11.14°C Vancouver

Jan 22, 2020 4:23 PM -

Cases of new viral respiratory illness rise sharply in China

Share On
cases-of-new-viral-respiratory-illness-rise-sharply-in-china
In this Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, photo, travelers wearing face masks walk with their luggage at Hankou Railway Station in Wuhan in southern China's Hubei province. The U.S. on Tuesday reported its first case of a new and potentially deadly virus circulating in China, saying a Washington state resident who returned last week from the outbreak's epicenter was hospitalized near Seattle. (Chinatopix via AP)

Chinese health authorities are urging people in the city of Wuhan to avoid crowds and public gatherings after warning that a new viral illness infecting hundreds of people in the country and causing at least 17 deaths could spread further.

A national health official says 500 cases are confirmed in China.

The 17 deaths are all in Hubei province, where the first cases were reported last month. The illness comes from a new coronavirus that experts say may be spread through the respiratory tract and may be mutating.

An expert meeting convened by the World Health Organization on Wednesday will determine whether to declare the outbreak a global health crisis.

Latest news

AlbertaOct 09, 2026

Calgary Massage Therapist Faces Four More Sexual Assault Charges

A Calgary massage therapist is facing four additional sexual assault charges after four more alleged victims came forward. Police arrested 53-year-old Yuriy Zhivov in July in connection with an alleged incident during an appointment at Kinesio Massage Therapy, located on 17 Avenue SW, in August 2025. Following the release of information about the investigation, four additional victims contacted police, alleging that Zhivov had also committed criminal acts against them. As a result of the investigation, officers executed a search warrant at Kinesio Massage Therapy on October 1, 2026, and arrest
poilievre-pushes-back-against-musks-call-for-canadian-provinces-to-separate
BCOct 09, 2026

Poilievre Pushes Back Against Musk’s Call for Canadian Provinces to Separate

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has strongly criticized Elon Musk’s suggestion that Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan should separate from Canada, saying Canadians make their own decisions and should not waste time on foolish social media posts from people with no connection to the country. Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Burlington, Ontario, on Friday, Poilievre said the focus should remain on the real challenges facing Canadians, including rising grocery prices, the housing shortage and the future of the economy. He said Canada would not be affected by someone’s tweets
gaurav-yadav-appointed-permanent-punjab-dgp
IndiaOct 09, 2026

Gaurav Yadav Appointed Permanent Punjab DGP

The Punjab government has appointed IPS officer Gaurav Yadav as the permanent Director General of Police (DGP). He had been serving as the acting DGP since July 2022. With the appointment, Punjab Police will now have a permanent chief after operating under an acting DGP for nearly four years. The Punjab government had submitted a list of 14 IPS officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the selection of a permanent DGP.
poilievre-to-visit-alberta-to-deliver-speech-on-canadian-unity
AlbertaOct 09, 2026

Poilievre to Visit Alberta to Deliver Speech on Canadian Unity

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has announced that he will visit Alberta next week to deliver a speech on Canadian unity, just ahead of a referendum on Alberta separating from Canada. Speaking at a news conference in Ontario, Poilievre said he would also conduct more grassroots campaigning in the province. Asked about tech billionaire Elon Musk’s comments suggesting that Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec should separate from Canada, Poilievre said Canadians decide their own future. The premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan have dismissed Musk’s remarks.
CanadaOct 09, 2026

RCMP Union Raises Concerns Over Proposed Financial Crimes Agency

The RCMP union is raising concerns over Bill C-29, proposed legislation by the Canadian government to establish a new financial crimes agency to combat money laundering, online fraud and other financial crimes. Rob Farrer, president of the National Police Federation, told a parliamentary committee on Thursday that creating the new agency could further weaken the RCMP, which is already struggling with significant staffing and resource shortages. Under the government’s plan, 150 experienced RCMP investigators would initially be assigned to the new agency. Farrer objected to the proposal, argui

Related News