Today (Sunday 9th Feb) marks the highest official reported number of daily deaths caused by the coronavirus. The official figure stands at 89 and is up from the reported number of 86 on Friday.
This brings the official tally of total deaths to 811 within China, and 813 globally. The significance of this figure cannot be understated, regardless of it's reliability or trustworthiness, the number now matches the death toll of SARS.
Despite the increase in number of deaths, one key metric which is the newly confirmed cases is down by quite a significant number (3385 -> 2656) with total cases in China standing at 37,198.
Most nCoV activity focused around Wuhan and Hubei
Demographics still paint a very clear picture. The large majority of deaths and newly confirmed cases remain in the Hubei province which is the epicentre of the outbreak. With the whole country on on lockdown with all businesses bar grocers and pharmacies closed for business, and no official word on when the extended "holiday" will end, the entire nation and it's productivity remain at a completely standstill.
Businesses across the world feeling the effects of greatly reduced Chinese custom
Many retail businesses have adjusted or revised their expected earnings as a result of nearly an entire country being unable to deploy their spending power. Whether it's luxury brands such as Burberry who's revenue relies 40% on Chinese custom, or the giant LVMH who's share prices have rocketed on the backs of soaring Chinese demand, all retailers are feeling the Chinese pinch.
Travel disruption domestically and internationally
Restrictions for travel remain for Wuhan with the city and Hubei on lockdown. Flights outbound from China are beginning to be cancelled by mainland operators with flight service resumption dates "TBA".
Quarantine is mandatory for anyone who has measured temperature of 37c or above.
Registration of residents at every single property must be made so that the local governments have an update to date idea of where there are movements of people as well as the whereabouts of people of interest.
WHO sends international mission to China
Director general of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has sent a team of experts as part of an international cohort of people to help with combatting the disease. It remains unclear wether the US CDC will be part of the task force.
All things considered, the situation has no clear turning point as of yet and we will have to watch very closely as developments unfold.