Another interesting study on the evolution of the coronavirus … this time published in Nature. A group of scientists from around the world who have been tracing the virus’s origins say their findings indicate that “the lineage giving rise to the SARS-CoV-2 has been circulating unnoticed in bats for decades”. Writing on Twitter, award-winning science author Laurie Garrett says the study has a number of significant implications.
Indonesia reports 2,381 new coronavirus infections
Indonesia reported 2,381 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, taking the total to 104,432, data from the country’s COVID-19 task force showed. The Southeast Asian nation also reported 74 new COVID-19 related deaths, taking total fatalities to 4,975.
Hong Kong reports 118 new coronavirus cases
Hong Kong reported 118 new coronavirus cases, including 113 that were locally transmitted, as strict new measures including a restriction of gatherings to two people and a ban on restaurant dining, took effect. The measures, which are the toughest introduced since the outbreak, are to last for at least one week as leader Carrie Lam warned the city is on the brink of a large-scale outbreak. The global financial hub reported 106 new cases on Tuesday. Since late January, about 3,000 people have been infected in Hong Kong, 24 of whom have died.
Russia’s coronavirus cases near 830,000
Russia reported 5,475 new cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its national tally to 828,990, the fourth largest in the world. In the daily readout, officials said 169 people had died in the last 24 hours, pushing the national death toll to 13,673.
Britain has no alternative to quarantine yet: minister
Britain does not yet have a viable alternative to imposing a 14-day quarantine on travelers returning from countries deemed to have a high risk of coronavirus, culture minister Oliver Dowden said on Wednesday.
