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January 30 coronavirus news

What we know now

  • The latest: At least 213 people are dead and more than 9,692 cases have been confirmed in mainland China, as the virus spreads globally.
  • Health emergency: World Health Organization has declared coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern.
  • Global problem: There are more than 9,700 cases worldwide. The outbreak has reached 20 places outside of China, including India and the Philippines.
  • China on lockdown: Nearly 60 million people have been under partial or full lockdown in Chinese cities for a week.
  • Evacuations: The UK, US, Japan, and several other countries are working to fly their citizens out of Wuhan.

8:59 p.m. ET, January 30, 2020

Our live coverage has ended. Read here for more updates on the Wuhan coronavirus.
7:38 p.m. ET, January 30, 2020

Number of confirmed cases jumps by almost 2,000 in one day, as total figure tops 9,600 in China

China's National Health Commission has announced that as of the end-of Thursday January 30, the total number of confirmed Wuhan coronavirus cases in mainland China had risen to 9,692.
That's a jump of 1,982 from the previous day, with the total figure now far exceeding the number of cases associated with severe respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 -- previously among Asia's worst outbreaks.

The death toll in mainland China has now reached 213, with 42 new deaths occurring in Hubei province -- the epicenter of the outbreak, and one in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang.

6:17 p.m. ET, January 30, 2020

Death toll rises to 213

Passengers wear protective masks at Beijing Capital Airport on Thursday, January 30. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

The death toll from the Wuhan coronavirus has risen in mainland China after more deaths were reported in the central province of Hubei.

Hubei’s health authority said that 42 additional deaths were reported Thursday, bringing the death toll in the epicenter of the Wuhan coronavirus to 204.

This brings the total number of deaths in mainland China to 213.

6:07 p.m. ET, January 30, 2020

Trinidad and Tobago will not be accepting travelers from China for 14 days

Trinidad and Tobago is imposing a 14-day travel restriction on travelers from China, the country's health minister said Thursday.

"Persons who are presently living in China or visiting China regardless of your nationality, will not be allowed entry into Trinidad and Tobago for fourteen (14) days after leaving China," said Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, according to a post on his Facebook profile.

The coronavirus has an incubation period of up to 14 days.

The travel restriction will take effect immediately, he said.

6:18 p.m. ET, January 30, 2020

Canada's top doctor condemns racism against Chinese communities

Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam is urging people to stop acts of racism against people of Chinese and Asian descent due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"It is understandable that our fears increase during times like this. However, we need to remember that cohesion in our collective efforts is important," Tam said. "We need to learn from our experience with SARS, where South East Asians faced significant racism and discrimination."

"Racism, discrimination and stigmatizing language are unacceptable and very hurtful. These actions create a divide of Us Vs. Them. Canada is a country built on the deep-rooted values of respect, diversity and inclusion," she added.

Authorities said Wednesday that Chinese Canadians in Toronto have been reporting incidents where people suggest they should be quarantined or avoid Chinese businesses.

5:55 p.m. ET, January 30, 2020

Italy is stopping air traffic with China

Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced Thursday that all air traffic to and from China has been stopped in an effort to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

“As far as we know, we are the first country in the European Union to adopt such a precautionary measure,” Conte told reporters in Rome.

The decision comes after Italian authorities confirmed Thursday that two Chinese tourists in Italy were diagnosed with coronavirus. The two patients were in isolation at Rome hospital, health officials said.

5:28 p.m. ET, January 30, 2020

Wuhan coronavirus and SARS by the numbers

The Wuhan coronavirus has brought up memories of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in Asia back in the early 2000s.

In China, the number of confirmed cases of the Wuhan coronavirus has already exceeded the number infected by SARS in 2002 and 2003. But so far, the SARS outbreak had a considerably greater fatality rate.

5:26 p.m. ET, January 30, 2020

American evacuated from China is under quarantine after trying to leave military base

An American who flew out of China on a chartered flight tried to leave the Southern California military base where authorities have been monitoring nearly 200 people for coronavirus symptoms, health officials said.

The person, who was not identified, has been ordered to stay in quarantine at the March Air Reserve Base near Riverside, California, until the "entire incubation period or until otherwise cleared," Riverside County Public Health said. The incubation period will be 14 days.

"This action was taken as a result of the unknown risk to the public should someone leave MARB early without undergoing a full health evaluation," the agency said Thursday.

Nearly 200 Americans arrived Wednesday at the military base from Wuhan, the epicenter of the deadly coronavirus outbreak in China, and were asked to stay for at least three days so they can be monitored for coronavirus symptoms.
A group of Americans flew on a chartered flight from Wuhan, China, to California on Wednesday. Credit: Lance King/Getty Images

5:11 p.m. ET, January 30, 2020

Italy confirms two cases of coronavirus

Italy has confirmed two cases of coronavirus on its territory, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said in a press conference in Rome on Thursday evening.

The individuals affected are two Chinese tourists who arrived in Rome a couple of days ago, Conte said. 

“We have already prepared all the precautionary measures to isolate these two cases,” Conte said, adding that he will convene the Council of Ministers on Friday to take "further measures."  

"There is no reason to create social alarm or panic," Conte concluded.

Italy's Health Minister Roberto Speranza said: “We will try to trace the path of these two people in our country. The situation is serious, but absolutely under control.”

The patients were placed in isolation as soon as they displayed symptoms of the virus, said Professor Giuseppe Ippolito, director the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Spallanzani in Rome. 

He added the patients are currently in "good condition".

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