Death toll from coronavirus in China nearing 500 cases

(Patria) – The death toll from the coronavirus epidemic in China surpassed 490 cases on Wednesday.

Two American commercial flights to Hong Kong were cancelled after the first fatal outcome of the new virus was recorded in the Chinese autonomous province, while 10 infected people on a cruise ship were placed in quarantine in Japan.

Outside of mainland China, two deaths have been recorded so far – a 39-year-old man from Hong Kong who contracted the virus during a visit to the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of this still-unexplored virus, died on Tuesday. Another man died last week in the Philippines after visiting Wuhan – the first overseas death.

In mainland China, a total of 3,887 new infections have been confirmed, bringing the total number to 24,324.

Outside of China, a total of 230 cases of infection have been confirmed in 27 other countries and regions, Reuters reports.

Chinese authorities have stated on several occasions that they believe they can resolve the crisis and defeat the virus. Chinese State Councilor Wang Yi stated that the mortality rate of 2.1% is significantly lower than the mortality rate of previous major epidemics.

The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus, which resembles the flu virus, a global emergency. Experts conducting intensive research admit that the virus is still unknown to them, including its transmission methods and precise mortality rates.

Economic consequences

White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said that due to the epidemic, increased exports to China planned in the first phase of the trade agreement between the two powers will be postponed.

Two American airlines announced on Wednesday the cancellation of round-trip flights until further notice, which was met with criticism from official Beijing, which called on Washington to help China.

Thousands of medical workers in Hong Kong have been on strike for the second day, demanding a complete closure of borders with the mainland after three border crossings remained open.

In Hong Kong, 18 cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed so far. This Chinese autonomous province was severely affected by the SARS virus in 2002, which claimed about 800 lives worldwide and cost the global economy $33 billion.

Several Western countries have continued to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan. The US has announced the possibility of additional evacuation flights for American citizens in Wuhan as early as Thursday.

At the same time, the city authorities in Wuhan are trying to respond to the growing crisis, and have converted a dozen buildings into hospitals, which should enable the care of about 10,000 patients.