China virus death toll surges past 800, as infections mount

China virus death toll surges past 800

The virus has now killed more than 800 people in mainland China and triggered worry, travel restrictions and bans across the world [Chiang Ying-ying/AP Photo

The death toll in mainland China from the coronavirus surged to 811, the National Health Commission said on Sunday, as a Japanese and an American became the first foreigners to die of the illness in China.

The commission reported 89 deaths nationwide up to midnight on Saturday with 81 of the fatalities in Hubei, the central province at the heart of the outbreak.

More people have now died from coronavirus in China than did worldwide during the 2002-2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), with the total number of infections in the country rising to 37,198.

Two people have died from the virus outside mainland China - one in Hong Kong and another in the Philippines - and at least 25 countries have confirmed cases.

Major airlines have suspended flights to and from China and several countries have evacuated their citizens from Wuhan and the wider Hubei province in a bid to stop the spread of the infection.

Sunday, February 9

China health body warns against excessive use of protective suits

China's National Health Commission called for the "reasonable use" of protective suits in a statement on Sunday and cautioned against "excessive and disorderly" use of the clothing that would waste resources and could also increase infection.

The statement was issued as China faces a severe shortage of equipment, including suits, masks and goggles, to protect medical workers from infection.

Though supplies of protective clothing have improved, they are still insufficient, said the statement.

Philippines evacuates 30, including infant, from Wuhan

Thirty Filipinos returned to the Philippines on Sunday from Wuhan, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Twenty-nine adults and an infant flew on a chartered flight arranged by the foreign affairs and health departments which landed at Clark Air Base, northwest of the capital, Manila.

The returning passengers and a 10-member government team were transferred from the plane into buses that took them to the nearby Athlete's Village in New Clark City for a 14-day quarantine.

There were about 300 Filipinos in Hubei, based on the Philippine government's estimate, but it said not all had wanted to be evacuated.

Singapore Prime Minister urges public not to panic over coronavirus

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has urged people keep calm over the spread of the coronavirus in the city-state after the decision to raise the alert level for the infection led shoppers to rush to supermarkets and clear the shelves of essential items.

"There is no reason to panic," Lee said in a video that was shared on social media. "We are not locking down the city or confining everybody to stay at home. We have ample supplies. There is no need to stock up with instant noodles, or tinned food or toilet paper."

Singapore, which has reported 33 cases of the virus, raised its alert level on Friday to "orange", the same as during the SARS outbreak in 2003. The alert level indicates that the virus is severe and passes easily between people.