The 2019-nCoV coronavirus outbreak is accelerating, with 7,909 confirmed cases and 170 fatalities reported globally. France has confirmed its fifth case, while repatriation efforts for French nationals in China are underway. Additional countries now report infections as governments implement border restrictions.
As reported by Hong Kong's South China Morning Post on January 30, 2020, the global tally for the 2019-nCoV coronavirus now stands at 7,909 confirmed cases and 170 deaths. Experts anticipate the epidemic's peak within a week, yet the numbers continue to rise.
The virus has reached all 31 provinces in mainland China, including Tibet, the last holdout. Internationally, India and the Philippines have each reported their first case. French authorities confirmed a fifth infection on the evening of January 29, as noted by Le Monde.
In response, Russia has closed its 4,250 km border with China, following similar actions by Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and North Korea. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated: "An order was signed today and is in effect. We will inform everyone today of the measures taken to close the border in the Far East."
The World Health Organization (WHO) convened again on January 30 to assess whether the outbreak constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern."
France activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism on January 28 to coordinate the evacuation of European citizens from Wuhan, the quarantined city of 11 million. A first flight aims to repatriate 200 French nationals, with up to 600 Europeans from countries including Italy, the UK, Belgium, Spain, and Germany seeking return.
Returnees will undergo 14 days of confinement in a secure facility upon arrival. Health Minister Agnès Buzyn described it as "a friendly reception area, pleasant for families and under 24-hour medical supervision."
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