Coronavirus death toll now higher than Sars
CHINA’S CORONAVIRUS death toll rose by 97 early on Monday to 908, with the number of confirmed cases on the country’s mainland increasing to 40,171.
The increases have dented optimism that disease control measures including the isolation of major cities might be effectively battling the outbreak.
Some 3,062 new virus cases were reported over the 24 hours until midnight local time on Sunday, which was a 15 per cent increase from Saturday and broke a string of daily declines.
The fatality toll has passed the 774 people believed to have died of Sars, another viral outbreak that originated in China. The confirmed cases of the new virus vastly exceed the 8,098 sickened by Sars.
In Japan, 65 more people on a quarantined cruise ship have tested positive for coronavirus. There are now 136 confirmed cases on the Diamond Princess, in the port of Yokohama.
Health minister Katsunobu Kato said the Japanese government was considering testing all passengers and crew on the ship, which would require them to remain on board until results are available. “We are doing the utmost to keep everyone in good health,” he said.
In Hong Kong authorities reported seven more cases, raising its total to 36, while Malaysia reported its 18th case. More than 360 cases have been confirmed outside mainland China.
Asian stock markets slid on following warnings that investor optimism about the disease and its economic impact coming under control might be premature. Chinese businesses are reeling from anti-disease measures that have closed shops, restaurants and factories and disrupted travel.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping, wearing a face mask, visited a community health centre in Beijing.
He had his temperature taken and expressed thanks to the health workers on behalf of the Communist Party and government.
“We will most definitely win this people’s war,” he said.