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The number of confirmed cases declared by the authorities is 24.324 with another 3000 in critical conditions, but the number could be much higher.
The death toll in China is currently 490, 1 in Hong Kong and one in the Philippines. Hong Kong also confirmed 21 new coronavirus cases.
Hong Kong will impose a mandatory quarantine for anyone arriving from China, including foreigners and residents of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong governor Carrie Lam is facing growing dissent by health workers and the community for her lack of action.
“The next 14 days is a crucial period to stop the spread of disease in the community” Carrie Lam said.
In the wake of the #coronavirus outbreak, Hongkongers panic bought tissue and toilet paper on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/E7TbGEZV92
— Hong Kong Free Press (@HongKongFP) February 5, 2020
The airline Cathay Pacific has requested its staff to take three weeks of unpaid leave because the airline is struggling with the coronavirus epidemic and eight months of political unrest in the city.
American Airlines and United Airlines have suspended all flights bound for Hong Kong after taking the same measure against China.
Taiwan has imposed travel restrictions on all Chinese citizens living in mainland China and has warned its citizens not to travel to Hong Kong and Macau.
Russia, through its health minister Mikhail Murashko, said that a vaccine could be available in 8 to 10 months.
Meanwhile, thousands of passengers on a cruise ship off the coast of Japan will remain in quarantine confined to their cabins due to a case of coronavirus on board.
In Kowloon Bay, thousands have queued up overnight for face masks. A company is selling 11,000 masks, a box of 50 masks cost HK$80.#nCoV2019 #WuhanCoronavius pic.twitter.com/INRkiKbAyB
— Alvin L (@alvinllum) February 5, 2020