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February
Coronavirus Claims 97 Lives in One Day - But Number of Infections Stabilises
Written by Ani HasanahThe number of people killed by the new coronavirus rose by 97 on Sunday, the highest number of casualties in a day. The total number of deaths in China is now 908 - but the number of newly-infected people per day has stabilised.
Across China, 40,171 people are infected while 187,518 are under medical observation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sent a team of experts to Beijing to help investigate the new virus. According to Chinese data, 3,281 patients have been cured and discharged from hospital.
On Monday, millions of people returned to work after the Lunar New Year break, which was extended from 31 January to curb the spread of the virus. But precautionary measures remain in place, including the staggering of working hours, and the selective reopening of workplaces. Over the weekend, the number of coronavirus deaths overtook that of the Sars epidemic in 2003 which also originated in China and killed 774 people worldwide.
The WHO on Saturday said the number of new cases in China was "stabilising" - but warned it was too early to say if the virus had peaked. On Sunday evening, the organisation sent an international mission to help coordinate a response to the outbreak. The new virus was first reported in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province. The city of 11 million has been in lockdown for weeks.
The outbreak was declared a global emergency by the WHO on 30 January. It has spread to at least 27 other countries and territories, but so far there have only been two deaths outside of mainland China, in the Philippines and Hong Kong. Meanwhile in Hong Kong, passengers on a quarantined cruise ship have been allowed to disembark after tests showed no infection among them or its crew.
The World Dream had been held in isolation after eight passengers from a previous cruise had caught the virus. Another cruise ship off Japan remains in quarantine after dozens of cases were confirmed on board. South Korea has issued a temporary ban on cruise ships entering its ports due to fears of spreading the virus.(BBC)
February
Coronavirus: Thousands on Cruise Ship Allowed to Disembark After Tests
Written by Ani HasanahThousands of people stuck on a cruise ship in Hong Kong for four days have been allowed to disembark after tests for coronavirus came back negative. Some 3,600 passengers and crew on the World Dream ship were quarantined amid fears some staff could have contracted the virus on a previous voyage.
Another cruise ship where dozens of cases have been confirmed remains in quarantine off Japan. The outbreak has killed 910 people, all but two in mainland China. The coronavirus has now killed more people than Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome). In 2003, that epidemic killed 774 people in more than two dozen countries.
In the Chinese province of Hubei alone, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, more than 800 people have died, according to regional health officials. More than 40,000 have been infected worldwide, the vast majority in China.
The World Dream was put in quarantine on Wednesday after it emerged that three passengers who had sailed on a previous voyage were later found to have contracted the virus. Chief port health officer Leng Yiu-Hong said all crew members - some 1,800 people - had tested negative for coronavirus, and that everyone would be allowed to disembark without the need to self-quarantine after leaving.
On Sunday, Hong Kong's health minister said 468 people had been ordered to stay at home, in hotel rooms or government-run centres, one day after officials implemented a mandatory two-week quarantine period for anyone arriving from mainland China. Several more cases were confirmed on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which has been in quarantine in the Japanese city of Yokohama for nearly a week, the Kyodo news agency reports. Authorities said on Saturday 64 people had been infected on the ship, which is carrying some 3,700 passengers and crew.
On Saturday, the chief of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the virus was still concentrated in Hubei, and that it appeared that the number of cases had stabilised slightly over the previous four days. Dr Tedros, who previously praised the Chinese government for its measures at the epicentre of the outbreak, reiterated that the slowdown was "an opportunity" to contain the virus.
Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, China's ambassador to the UK said it was still "very difficult to predict when we're going to have an inflection point", but that the "isolation and quarantine measures have been very effective".
Liu Xiaoming called the disease "the enemy of mankind", but said it was "controllable, preventable, curable" and told people not to panic.
Several more cases were confirmed on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which has been in quarantine in the Japanese city of Yokohama for nearly a week, the Kyodo news agency reports. Authorities said on Saturday 64 people had been infected on the ship, which is carrying some 3,700 passengers and crew.
On Saturday, the chief of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the virus was still concentrated in Hubei, and that it appeared that the number of cases had stabilised slightly over the previous four days.
Dr Tedros, who previously praised the Chinese government for its measures at the epicentre of the outbreak, reiterated that the slowdown was "an opportunity" to contain the virus.
Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, China's ambassador to the UK said it was still "very difficult to predict when we're going to have an inflection point", but that the "isolation and quarantine measures have been very effective".
Liu Xiaoming called the disease "the enemy of mankind", but said it was "controllable, preventable, curable" and told people not to panic.
Meanwhile, concerns were growing about the whereabouts of Chinese lawyer and blogger Chen Qiushi, who had posted online videos including of conditions inside hospitals and people queuing up for masks in Wuhan, in Hubei province. Mr Chen, whose content was being widely shared, has been missing since Thursday.
There are unconfirmed reports that he may have been forced into quarantine. In an interview with the BBC last week, he said he was not sure how long he would be allowed to continue to report on the outbreak, saying: "The censorship is so strict, people's accounts are being closed down if they share my content".
His disappearance comes amid widespread anger and grief across China over the death of Li Wenliang, a doctor who tried to warn fellow medics about the virus in December but was told by police to "stop making false comments" and investigated for "spreading rumours".
China has been criticised for its initial handling of the outbreak and accused of trying, in some cases, to keep news of it secret. But Ambassador Liu put the blame of Dr Li's case on local authorities, saying: "[Dr Li] will be remembered as a hero... and for his brave contribution".
Last month, the WHO declared a global health emergency over the new outbreak. Of the two deaths reported outside China, one was in Hong Kong and the other in the Philippines.(BBC)
February
US Highlights Danger of Deportation, after 130 Migrants from El Salvador Killed
Written by nuke
More than 130 El Salvador residents have died after being deported from the United States since 2013. This was reported by Human Rights Watch (HRW) based in the United States on Wednesday (5/2). The HRW stressed the dangers faced by migrants under the strict immigration policy of the Donald Trump administration. In a report titled "Deported to Danger", the HRW said it documented 138 cases of El Salvadorans who died after deportation, but stressed that the numbers might be much higher because there were no official figures. The HRW also found more than 70 cases of deportees who experienced sexual violence, torture and other crimes or missing. President Donald Trump tightened US immigration policies to make it difficult for Central Americans to seek asylum, forcing thousands of people to wait in Mexico when their cases are not decided. (Rep-Sg/edt/Ahm)
February
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres: Military Is Not the Solution to the Syrian Conflict
Written by nuke
Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the clashes between the Turkish and Syrian government forces in northwest Syria. The UN also called for the violence to stop. Reported by Anadolu Agency on Wednesday (5/2), Guterres believes that the military is not a solution to the conflict in Syria. This was conveyed by Guterres following the clashes that took place on Monday (3/2). The clashes left eight Turkish military personnel killed by Syrian government forces supported by Russia. About 20 military personnel were killed in gunfire between Turkish troops and Bashar al-Assad's forces. This increased tensions between Ankara and Moscow, which supported opposing parties in the war-torn Idlib rebel enclave. (Rep-Sg/edt /Ahm)
February
China Halves Tariffs on More Than 1,700 US goods
Written by Ani HasanahChina plans to halve tariffs on 1,717 goods it imports from the US as the country faces the fresh challenge of the coronavirus. Chinese officials said tariffs on some goods would be cut from to 5% from 10%, and on others from 5% to 2.5%.
The two countries have been stuck in a long-running trade war with both imposing tariffs on imported products. A partial resolution was agreed last month with China promising to boost imported US goods by $200bn.
This latest announcement to reduce tariffs is China's first response to the "phase one" agreement. China's economy has been under additional pressure this year as the coronavirus outbreak threatens to derail the economy. Factories across the country remain closed and its manufacturing sector faces a severe drop in production.
The tariff cuts, which cover $75bn of US goods coming into China, will take effect on 14 February. Tariffs remain on a further $35bn worth of US goods. The US will also roll back some tariffs on Chinese goods as part of the agreement.
It is being seen as a significant step towards resolving the US-China trade war. In a statement, China's finance ministry said the aim was ''to promote the healthy and stable development of Sino-U.S. economic and trade relations''.
Talking about the timing of the tariff reductions, Julian Evans-Pritchard, senior China economist at Capital Economics, said: ''Perhaps they want to show goodwill and send the message that they are still committed to de-escalating trade tensions despite the coronavirus delaying the ramp-up in their imports from the US''.
Stock markets around Asia rallied on the news. Both Hong Kong's Hang Seng and Japan's Nikkei 225 both rose 2.6% following the announcement.(BBC)
February
India Tells Chinese Guests to Stay Away From Car Show
Written by Ani HasanahChinese attendees are not welcome at India's Auto Expo next week due to concerns about the coronavirus.
Chinese guests are prevented from attending the show because of "government policy" an Indian Society of Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) spokeswoman said.
Yet Chinese cars will be on display.
Other events across Asia will be missing the large delegations that usually come from Chinese firms because of travel restrictions.
India and China have much at stake in spurring domestic car sales as well as exports, making such industry events vital to drum up business.
New Indian car sales fell 16% last year and China, the world's largest car market, saw an 8% dip as both markets saw increased turnover in used cars. However there is interest in newer models in the electric vehicle segment, according to Chinese market consultancy LMC Automotive and SIAM figures.
India's Tata Motors, owner of the Land Rover and Jaguar brands, has developed electric car models for sale at home and abroad, while China's SAIC Motor and Great Wall Motor also offer electric vehicles for the domestic and export markets. That makes auto shows like the one in India next week important venues to showcase the newest models.
With hotels and conference fees paid in advance and lunch and dinner meetings arranged months earlier, missing a big industry show has a major ripple effect on economic activity. Events like the Auto Expo in suburban New Delhi, or the Singapore air show due to take place next week draw thousands of out-of-town guests.
In China, the conference circuit has come to a standstill with over 20,000 infections and more than 420 people dead as the virus spreads from the epicentre of the city of Wuhan.
In the case of the Singapore Airshow organisers have faced cancellations by vendors from China, including aircraft maker Comac, and reduced attendance by companies from elsewhere in the world concerned about the spread of the virus outside of China. Singapore has reported 24 cases. India to date has seen three coronavirus cases.
To mitigate the impact, both events have highlighted plans to screen throngs of guests for fever and ensure thorough sanitation measures as well as access to medical care to ensure they can carry on even at reduced attendance.(BBC)
February
Australia Launches Inquiry into Military Veteran Suicides
Written by Ani HasanahAustralia is to set up an independent body to investigate military veteran suicides, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced.
The body, led by a permanent commissioner, will review more than 400 known cases of suicide since 2001.
The commissioner, who has not yet been named, will also explore and recommend ways to boost mental health within Australia's armed forces.
It comes after years of campaigning by bereaved family members.
"Those veterans and all serving men and women protect our community and our freedoms. It is our duty to do the same for them," Mr Morrison said in a statement.
"I believe what we have developed addresses the needs of those veterans, their families and our serving men and women," he added. "We will be permanently vigilant about their welfare."
The suicide rate for ex-servicemen is nearly 20% higher than the national average, while ex-servicewomen are twice as likely to take their own lives compared with other Australian women.
David Finney, a former naval petty officer, was among those who took their own lives last year. He was medically discharged in 2017 with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Since his death, his mother Julie-Ann has called for the creation of a Royal Commission - Australia's highest form of public inquiry - into veteran suicides, and her online petition has collected nearly 300,000 signatures.
She told Australian broadcaster ABC that she was happy to hear about the new commission, but said she did not want to take all the credit."This was not me, this was all of Australia backing this," she said. "We need to make absolutely sure that this works for veteran wellbeing."
The new body will have similar powers to a Royal Commission, including the ability to call witnesses, compel evidence and take action against people who do not cooperate with investigations.
It is will also be backed by AU$40m ($27m) of government funding, which may be increased if necessary.
The commissioner will be expected to deliver an interim report to Australia's parliament within 12 months, and further reports every subsequent year.
A Veteran Family Advocate will also be appointed to represent the views of veterans and their families, shape policy and advocate for changes to veteran services and benefits.
Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese told parliament on Wednesday that he supported the new inquiry, though he would have preferred a Royal Commission.
"We called for a royal commission last year," he said. "But we are not going to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. We will support what the Prime Minister has announced and we will be vigilant to make sure it is properly resourced."(BBC)
February
U.S Senate Acquits Donald Trump on Both Charges of Impeachment
Written by Ani HasanahPresident Donald J. Trump was acquitted on both charges of his impeachment on Wednesday (5 February 2020). The first article of impeachment, as annotated by CNN, alleges that “President Trump solicited the interference of a foreign government, Ukraine, in the 2020 United States Presidential election. He did so through a scheme or course of conduct that included soliciting the Government of Ukraine to publicly announce investigations that would benefit his re-election, harm the election prospects of a political opponent, and influence the 2020 United States Presidential election to his advantage”.
The second article, as annotated by CNN, alleges that in his conduct of the office of President of the United States—and in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of President of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed—Donald J. Trump has directed the unprecedented, categorical, and indiscriminate defiance of subpoenas issued by the House of Representatives pursuant to its “sole Power of Impeachment.
The results of the voting decision were read by Supreme Chief Justice John Roberts. “In this article of impeachment, 48 senators have pronounced Donald John Trump, President of the United States guilty as charged. 52 senators have pronounced him not guilty as charged. Two-thirds of the senators present not having pronounced him guilty, the Senate adjudges that the respondent, Donald John Trump, President of the United States is not guilty as charged in the first article of impeachment. The second article of impeachment. On this article of impeachment 47 senators have pronounced Donald John Trump, President of the United States guilty as charged. 53 senators have pronounced him not guilty as charged. Two-thirds of the senators present not having pronounced him guilty, the Senate adjudges that respondent Donald John Trump, President of the United States is not guilty as charged in the second article of impeachment.”
On 15 January 2020, the US House of Representatives voted 228-193 to send the two articles of impeachment to the Senate for a trial. At the Senate, a simple 2/3rd majority, that is, 67 votes were needed for the removal of Trump as President of the United States. However, both articles failed to garner the required support ensuring President Trump of an acquittal. Senator Mitt Romney, Republican of Utah, was the only Republican who voted to remove Mr. Trump from office. Trump is just the third U.S. president ever to be impeached by the House of Representatives. (VOI/SAYEE SHREE L.R/AHM)
February
The Ambassador of Pakistan to Indonesia Reaffirms Pakistan’s Commitment to a Just and Peaceful Resolution of the Kashmir Dispute
Written by nuke
Embassy of Pakistan in Jakarta held a ceremony, Wednesday (05/02) to express solidarity with the oppressed people of Indian occupied Kashmir engaged in a struggle to achieve their legitimate right to self-determination. Ambassador Abdul Salik Khan, in his speech, paid rich tributes to the valiant people of Kashmir who have laid down their lives in the struggle for attaining their right to self-determination. The Ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute and extended Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political and diplomatic support to the just cause of the Kashmiri people. He said that Kashmir and Palestine are the two oldest issues on the UN agenda and UN resolutions on the Kashmir issue clearly state that the Kashmiri people will decide their fate in a UN supervised plebiscite. However, despite lapse of more than seven decades India has persistently reneged its promises of implementing UN resolutions and continue to deny the Kashmiris their legitimate right. (Release Embassy of Pakistan)
February
Singapore Minister of Health: 2 Corona Novel Virus Cases Increase the Number of Affected Singaporeans to 24 Cases
Written by nuke
Six patients in Singapore, including four who have no history of recent trips to China, have tested positive for a new corona virus, the Ministry of Health announced at a press conference Tuesday (4 February) in Singapore. In the press conference, Singapore Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said four cases of local transmission interacted with tourists from China. While the other two cases were Singaporeans who were evacuated from Wuhan on January 30. This brings the number of confirmed cases in Singapore to 24. But the Singapore government ensures that this virus will not be widespread in Singapore.
"Singapore has confirmed a total of six additional cases of the corona virus infection novel on which a cluster of four has no reason travel history to China and therefore that is a result of local transmission. There is however no evidence of widespread sustained community transmission currently. Three of the local transmission cases can be traced to contact with reason travelers from mainland China. The fourth case is a close contact of one of the local transmission cases. The ministry of health has commenced contact tracing to identify individuals who have close contacts with these cases so I assure to strengthen the cluster and limit for the spread. As I mentioned yesterday the cases of limited community transmission are not unexpected This is a scenario that we have prepared for and we are ready to manage it" Minister said.
Last Friday, it was announced that all new visitors with recent travel history to mainland China would not be allowed to enter Singapore. This visitor will also not be allowed to transit in Singapore. Those who have Chinese passports, with the exception of Singapore permanent residents (PR) and long-term passport holders, will also not be allowed into Singapore. The corona virus has killed more than 400 people and infected more than 20,000 worldwide. The World Health Organization has declared the virus outbreak as a global emergency. (VOI / NK / AHM)
