Some snippets, mostly from today.
First this statistic from a week ago indicating what a devil this disease is to find. The most intensively tested population around would likely be passengers on Diamond Princess. Japan's Health Ministry reported that among the 634 that had then tested positive, 328 or
just over half were asymptomatic at the time.
Also in Japan [200+ cases], Osaka’s prefectural government said
A woman working as a tour bus guide was
reinfected with the coronavirus, testing positive after having recovered from an earlier infection
In South Korea (1,700+ cases) Reuters has reported that the
Mayor of Daegu has died
In Iran 26 deaths have now been reported, more than all Chinese provinces other than Hubei. An article today from Time includes more
reports from within of a large epidemic. A complete absence of testing kits until last Wednesday due to sanctions meant Doctors there were unable to confirm their suspicions about many earlier deaths. A further indication of the spread there is the many public officials infected; Time mentions the mayor from Tehran’s district 13, the head of Qom’s medical university, a reformist MP and the Deputy Health Minister, earlier seen moppong his brow at a press conference. To which we can now add
infection of one of Iran's Vice Presidents, adding to the risk that others in Iran's Cabinet will contract the disease, further hampering their ability to respond.
Saudi Arabia has
suspended Hajj visits as well as visitors from any country with cases (this would presumably include Australia). Note that this would apply to visitors taking an Umrah Haj - Haj light if you like,not the main Haj which is due to start in five months from tomorrow.
Reuters has published a very long list of
flight suspensions and reductions by airline.
In the Europe outbreak, where
Italy has now reported over 500 cases, I am keeping my eye on Spain, which has reported
10 cases since Monday, five of which were today.
BTW the sky is not falling, I keep chancing across things indicating the death rate is not as high as previously thought, but now I can't find them. New papers appear to be coming out as fast as new cases. Oh, and if you're interested in finance, here's an article today about
Pandemic bonds, with which investors apparently bet against pandemics and get a good rate of return where none happen. Possibly not the best investment right now.
Cheers skip