipulate that religious affairs departments of people’s governments are the administrative bodies of religious groups, and should perform their functions such as guiding and supervising the groups’ operation," said the Chinese state media. As anticipated, the unholy diktat has met with criticism. The regulations mean that all religions and related organisations should support what is called the 'sinicisation' of religions. What is sinicisation? The process by which the non-Chinese societies come under the influence of Chinese culture. This means all five religions that are practised in China are secondary to the Communist Party. And those practising Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism and Protestantism must now look up to the party for leadership. Not just that, they should also promote the party's policies. But these rules are in a way only a rubber stamp, a confirmation of what was known on the ground all along.

Explained: China's war on religion

We have heard warnings of a pandemic before, but unfortunately, we are hopelessly unprepared for such a crisis.

Outbreaks like the coronavirus have a way of sneaking up on us. The SARS epidemic came out of nowhere in 2002.

It appeared in China and spread to 17 countries. More than eight thousand people were infected, almost 800 died.

The H1N1 outbreak received the same reaction, it came out of Mexico and spread to 74 countries. Almost 30 thousand people were infected by Ebola in 2014, more than 11 thousand people died.

And now, the world is dealing with the Wuhan virus - a different disease, but the pattern remains the same. 
 
WATCH:

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The 21st century needs a new global system to tackle pandemics because we live in an interconnected world - where megacities are connected by airlines, and world economies are over-dependent on interconnected global supply chains.

The modern age has opened a highway for diseases to travel faster. The current global health system is not equipped to handle such an outbreak.&nbsp;

Borders or walls can't stop the diseases from coming in and no country is fully prepared to deal with a pandemic like situation.

The World Health Organisation tracks the global preparedness - a report last year tired to evaluate what would happen if a pandemic like the Spanish flu of 1918 would happen again. The Spanish flu is one of the deadliest epidemics in human history.

It infected 500 million people around the world. The death toll, and this is an estimate, was 50 million. What would happen if we have a situation like the Spanish flu on our hands again?&nbsp;

Officials from the WHO found that the disease would spread around the world in less than 36 hours, and more than 50 million people would die.

The economic outbreak of such a pandemic will be 500 billion dollars. Why would a pandemic be so dangerous in the 21st century?

Because many countries have weak health systems, they do not have the ability to deal with the outbreak. The drugs to fight it, or the financial responses to mounting an effective response.

The Coronavirus outbreak is a wake-up call, it doesn't take much to step up our defences against pandemics in monetary terms.

According to the WHO, an investment of one or two dollars per person, per year would be enough to reach an acceptable level of preparedness on a global scale.&nbsp;

Countries should not hold back investment in health care. This money needs to go towards developing health systems at the local and the regional levels.

They must be equipped to identify and detect disease outbreaks early and funding must be directed towards developing universal detection systems.

The world is close to developing a universal flu vaccine - something that works against all forms of influenza.

World leaders must back research on this front, bring in a team of best minds, and empower the team with funding and resources to make it happen.

Pandemics are one of the greatest threats to global stability and security, it's time to treat them very seriously.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

We have heard warnings of a pandemic before, but unfortunately, we are hopelessly unprepared for such a crisis. Outbreaks like the coronavirus have a way of sneaking up on us.

We have heard warnings of a pandemic before, but unfortunately, we are hopelessly unprepared for such a crisis. Outbreaks like the coronavirus have a way of sneaking up on us. The SARS epidemic came out of nowhere in 2002. It appeared in China and spread to 17 countries. More than eight thousand people were infected, almost 800 died. The H1N1 outbreak received the same reaction, it came out of Mexico and spread to 74 countries. Almost 30 thousand people were infected by Ebola in 2014, more than 11 thousand people died. And now, the world is dealing with the Wuhan virus - a different disease, but the pattern remains the same. WATCH: × The 21st century needs a new global system to tackle pandemics because we live in an interconnected world - where megacities are connected by airlines, and world economies are over-dependent on interconnected global supply chains. The modern age has opened a highway for diseases to travel faster. The current global health system is not equipped to handle such an outbreak. Borders or walls can't stop the diseases from coming in and no country is fully prepared to deal with a pandemic like situation. The World Health Organisation tracks the global preparedness - a report last year tired to evaluate what would happen if a pandemic like the Spanish flu of 1918 would happen again. The Spanish flu is one of the deadliest epidemics in human history. It infected 500 million people around the world. The death toll, and this is an estimate, was 50 million. What would happen if we have a situation like the Spanish flu on our hands again? Officials from the WHO found that the disease would spread around the world in less than 36 hours, and more than 50 million people would die. The economic outbreak of such a pandemic will be 500 billion dollars. Why would a pandemic be so dangerous in the 21st century? Because many countries have weak health systems, they do not have the ability to deal with the outbreak. The drugs to fight it, or the financial responses to mounting an effective response. The Coronavirus outbreak is a wake-up call, it doesn't take much to step up our defences against pandemics in monetary terms. According to the WHO, an investment of one or two dollars per person, per year would be enough to reach an acceptable level of preparedness on a global scale. Countries should not hold back investment in health care. This money needs to go towards developing health systems at the local and the regional levels. They must be equipped to identify and detect disease outbreaks early and funding must be directed towards developing universal detection systems. The world is close to developing a universal flu vaccine - something that works against all forms of influenza. World leaders must back research on this front, bring in a team of best minds, and empower the team with funding and resources to make it happen. Pandemics are one of the greatest threats to global stability and security, it's time to treat them very seriously. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Is the world prepared for a pandemic?

Did China underestimate the extent of the Wuhan virus outbreak? Beijing's response is facing tough questions. So, China has launched a publicity drive to counter the criticism.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus, China counters criticism with propaganda

The economic shockwaves of the coronavirus could eclipse the 2003 Sars outbreak. China's economy is already witnessing disruptions. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how this situation could spill across the global economy.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus, The economic cost of the outbreak

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

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