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Coronavirus pandemic

Number of people infected with coronavirus in China exceeds 6,000

Practically all regions of China have confirmed cases of the virus, with the Hubei province remaining the epicenter

© AP Photo/Arek Rataj

MOSCOW, January 29. /TASS/. A new type of coronavirus 2019-nCoV continues to spread in China: 6,012 people have been infected, with 132 confirmed deaths. In one month, the new virus has surpassed the 2002-2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which lasted for six months, infecting 5,327 people and killing 349 of those infected.

Practically all regions of China have confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with the Hubei province remaining the epicenter of the virus with its administrative center in Wuhan, populated by 11 million people. There have been cases of the coronavirus detected in 15 states; however, the virus’ incidence rate remains low outside of China. Russia has examined 139 people with symptoms of respiratory infections, but no cases of the 2019-nCoV virus have been confirmed.

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The Russian Embassy in China is discussing the possibility of evacuating Russian citizens located in the Hubei province. It is impossible to leave the province, as it is under quarantine. According to the embassy, at least 177 Russian citizens are in the Hubei province currently, with 120 located in Wuhan. Earlier, Japan transported 206 of its citizens on a special flight from Wuhan, with two of the passengers hospitalized on suspicion of pneumonia. The US, France and South Korea also announced plans to evacuate their citizens from the area.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a session with Russian officials tasked with avoiding the spread of the disease in Russia. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova reminded that the Russian government had taken several steps to avoid the spread of the disease, namely, enhanced monitoring of the epidemiologic situation, increased control at border crossings and special training of medical professionals in case the virus is detected. She added that "immediate isolation of people suspected of being infected with the disease and the corresponding medical control" had been discussed.

Head of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare Anna Popova informed that as of now, over 20,000 flights arriving to Russia from regions with detected cases of coronavirus have been examined, with over 1 mln people checked for symptoms of the virus. The official pointed out that Russian medical professionals are developing a more reliable system of detection, as the new type of coronavirus has symptoms similar to the regular flu. Popova added that practically all Russian regions had approved plans to combat the virus.

Several states are applying security measures, especially those bordering China or serving as popular tourist destinations for Chinese nationals. On Wednesday, Vietnam announced that it would temporarily stop receiving Chinese tourists. Kazakhstan stated that it would suspend transport connection with China in the coming days, also suspending issuance of visas to Chinese citizens.

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Trump’s transition team did not respond to a TASS request for comment

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The Cordelia Moon is 274 meters long and 50 meters wide

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Putin signs law on increased penalties for armed mutiny

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Russia withdraws from agreement on multilateral nuclear environmental program

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Putin apologizes for AZAL airliner incident in Russia’s airspace — Kremlin

The Russian leader conveyed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the plane crash victims

Kalashnikov improves combat capabilities of Vikhr-1 aviation missile

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Trump’s Greenland comments could be part of policy of countering Russia and China — media

Trump’s transition team did not respond to a TASS request for comment

Russian flag hoisted on nuclear-powered icebreaker Yakutia in St. Petersburg

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Russia's annual GDP grew by 4% in 11 months of 2024 — ministry

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Ukraine loses over 250 servicemen over past day in Kursk Region, another surrenders as POW

Russia's army continues to defeat Ukrainian formations in the Kursk Region

Press review: EU preps for gas cuts via Ukraine as China boosts naval and air power

Top stories from the Russian press on Saturday, December 28th

Press review: Ukraine eyes missile programs as EU considers new sanctions on Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 25th

Expert sees the collective West behind Ursa Major terrorist attack

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that "the goal of the enemy’s terrorist campaign on international shipping routes was to disrupt trade and economic cooperation"

Kazan airport in Russia’s Tatarstan suspends service — regulator

"The air harbor is temporarily not accepting or sending flights," the statement reads

Almost 37,000 tons of contaminated soil removed from Black Sea beaches

"Almost 8,000 people were employed in this work today," according to a statement by the region’s crisis center

Syrian ports of Latakia, Tartus fully resume operations — official

Both ports are now serving ships and handling cargo normally

Oreshnik missile systems still few, but they are enough — Putin

According to the head of state, the system's serial production has begun

Russia to counter extremists’ attempts to recruit minors — strategy

The strategy suggests that in order to counter such activities, teenagers should be encouraged to take part in efforts to maintain war memorials

Gazprom to limit gas supplies to Moldova up to zero from January 1 over contract breach

The company notes that the restriction will remain in effect until Gazprom notifies Moldovagaz in writing otherwise

German post-conflict presence in Ukraine should be coordinated with Russia — politician

Friedrich Merz did not provide a clear response to a question about security guarantees for Ukraine, stating that "a ceasefire is still a long way off"

Russia says battlegroups North, Dnepr cause Ukraine to lose up to 160 troops over past day

"Units of the battlegroup North struck manpower and equipment of Ukraine’s mechanized and motorized infantry brigades, a territorial defense brigade and formations of foreign mercenaries near Volchansk, Liptsy, Slatino and Neskuchnoye in the Kharkov Region," the ministry said

Russia practically eliminates remnants of Ukraine’s Air Force — source

The source said that attempts to recruit more pilots in Poland and other Eastern European countries were not particularly successful

Putin, Kazakh president to remain in touch over plane crash in Kazakhstan — Kremlin

"The two countries’ leaders will remain constantly in contact on matters related to investigation into the circumstances of a tragic incident involving the Azerbaijani airplane and on important issues of fostering Russia-Kazakhstan cooperation," the statement says

External forces to prevent Syria’s collapse — expert

Israel "does not need this territory, as the Israelis have already taken the Golan Heights," Vitaly Naumkin said

Two families with children return to Russia from Syria — commissioner

An aircraft landed in the Moscow Region, Maria Lvova-Belova said

US debt to reach limit in mid-January, authorities to take extraordinary measures — Yellen

The national debt of the US currently stands at around $36.2 trillion

Press review: Putin discusses EU gas supplies and Russia open to Ukraine talks with Trump

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, December 27th

RuStore surpasses AppStore in terms of user audience in Russia — minister

Maksut Shadayev noted that Chinese developers have increased investments in promoting their applications in the store fivefold this year and spent 60 million rubles ($590,088)

About 70 former Syrian troops deported back after fleeing to Lebanon

According to Elnashra, they was detained on December 27 in the town of Byblos

Fall conscription concluded with 133,000 individuals drafted — Russian Defense Ministry

As in previous conscription campaigns, conscripts had the right to choose service branches based on their health status and the results of psychological testing

Russia’s wheat exports in 1H the agricultural season to reach a record 29.4 mln tons

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