Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Feb 3

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Monday, Feb 3.


Safeguarding jobs, businesses primary focus in Singapore's battle against Wuhan virus: Chan Chun Sing

(From left) Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo alongside Far East Hospitality CEO Arthur Kiong (fifth from left) during a visit to Oasia Hotel Downtown on Feb 2, 2020. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN

The impact of the Wuhan virus could be "wider, deeper and longer" than that of the Sars epidemic in 2003, said the Trade and Industry Minister.

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Wuhan virus: China's Hubei province reports 56 new deaths, more than 2,100 new confirmed cases

Funeral parlour staff members in protective suits help a colleague with disinfection after they transferred a body at a hospital, following the outbreak of a new coronavirus in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, on Jan 30, 2020. PHOTO: REUTERS

Hubei showed a sharp increase in confirmed infections with 2,103 new cases.

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Wuhan virus: 15 people refused entry into Singapore following new travel restrictions

In a photo taken on Jan 22, Changi Airport staff screen passengers for possible Wuhan virus infection symptoms as they arrive in Singapore. ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO

All new visitors who have been in mainland China within the past 14 days will be barred from entering or transiting in Singapore.

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Wuhan virus: No new cases reported in Singapore on Sunday; all 18 confirmed cases are in stable condition

A resident collects masks from the mask collection counters at the Residents' Committee centre at Block 47 Telok Blangah Drive on Feb 2, 2020. ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID

Most of the confirmed cases are improving, the Ministry of Health said.

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China reports H5N1 bird flu outbreak in Hunan province

In this picture taken on Nov 17, 2019, a farmer tends to chickens at a farm in Heihe, China. PHOTO: REUTERS

No human case of the H5N1 virus has been reported.

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British police shoot man dead after London 'terror-related' stabbing attack

A police officer is seen near a site where a man was shot by armed officers in Streatham, south London in Britain, on Feb 2, 2020. PHOTO: REUTERS

A hoax device was found strapped to the body of the man killed by armed officers.

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About 30,000 work pass holders from China yet to return after Chinese New Year break: Josephine Teo

A Health Alert Notice placed near the Changi Airport Terminal 1 Arrival hall on Feb 2, 2020. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

These workers will be required to go on a 14-day leave of absence when they return to Singapore.

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Thousands of Hong Kong medical workers to strike as Wuhan virus outbreak worsens

Representatives from various unions hold slogans during a press conference on the latest update of the strike actions in Hong Kong on Feb 2, 2020. PHOTO: AFP

More than 9,000 union members have pledged to take part, first in suspending non-emergency services offered by the city's Hospital Authority.

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Bus driver extricated from seat after accident near Changi Airport T2; 6 passengers also taken to hospital

The bus, which is operated by Go-Ahead Singapore, was found crushed against a concrete pillar near Changi Airport Terminal 2 on Feb 2, 2020. ST PHOTO: TOH TING WEI

The complex rescue operation lasted 45 minutes.

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Taiwan singer Elva Hsiao admits she has dated more than 100 men

Taiwan singer Elva Hsiao revealed in a Chinese comedy show that she has gone on dates with more than 100 men. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM ELVA HSIAO/FACEBOOK

The 40-year-old said she is not bothered by what others think about her love life, adding that she is not one to hole up at home and brood alone.

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