Coronavirus deaths in China reached 722, a US national becomes first foreigner to die in China
Kathmandu, February 8
Chinese health officials announced that at least 722 people died of coronavirus and infections climbed past 34,000.
The New York Times quoted Chinese national health officials announcing that 86 new deaths were recorded across China and 3,399 new cases emerged.
Meanwhile, the Guardian reported that a US national in China became the first foreigner confirmed to have died from the new coronavirus, while a Japanese man also died after experiencing symptoms consistent with the disease.
The 60-year-old US citizen diagnosed with coronavirus died on 6 February at Jinyintan hospital in Wuhan, the centre of the virus outbreak, a US embassy spokesman in Beijing said.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to the family on their loss. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we have no further comment,” the spokesman was quoted as saying by the Guardian.
Likewise, a Japanese man taken to hospital with pneumonia in Wuhan died after suffering flu-like symptoms consistent with the coronavirus, Japan’s foreign ministry said. The man in his 60s was suspected of having been infected with the coronavirus but due to difficulties in diagnosing the disease the cause of death was given as viral pneumonia, the ministry said, citing Chinese medical authorities.
