First death in Europe prompts US to evacuate Americans from cruise ship

China has announced policies to support businesses hit by the coronavirus outbreak, with the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission urging banks to provide better loan rates to the manufacturing sector and financial services to businesses making protective gear. This move comes as part of a broader effort to aid small to medium-sized businesses affected by the virus, which has disrupted economic activity in many parts of the country.

In another development, China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, expressed confidence that China will emerge stronger from the epidemic, stating that pent-up consumer demand and growth potential will be quickly unleashed, leading to sound and sustainable economic and social development. This optimism comes despite a surge in confirmed cases of the disease and warnings from analysts that the virus could push China into a technical recession.

Meanwhile, Japanese officials have announced that Americans infected with the coronavirus aboard the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship off the coast of Japan will not be taken back to the U.S. on a charter flight. The State Department has arranged for a flight to land in Japan on Feb. 16 to evacuate American citizens, who will then be quarantined in the U.S. for 14 days.

These developments highlight the ongoing impact of the coronavirus outbreak on businesses, economies, and individuals around the world, as efforts continue to contain the spread of the virus and support those affected by its consequences.