Live updates: Fears grow of a coronavirus pandemic after U.S. confirms case of unknown origin

Summary:

South Korea reports 334 new cases, bringing the total number in the country to 1,595

South Korea, US postpone joint drills due to coronavirus

The US State Department has issued a level 3 travel advisory urging people to reconsider going to South Korea

China reports 26 new deaths and 409 additional cases in Hubei province

CDC confirms first case of ‘unknown origin’ in US

CDC reports 6 new cases among repatriated Americans

WaPo reports Northern California has 16th US case, says it’s first of “unknown origin” and risks local spread

83 being monitored in Nassau County

Orange County declares state of emergency

Norway has confirmed its first case

8 quarantined in Westchester

HHS confirms 15th US case

Iran deaths hit 19

Brazil confirms first case in South America

France confirms 2nd death

Tokyo pushes back against Tokyo Games cancellation talk

Greece confirms first case

Germany unleashes fiscal stimulus after confirming new cases

Dems one-up Trump with $8.5 billion package.

Kuwait, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain confirm new cases

Finland confirms 2nd case

1st 2 cases reported in Pakistan

HHS Secretary tells Congress infectious disease fund has no extra uncommitted cash

Congress begins talks on corona virus spending bill with vote expected early next month

Germany health minister warns we’re at beginning of epidemic in Germany; 5 new cases

Italy confirms 12th death, cases soar above 400

North Macedonia confirms first case

South Korea cases soar above 1,200 as gov’t begins testing of 200k patients

Brazil confirms infected patient came on plane from Paris

Ericsson confirms one of its employees in Croatia tested positive

* * *

Update (2025ET): Cases in South Korea have exploded higher, with an official report of 334 new cases, bringing the total to 1,595.

The US State Department has issued a level 3 travel advisory urging citizens to reconsider travel to South Korea.

Meanwhile, China reported an unbelievably low 26 deaths and 409 additional cases in Hubei province.

* * *

Update (1950ET): The CDC has confirmed the first US case of “unknown origin”, but they haven’t said where it is.

CDC SAYS HAS FIRST U.S. CORONAVIRUS CASE OF UNKOWN ORIGIN
The announcement, which was scooped by WaPo, follows Trump’s press conference, where he named Mike Pence to be his “Coronavirus Czar” (though Trump made clear he didn’t like that terminology).

One economist with BankRate.com praised Trump’s performance, saying the appointment of Pence would help the administration clarify the narrative after yesterday’s “bungled messaging.”

“In naming Vice President Mike Pence as the administration’s point person in charge of the response to the coronavirus outbreak, President Trump attempted to show a concerted effort after bungled messaging. Even so, he couldn’t avoid the opportunity to spend more time at the briefing room lectern instead of letting the experts address health concerns.”

Update (1850ET): Just as President Trump was appointing VP Mike Pence to oversee the US’s virus response, the Washington Post reported that the first US coronavirus case of unknown origin has been reported in Northern California.

They added that the case is a sign that the virus “may be spreading in a local area.”

The CDC won’t disclose the exact location of the case, according to the paper.

Of course…

Michael Krieger
@LibertyBlitz
CDC refusing to say the county means everyone will assume this is in San Francisco. https://twitter.com/fxhedgers/status/1232824235854200839 …

FXHedge
@Fxhedgers
NEW CASE OF COVID-19 IN NORTHERN CALIF UNKNOWN COUNTY CDC WILL NOT DISCLOSE EXACT LOCATION – WAPO

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* * *

Update (1755ET): FoxLA reports that Orange County officials declared a local health emergency Wednesday in response to the coronavirus, which has now infected more than 81,000 people worldwide. Michelle Steel, chair of the county Board of Supervisors, and board Vice Chair Andrew Do made the announcement at an early afternoon news conference.

“Our declaration of local emergency today signed by Dr. Quick is about preparedness. It does not indicate a greater risk of harm, there are no current incidents reported in the county of Orange,” stated Supervisor Andrew Do.

There has only been one confirmed case of the virus in Orange County, according to county health officer Nichole Quick, that one patient has been treated and is no longer showing signs.

The Orange County decision follows San Diego County, where officials declared a local emergency in response to the coronavirus on Feb. 14, and San Francisco Mayor London Breed declared a local emergency on Tuesday.

* * *

Update (1549ET): The tiny kingdom of Bahrain has reported a stunning spike in cases, going from just a handful to 33 in less than 24 hours, according to the country’s health ministry.

* * *

Update (1545ET): Workday is reportedly cancelling its internal sales conference, which was expected to draw thousands to Orlando, over coronavirus fears.

Matt Rosoff
?
@MattRosoff
SCOOP: Workday $WDAY has canceled its 2020 SKO in Orlando. 3000 people were supposed to show up. Now will be all virtual. tip @Techmeme https://twitter.com/CNBC/status/1232762803187937280 …

CNBC
?
@CNBC
Workday cancels internal sales conference attended by thousands over coronavirus fears https://cnb.cx/2v7SQDD

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2:24 PM – Feb 26, 2020
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* * *

Update (1505ET): Norway has confirmed its first case, becoming the latest Scandinavian state to join the corona club.

After the WHO said Wednesday afternoon in the US that China confirmed 412 cases Wednesday, which was less than the 459 cases confirmed in the rest of the world, here’s what the chart of cases ex-China is looking like.

* * *

Update (1435ET): County officials in Westchester have just confirmed that 8 people are under quarantine.

New York City has reiterated that it has zero confirmed cases.

* * *

Update (1430ET): Iraq is taking more steps to protect its fragile economy from the virus, closing schools and universities for 10 days, while banning citizens from traveling to a list of 8 virus-impacted countries, including Iran.

* * *

Update (1345ET): If you’re wondering what caused the latest leg lower in stocks, we believe we’ve found the answer: 83 people in Long Island’s Nassau County are being monitored for coronavirus infection, threatening to make the CDC’s warnings about imminent community outbreaks come true.

The story was initially reported by a local radio station before it was picked up by other local outlets.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran told residents “do not panic” at a press conference. Six have been tested so far, five confirmed to not have it.

Laura Curran
?
@NassauExecutive
WATCH: Nassau County Executive Curran and Health Commissioner Eisenstein provide updates and guidance on #coronavirus.https://www.pscp.tv/w/cSaiRDFyYWpab1JxTGxZRXp8MXpxS1Zsbk5PekxKQuBQR5kXfNMJdTV1mFA7sEnBdBwEuSETqvhGEFlPBVjF?t=7s …

Eyewitness News @ABC7NY
Coronavirus Concern: Nassau County issues advisory

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Nassau health officials say they’re working with both state and federal agencies to monitor the situation. Gov. Cuomo has weighed in on the situation, affirming that only one possible case is still pending after 27 were tested. He added that no matter what happens here, he expects the virus will eventually arrive in NY State. Though an outbreak is inevitable, Cuomo added that there’s “no need for undue fear.” He added that he believed the pending case was in Nassau County.

Earlier, HHS Secretary Alex Azar confirmed the 15th coronavirus case in the US, while the latest tally from France put the total at 18, up from just a handful yesterday. Germany has also seen a run-up, as we noted earlier, confirming 7 new cases on Thursday as its leading health official declared an “epidemic”, and urged local officials to prepare for a pandemic.

Meanwhile, five new cases were recently confirmed in Germany, according to Bild, this after Health Minister Spahn gave a stirring warning earlier, part of which we mentioned below: He also confirmed that some infection chains in Germany can’t be tracked. That would bring the total to 23.

* * *

Update (1250ET): A few days ago, the CDC’s Dr. Fauci was on CNBC affirming a WSJ report that human trials for a coronavirus vaccine could enter testing in a matter of months, though we’re likely still at least a year shy of a usable vaccine.

Now, another FDA official is reportedly claiming that the three-month time-frame for human trials to begin might be a little too optimistic.

In recent days, the market has found solace in optimistic vaccine headlines. We’re curious to see if that dynamic will continue.

Over in hte UK, British Airways just announced plans to scrap 22 round-trip flights to Milan.

* * *

Update (1235ET): Another twist revealed: The coronavirus case in Croatia is reportedly an Ericsson employee.

ERICSSON CONFIRMS ONE OF ITS EMPLOYEES IN CROATIA HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR NOVEL CORONAVIRUS
* * *

Update (1225ET): Italy has confirmed some new cases.

ITALY HAS 400 CONFIRMED VIRUS CASES: EMERGENCY CHIEF
Back in the US, an FDA official told the press that the situation is “on the cusp” of a pandemic, apparently violating WHO Director General Dr. Tedros’s request that people kindly refrain from using the “P” word.

FDA OFFICIAL WARNS CORONAVIRUS ON CUSP OF PANDEMIC
Meanwhile, over in the Balkans, health officials in North Macedonia has confirmed its first infection in a woman who recently returned from Italy, Reuters reports.

“The patient tested positive for coronavirus… She is the first patient in North Macedonia to have tested positive for this pathogen,” said Venko Filipce, adding that the patient was in a stable condition. The woman, a Macedonian citizen, reportedly drove from Italy to North Macedonia in a van. All her fellow passengers are being tested. This comes one day after neighboring Croatia reported its first case, someone who had just visited Milan.

* * *

Update (1150ET): The CDC has reported six new cases among the group of Americans repatriated from the Diamond Princess and Wuhan, bringing the total to 45, and the total cases in the US to 59.

Though they couched the information in a weird, opaque way, perhaps to try and blunt the impact the market rally.

U.S. CDC SAYS 14 CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19 AS OF FEB. 26, 45 CASES AMONG THOSE REPATRIATED TO U.S.
The good news is that no more cases have been identified among the general public. But it looks like the rally is starting to fade.

* * *

Update (1130ET): It’s been another relatively hectic morning for coronavirus-related news in the US. Here are some of the latest updates”

Finland has confirmed its second case of coronavirus as the outbreaks spread into northern Europe.
Pakistan reports first case, despite closing border with Iran
German health minister warns we’re at the beginning of an epidemic, tells hospitals to review planning
Brazil is worried about an interruption of medical supplies from China like facemasks (they’re not the only ones)
White House weighs appointing coronavirus czar (though the administration has denied)
Nice latest town to cancel Carnival celebrations
Air China cancels flights between Beijing and Vienna through March 20
US issues travel advisory for Iran, warns US citizens of risk of infection on top of kidnapping and detention
HHS Secretary Azar tells Congress during testimony on Wednesday that all of the infectious disease rapid response fund is “already committed or obligated”
House could vote on coronavirus funding plan during week of March 9
Congress begins talks on virus emergency spending bill
Delta Air Lines reduces flights between US and Seoul
Brazil tracking 20 patients suspected of having the virus
Brazil sees number of cases rising in coming days
Lebanon health ministry confirms 2nd case
Matteo Salvini says Italy should spend €10 billion on coronavirus aid
Russia says it will halt issuing visas to Iranian citizens
The focus remains on Europe and the Middle East now that the number of new cases being confirmed outside China is outbumbering the number of new cases being declared in China (at least according to the ‘official’ numbers).

* * *

Update (0940ET): The Brazilian health ministry said the coronavirus patient arrived in Brazil on a plane from Paris. Exactly when isn’t known.

* * *

Update (0855ET): In the US, Dems are officially doubling-down on their push to politicize the coronavirus outbreak and use it as a cudgel against President Trump by proposing a plan calling for even more money to be spent.

According to Fox’s Chad Pergram, Chuck Schumer is planning a $8.5 billion package that he plans to hand over to the appropriations committee later on Wednesday.

Chad Pergram
?
@ChadPergram
Schumer preparing emergency spending pkg for coronavirus funding totaling $8.5 Billion.

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President Trump is holding a press conference later today to discuss the outbreak. Yesterday, he said he would be handing off his administration’s $2.5 billion rescue package to Congress. President Trump has repeatedly insisted that the outbreak is under control, so we suspect that he fears a large number might spur panic.

Of course, in a situation like this, money can only go so far. As the CDC has demonstrated, containing an outbreak is more about decision-making and hard choices.

In other news, as we mentioned earlier, Germany is moving to implement some fiscal stimulus of its own.

* * *

Update (0750ET): While the Germans oppose closing borders in response to the outbreak in Italy, it appears Berlin has stepped up to rescue the market and placate economists begging them to roll out a fiscal stimulus program to stop the European economy from sliding into the gutter.

GERMANY PLANS TO TEMPORARILY SUSPEND LIMIT ON PUBLIC BORROWING
Futures soared on the headline, which is hardly surprising, as the market has already been primed for German stimulus, even if Berlin has always held the idea at a distance. Back in September, there was all that talk about a “shadow budget”.

As sentiment plunges, WHO’s Dr. Tedros has stepped in to try and soothe rattled investors, warning that government officials, economists, infectious disease researchers and any self-styled ‘experts’ should avoid using the word ‘pandemic’ to describe the outbreak.

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Yes, while it does technically meet the definition of a pandemic, that word has some seriously negative connotations which Tedros feels isn’t really appropriate here.

Italy, meanwhile, has reported its 12th death after confirmed cases soared above 300 earlier.

* * *

Update (0730ET): The UK has announced plans to start randomly testing citizens with flu-like symptoms for COVID-19. The plan is part of measures to contain the virus as the UK has managed to avoid reporting any new cases over the past week. In England, random testing will take place at 11 hospitals and 100 doctor’s offices.

“This testing will tell us whether there’s evidence of infection more widespread than we think there is. We don’t think there is at the moment,” Cosford said. He added: “The other thing it will do is, if we do get to the position of more widespread infection across the country, then it will give us early warning that that’s happening.”

So far, only 13 people have been infected.

* * *

Update (0715ET): Abe’s government has officially denied comments made by a senior IOC member who suggested that the Tokyo Games might need to be canceled if the virus is still a threat in late May. IOC member Dick Pound told the AP that “a decision would have to be made by late May” about whether to cancel the games, according to the Washington Post.

The official position of the Japanese government is that the Games will not be canceled. Besides the obvious blowback for Japan’s already sagging economy and tourism industry, cancelling the games would likely have a serious psychological impact on consumer confidence in the world’s third-largest economy.

In other Japan news, Hokkaido, a prefecture in the north ofJapan, has urged schools to temporarily close as it struggles to contain the virus after a string of new cases popped up in the area. It was the prefecture’s first order to close schools since the epidemic began.

* * *

After cementing its largest two-day percentage drop in two years (going by points, it was the biggest two-day drop ever), stocks fell in Europe Wednesday as France reported its second virus-linked death (and first French national; the first was an 80-year-old Chinese tourist), while Spain confirmed 8 new cases within 24 hours.

The Frenchman who passed away on Wednesday was one of three new cases confirmed by health authorities.

Over in the US, the CDC warned yesterday that “community spread” of the virus is “inevitable,” while President Trump and his administration continued to insist that everything is fine and that the outbreak in the US would soon die down. We also saw Croatia, Austria and Switzerland report their first cases on Tuesday following the EU health commissioner’s declaration that closing borders would be “disproportionate and ineffective.”

“We’re talking about a virus that doesn’t respect borders,” said Italy’s Health Minister Roberto Speranza yesterday.

Are we the only ones who feel that this sounds like justification for closing the border?

Mirroring the situation on the Canary island of Tenerife, Austrian authorities placed a hotel in the Alpine city of Innsbruck under lockdown after a receptionist (an Italian who had recently visited outbreak epicenter Lombardy) tested positive, according to the Washington Post.

Just hours after Brazil confirmed the first case in South America, some of its continental neighbors are going on “maximum alert”. Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei said the country was battening down the hatches, and that its hospitals are fully stocked and supplied.

On Wednesday, Greece confirmed its first case in the city of Thessaloniki, while Iran reported 19 new deaths, bringing them, within swinging distance of the 50 deaths that a local lawmaker reported earlier this week. Confirmed cases in the revolutionary Islamic Republic have climbed to 139. According to Al Jazeera, Kuwait confirmed six more cases on Wednesday, bringing its total tally to 18. Bahrain reported three new cases, bringing its national total total to 26 as three women who recently traveled to Iran carried the virus back.

While European officials largely avoided the heavy-handed tactics used in China, government ministers urged people to avoid all “non-essential” travel as the outbreak spreads across Europe. The mystery at the center of the outbreak in Italy has compounded fears, as the lack of understanding contributes to the hysteria surrounding the outbreak.

“There is no prohibition,” said Spain’s health minister, Salvador Illa, according to El Pais. “But unless it is essential, do not go to a risk zone. It’s common sense.”

Rumors circulating around twitter yesterday claimed an official who had met with the Ayatollah only days ago had tested positive for the virus, becoming at least the second government official to catch the virus after the deputy health minister.

The Hong Kong government said it had been contacted by more than 3,000 Hong Kongers in Hubei Province, including 532 in Wuhan, asking for help getting them back to Hong Kong. In order to return to HK, the government said all Hong Kongers in Hubei must register with the government by Feb. 28.

Mongolia has become the latest neighbor to tighten its borders and restrict internal travel. The country said it would restrict travel to and from its capital, Ulaanbaatar, to other provinces until March 3. A transportation minister said the country would take precautions with other flights from Europe, Russia Turkey and Kazakhstan. Egyptair has extended its shut-down of flights to China; flights were supposed to resume on Thursday.

The Philippines, which adopted travel restrictions directed at China, said Wednesday it would also impose travel restrictions on South Korea. The government announced an immediate ban on entry to travelers from North Gyeongsang province, where the coronavirus-hit city of Daegu is located. Japan also announced that it would bar travelers who had visited Daegu or Ceongdo.

Overnight, South Korea reported 115 more cases, in keeping with its 2-3 daily updates. The new total: 1,261. That number is, of course, expected to climb over the coming days as the country begins the mass-testing of 200,000 people, including members of the cult-like church that’s found itself at the epicenter of the outbreak in Korea.

Korea also reported that an American soldier was among the 169 cases reported earlier in the day (we noted it late last night).

Israel has yet to detect the virus within its borders, but another hair-raising revelation came to light Wednesday when South Korea’s CDC confirmed that the Korean Air cabin crew infected with the coronavirus had been on a flight between Israel and Incheon.

As Shinzo Abe’s government goes all-out to keep the Olympics on track, the PM announced on Wednesday that all major sporting and cultural events in the country taking place over the next two weeks should be postponed or canceled. This comes after the International Olympic Committee said the Olympic Games would go on no matter what, even if the outbreak keeps travelers away, the Japan Times reports.

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