Latest coronavirus epidemic assessment: Nearly 12,000 cases reported globally, with over 250 deaths primarily in China. Meanwhile, 200 French nationals repatriated from Wuhan, and France confirms its 6th case. China's mask shortage leads to extraordinary measures.
As of February 1, 2020, the South China Morning Post reports grim developments from Hubei province (including Wuhan): a single-day record of 45 new deaths and 1,347 confirmed cases. The 2019-nCoV virus has now reached all 31 provinces in mainland China.
Internationally, new nations report cases, including Russia (2), the UK (2), and Spain (1). Japan and Singapore each confirm 16 cases. Globally, totals stand at 11,943 cases and 259 deaths.
Per Le Monde, around 200 French citizens from Wuhan arrived in Marseille overnight January 30-31. They are in 14-day quarantine. Two passengers showed symptoms en route, but tests proved negative.
France reports its 6th case—the first local transmission. A general practitioner was infected by a patient who returned to China and later tested positive. The doctor is isolated in a Paris hospital.
Health guidelines urge avoiding crowds, wearing masks, and frequent hand hygiene. China's acute mask shortage has spurred desperate improvisations, with some crafting homemade protections from household items (see video below).
In Hong Kong, profiteers exploited the crisis by selling counterfeit or "recycled" masks. Authorities inspected 180 sales points recently.
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