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Coronavirus Death Toll Surpasses SARS Epidemic; At East 29 Dead, 58 Wounded In Mall Massacre; New Hampshire Campaign Enters Home Stretch; Russia Shipping Potential Carriers Off To Siberia; The Academy Awards' Diversity Problem; Anna Korakaki Named First Woman To Start Olympic Torch Relay. Aired 10-11a ET
Aired February 09, 2020 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[10:00:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANNOUNCER: Live on CNN. This is CONNECT THE WORLD.
ALISON KOSIK, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: This hour a deadly new record for the Wuhan coronavirus. Hello and welcome to CONNECT THE WORLD. I'm Alison
Kosik in New York. I'm sitting in for Becky Anderson. The death toll from coronavirus that first emerged in Wuhan, China is now greater than the SARS
epidemic from 2003. And the virus is continuing to spread in China and around the world.
Here are the stark numbers. More than 37,000 people infected and 813 deaths. All but two of those deaths are in mainland China. But we are
seeing cases reported in more than two dozen countries and territories. And today a good example of how this disease can bring danger to the most
unexpected places.
Five British citizens including a nine-year-old child, contracted the virus at a ski chalet in France. They came into contact with another Brit who
recently had traveled to Singapore. There is some good news to show you today on this. There are pictures of the thousands of passengers and crew
disembarking from a cruise ship in Hong Kong. They have been stuck on board for days, undergoing strict undergoing screening for the coronavirus. All
3,600 of them tested negative.
David Culver has been covering this outbreak for us since the start and joins me now live from Beijing. You know, you have been on this story from
day one and through the Lunar New Year holiday as well when everybody's been off the streets. It's about to be Monday, the workday there. Is that
expected that people are going to begin returning to work?
DAVID CULVER, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: It's interesting you say that, Alison, because we were out and about my crew and I today trying to
get a feel for how businesses for handling the slowness that really came post-Lunar New Year and what was an extended Lunar New Year. But it was
beyond that even because the Lunar New Year, while it was even extended, businesses even said, OK, another week after that, and still stay at home
if you're able to work from home, so they were still trying to avoid that congregating of the masses.
But little by little, you're starting to see a few more folks out on the streets. Nothing though, compared to what Beijing is usually like, I mean,
some of these streets that we were at on a Sunday in particular, are bustling, even the shopping malls, generally, indoor places where folks
will hang out. I was maybe one of Five people entire mall.
I mean, that shows you just how few folks are actually coming out into the public. So tomorrow will be very telling in many ways. Monday, you know,
you've come to a point where people are obviously having to start to make money, having to go back to work and having to get back to their normal
lives in some sense. But everything here Alison really is still kind of frozen in this place of uncertainty.
KOSIK: What kind of sentiment are you getting from the folks there? Are they afraid to go out and sort of begin their lives again?
CULVER: It's interesting, you can divide it between a couple of different groups. I would say one is you have the ex-pats and foreigners, and you
notice that they tend to actually be going out more than the locals. It seems the locals have been more restrained, perhaps more wary, given what
they many of them lived through in SARS and wanting to maybe take those precautions a little bit more seriously.
You're also seeing some checkpoints set up around the city and really this is happening in every city pretty much, and that is at residential
complexes. For example, if you're trying to go in even to visit a friend, they have a list, they'll check your name, they'll check your temperature.
So even these measures that are trying to prevent the spread and contain it may be off putting for some folks as well and especially locals who may
just seem like it's just a hassle to even try to go through that.
But I think overall, people are probably going to get at some point feeling, you know, a little bit cooped up too much and want to get out. And
you start to notice that little by little especially today I think more than in days past, Alison.
KOSIK: Yes. Unfortunately, coronavirus may become a way of life at least for the short term. CNN's David Culver live for us in Beijing. Thanks very
much. Now an update on that cruise ship still under quarantine in Japan. Six new cases of the virus have been confirmed on the Diamond Princess.
CNN's Matt Rivers talk to some of the healthy passengers on board that ship as they endure a seemingly endless wait for the all-clear. Matt?
[10:05:01]
MATT RIVERS, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Alison, a total of 70 people now have tested positive for the coronavirus onboard this ship, and
it is for that reason. The Japanese health officials say this quarantine is crucial, that everyone on board who isn't sick is going to remain on board
until February 19. But what that has done is create this sort of day to day life filled with monotony, boredom, and a bit of tension.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RIVERS: An early morning takeoff in a flight to see the Diamond Princess, the ship where dozens of people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus.
Passengers onboard under mandatory quarantine until February 19th.
The ship is actually returning to harbor. It was out of the harbor for about 24 hours to take care of some maintenance issues including production
of freshwater. But you'd have to think that for the people on board, it had the added effect of maybe breaking up some of the monotony that has come to
define life on board this ship.
People below saw our helicopter flying around. Rose Yerex even shot us on her cell phone. We asked her and husband Greg to show us their cabin.
GREG YEREX, QUARANTINED ON DIAMOND PRINCESS: That's our minifridge on the right, desk on the left, swing around, there's Rose. And you can see, there
sure isn't much space in here.
ROSE YEREX, QUARANTINED ON DIAMOND PRINCESS: It's the hard thing stuck into a small room, but we are keeping ourselves occupied with all kinds of
things from watching movies and reading books.
RIVERS: Breakfast dropped off at the door each morning. Yesterday, they were allowed out on deck for an hour, masks on, at least two meters apart
from others. It's all part of the quarantine. Health officials say it's the only way to stop the virus from spreading further. Some onboard say it's
like being in a cage.
MATTHEW SMITH, QUARANTINED ON DIAMOND PRINCESS: The time I really sense it is when the crew comes by and knocks on the door to hand you your food and
then the doors closed as though somehow it's the feeding of the zoo animals.
RIVERS: Matthew Smith says he gets it though and praise the actions of the cruise company and the government. He feels the quarantine will work and is
a good idea, even as others on board have said they're scared of catching the disease and have asked to get off.
SMITH: I think they could avoid that fear of failure a little more rational, but I understand. It's a stressful situation for everybody.
RIVERS: Just like some people wanting off, the Japanese government said there is no chance the quarantine will end before February 19. Tests will
continue. Anyone diagnosed will be taken off. But if you're not sick, prepare for your room to be disinfected and settle in.
R. YEREX: And we're really, really looking forward to being able to get home.
RIVERS: So watch the ship dock and in the harbor, it's strange to think that the passengers on board will be able to get off. They are so close to
land and yet so far away from being able to be on it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
RIVERS: And there were some 428 Americans on board this ship. Several of whom had actually publicly called for the U.S. State Department to get
involved to allow some of these Americans to come off the ship and serve their quarantine periods onshore. However, the Japanese defense ministry
said they've talked to officials inside the U.S. government says the U.S. government is supportive of the regulations the Japanese health officials
have put into place in terms of this quarantine process.
Therefore, despite some of these requests, Alison, it does look like all the Americans and everybody else will be serving out this quarantine period
onboard the ship through February 19th. Alison?
KOSIK: And that was Matt Rivers reporting. For all the latest, head on over to CNN.com. That's where you can find out more about millions of people in
Wuhan just try to cope with life under lockdown. Anxiety and boredom are high but supplies are running low. You'll get all the details at CNN.com in
real-time.
Coming up, we'll be speaking to one of the United States' top infectious disease experts Dr. Anthony Fauci. He's also a member of President Trump's
coronavirus Task Force. That interview is coming up in about 20 minutes. We're learning more about what it was like inside a Thailand mall when a
soldier went on a shooting rampage there.
Authorities say the gunman killed at least 29 people and wounded 58 others during a standoff in a crowded mall. A few hours ago, large crowds held a
vigil in the city for the victims. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout has more on how the shooting unfolded, and the attackers -- and the attacker's takedown.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KRISTIE LU STOUT, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Terrified shoppers run out of the mall. It was a calm day turned deadly in one of Thailand's
largest cities. Nakhon Ratchasima also as Korat City is where a Thai soldier opened fire at Terminal 21 Mall killing at least 26 people. Hours
after the rampage began, images on social media showed people sprinting across the mall as heavily armed Thai police and military evacuated them.
John Fielding, an English teacher was inside the malls during the shooting.
[10:10:16]
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I was at the mall with a friend. Everything was completely normal. And then all of a sudden, everyone started running and
shouting and panicking. (INAUDIBLE) was wrong. And your immediate reaction is to kind of drop down and hide. And then everyone was running into the
shop and restaurant and barricaded the door. And luckily, we were right next to the restaurant so we went inside and shut the door. It's a huge
mall, really busy you can get on a Saturday. There must be thousands of people in mall.
STOUT: The tragic event unfolded in real-time as security forces published images on social media giving instructions for people trapped in the
building to get out. Emergency workers live stream their rescue efforts as they were taking victims on stretchers out of the building.
ANUTIN CHARNVIRAKUL, PUBLIC HEALTH MINISTER, THAILAND (through translator): We have been trying to bring out whoever we can, and we will gradually save
others who are still stuck inside.
STOUT: Thailand's Defense Ministry spokesman said the suspect Army Sergeant Major first-class Jakrapanth Thomma shot and killed his superior, then went
around shooting his colleagues. After he escaped from his quarters, he drove to the mall and started shooting civilians. Thailand's Prime Minister
said the rampage was caused by an argument the gunman had with a colleague over a land selling commission fee.
Facebook said in the statement it had removed the suspected government's page although there was no evidence of violent videos. We are working
around the clock to remove any violating content related to this attack, the statement said. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and
the community affected by this tragedy in Thailand.
Police tried several times to try to convince the shooter to turn himself in, even bringing in his mother to try to convince them to stand down.
Authority said they had to confront the gunman in order to save the people being held inside, and the saga ultimately ended when police shot the
gunman dead after a 12-hour standoff. Kristie Lu Stout, CNN, Hong Kong.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KOSIK: At least two U.S. troops and one Afghan soldier were killed in a brazen attack in eastern Afghanistan. A U.S. military spokesman says, it
appears someone wearing an Afghan uniform open fire with a machine gun on a joint operation south of Kabul. It's the latest action against security
forces in the country after a record number of attacks last year.
Journalist Jennifer Glasse is live for us in Kabul, Afghanistan, and she joins me now with the latest. Jennifer, you know, this attack coming as
President Trump is considering drawing down U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
JENNIFER GLASSE, JOURNALIST: That's right, Alison. We know that the commander here has told the White House that he can do the job that he
needs with about 4000 fewer troops than he has right now. There are about 13,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan at the moment. Commander Scott Miller,
General Scott Miller says that he could do the counterterrorism and the train, advise, and assist job that the troops are currently doing with
about 8,600 U.S. forces. But that announcement hasn't been made yet.
And of course, this all comes as the United States has been negotiating for more than a year now with the Taliban on withdrawal agreements. So it's not
clear how that would play a factor into this as well. But as you said, U.S. forces -- there could -- there could be fewer U.S. forces here at some
point soon.
KOSIK: OK, Jennifer Glasse live for us in Kabul, thanks very much. And you're watching CONNECT THE WORLD. Time is running out for Democratic
candidates to garner support in New Hampshire. How the candidates stack up ahead of the primary? That's next. Plus, stars are gearing up for the
Oscars, but critics are pointing to its lack of diversity. We'll speak to the creator of Oscars so white a bit later.
[10:15:00]
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KOSIK: OK, we are just two days away from this year's first U.S. presidential primary. And after the chaos and confusion of last week's Iowa
caucuses, Democrats are hoping the New Hampshire primary will provide more clarity.
Thousands of people attending a Democratic Party gala Saturday night heard last-minute appeals from the candidates. And although there were many calls
for party unity, it got rowdy at times. Pete Buttigieg was jeered by some supporters of Bernie Sanders. Buttigieg supporters responded by chanting
their candidate's name.
A new CNN tracking poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire shows Bernie Sanders holding a narrow lead with support from 28 percent of the
likely Democratic voters. It shows Pete Buttigieg coming in second with percent, there followed by Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren. The poll was
conducted Wednesday through Saturday.
Bernie Sanders was a guest on CNN's "STATE OF THE UNION." He renewed his criticism of rival candidates who've accepted big-ticket contributions from
billionaires, specifically Pete Buttigieg.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (D-VT), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm running against a candidate Pete Buttigieg, among others, who has raised contributions from
more than 40 billionaires including the CEOs of some of the largest drug companies in America. So we are independent of our revolution. All these
other groups, they are legally able to do what they want. So my message to all of the candidates, let's end all of that stuff right now. You want to
do it today? Let's do it today.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOSIK: Pete Buttigieg responded just moments later on the same program.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PETE BUTTIGIEG (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Bernie is pretty rich, and I would happily accept a contribution from him. Look, this is about making
sure we bring everybody into the fight at a moment when we're going to be going up against Donald Trump who with his allies are raising -- I think
the other day they raised $25 million in one day. This is a fight of our lives.
I'm not a fan of the current campaign finance system, but I'm also insistent that we've got to go into this with all of the support we can
get. And by the way, my campaign is where it is because hundreds of thousands of individuals, no corporate PACs, individuals have contributed
through PeteForAmerica.com, and in I think two million-plus contributions, the average under $40.00
I'm the mayor of South Bend. It's not like that's an establishment fundraising powerhouse. We were able to get here by putting together a
movement. And that movement is the one that is going to turn the page, bring it into the Trump presidency.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOSIK: Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg both appearing on CNN's "STATE OF THE UNION." OK, a lot of news to the
breakdown. Let's do it all with a friend of the show, Julian Zelizer. He's a professor of history and Public Affairs at Princeton University. And he
joins us from right here in New York City. Thanks for getting up on a Sunday. Good morning.
JULIAN ZELIZER, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Thanks for having me. Good morning.
KOSIK: So after seeing what happened in New Hampshire, who do you think has -- or in Iowa actually, who has the most momentum as we go into the New
Hampshire primary which is happening on Tuesday?
[10:20:02]
ZELIZER: I think it's the same as going into Iowa. It was clear that Senator Sanders has a lot of grassroots enthusiasm and has built a pretty
formidable apparatus for these two contests. And at the same time, Mayor Pete Buttigieg took advantage of this gap when many senators were back in
Washington, and his appearances are resonating. And as Biden's campaign is a little bit fragile, I think Buttigieg is really capitalizing on that.
KOSIK: Let's go back to Sanders for a minute. How concerned do you think moderate Democrats are with Sanders' sort of resurgence here?
ZELIZER: I think they're as concerned as Sanders supporters are enthused. They're worried about, is he a viable candidate, can he do well, against a
President Trump? but with each victory like this, I think what the Sanders team is hoping for, they demonstrate that they, in fact, can build a
coalition, and you start to see that through the caucuses and primaries.
KOSIK: What about giving support to sort of this newfound face Buttigieg? Why -- you know, where do you think the Democratic Party stands with him?
ZELIZER: Well, there, the concern is he's inexperienced and he hasn't been tested really in the national spotlight. So unlike Sanders, we don't know
what this really looks like when all the scrutiny is on him and when he's facing incoming political fire, but I think there is a thirst for a
candidate also, who might be that coalition builder.
And he's very smart, he's very good in terms of responding to criticism and turning it against his opponents. And I think at least in Iowa and going
into New Hampshire, he's on pretty sound footing.
KOSIK: OK, meantime, we see former Vice President Joe Biden. He is struggling here. During a campaign stop earlier this year, Joe Biden touted
the need for Democratic unity.
ZELIZER: Yes. I mean, this is -- he has been both the person claiming to be most electable and claiming to be the candidate who could most unify the
field. And until now, the polls have been very good. Despite all the ups and downs of the debates, he has remained the front runner. But now the
voting begins. And this is where Biden historically has not done well. We've seen campaigns of his collapse.
And I think a lot of Democrats are worried about what they're seeing. The numbers in Iowa are not good. At least the early polling that we're -- the
polling we're seeing right now in New Hampshire that you just showed, he doesn't look like a front runner. And so I think if he doesn't do something
very -- if he doesn't perform well in New Hampshire, a lot of fundraisers and a lot of organizers are going to be deflated about his candidacy.
KOSIK: OK, let's listen to what Biden -- what Biden did say when he was calling for that unity.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOE BIDEN (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: You will never hear me speak ill of another Democratic candidate. And there's a simple reason for that. We have
to be in a position whoever the nominee is, to be able to win.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOSIK: Oh what a difference in several months makes because now Biden and other candidates are taking potshots at each other. I mean, it's all this
fighting going to hurt the Democrats in the general election?
ZELIZER: No, not necessarily. I always think it's better for Democrats to do this now or for Republicans to get everything out now to test each
candidate, to in some ways throw all the dirt out now rather than waiting for whoever the nominee is and waiting for the general election, because
this is all coming and the attacks are coming. So, part of what primaries and caucuses are, they are testing candidates in the political playing
field. They're not just ads.
KOSIK: One more quick question for you. I want to know how important New Hampshire is when it comes to picking the eventual nominee.
ZELIZER: Very important. To lose Iowa and New Hampshire would be very difficult for anyone to come back from that. That's what Biden understands.
Another victory by Sanders and Buttigieg would really solidify their front runner status. And New Hampshire is important. It's broader than Iowa. And
coming on top of Iowa is a combined package. It can be a pretty formidable moment for a campaign.
KOSIK: OK, Julian Zelizer, it's been great talking with you. I can't wait to see what happens on Tuesday.
ZELIZER: Thank you.
KOSIK: And we are just learning the White House plans to ask for less money than it sought in previous years for a border wall in its proposed spending
plan. A White House official tells us the administration will seek $2 billion versus the $5 billion it asked for last year and did not get. The
border wall, as you know, has been a key promise of the Trump presidency.
When we come back evacuees from China face quarantine and their home countries. Ahead, why Russia is sending them potential carriers to a sort
of virus gulag in Siberia.
[10:25:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KOSIK: Returning to our top story this hour. China's National Health Commission has given the Wuhan coronavirus a temporary name, the Novel
Coronavirus Pneumonia or NCP. The outbreak has killed more than 800 people and infected over 37,000, the vast majority in mainland China. Outside
Mainland China, there have been nearly 370 cases in 27 countries.
If you look at the number of cases of the coronavirus in China compared to the previous day, you can see that the growth rate is steadily slowing
down. But the world -- but the World Health Organization says this doesn't mean the outbreak has been contained.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TEDROS ADHANOM GHEBREYESUS, DIRECTOR-GENERAL, WHO: The last two days, there had been fewer reported new infections in China, which is good news. But at
the same time, we caution against reading too much into that. The numbers could go up again. As you know, curve can zigzag.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOSIK: My next guest is one of the United States top infectious disease doctors and a member of President Trump's coronavirus Task Force. Dr.
Anthony Fauci. He joins us live now from Washington. Thanks so much for your time today.
ANTHONY FAUCI, DIRECTOR, U.S. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES: Good to be with you.
KOSIK: You know, as we heard, we are seeing a slow in the growth of the number of cases, but the World Health Organization is saying it's far from
over. But what do you think, is the slow down a sign of possible containment here? Have we maybe reach the peak of this outbreak?
[10:30:01]
FAUCI: You know, that's possible. But I agree totally with the Director- General Dr. Tedros of the WHO.
He really got to be careful with these epidemiology cares, because they can wiggle up and down a bit. I wouldn't put much stock in that. Obviously, I'd
like to see the next few days continuing to come down. But right now, I think it would be a stretch for us to say, we've turned the corner on this.
We really, really still do have a very serious problem that we don't know where it's going.
KOSIK: And you sit on President Trump's coronavirus task force. How concerned is the administration about this virus, possibly, you know, it's
come here in different states here in the United States, but it's spreading here in the United States. How much concern can you tell is coming from the
administration?
FAUCI: Well, isn't a question of concern, It's a question of preparedness. We're taking this very seriously, and we're taking it in the manner that we
want to be prepared for the worst possible scenario.
Right now, the risk to the American public is low but that could change. So, we are assuming that we would have to deal with the worst possible
scenario, even though that might not occur. And right now, the risk for the American public is relatively low.
KOSIK: You had announced the development of a new vaccine to fight the coronavirus. I think you made this announcement last week. Talk to me about
how it's progressing and how soon it could be available to people.
FAUCI: Yes, I know people can get confused about a vaccine that's developed, and then when it would be actually available to deploy widely.
We have a vaccine that's in the process now of being developed. We're going to get the first phase one trial to see if it's safe. In about 2-1/2
months, that's, that's the fastest that it's ever been done.
But then, it will take another three months to see if it's safe. And then when you get six months out, you have to prove that it works, and that
would take another several months.
So, in reality, having a vaccine available for people, it's going to be well over a year. So, the solution to this problem this year is not a
vaccine, the solution is good public health measures.
KOSIK: Is there a way for the medical community to get ahead of viruses and to be, you know, more proactive than reactive? Or is it -- is it always
this way where there's the reaction?
FAUCI: What -- you know, we're proactive in many ways. But occasionally, when you get an absolutely brand-new infection like this new coronavirus
that essentially explodes out into a particular region, in this case, China, it's very difficult to be totally prepared.
The preparedness now in 2020 is infinitely better than it was five and 10 years ago. But even in that context, it's still very difficult to stay
ahead of a brand-new infection.
KOSIK: Now, the World Health Organization, says it's going to be sending an international team to investigate the outbreak in Wuhan, expected to arrive
Monday or Tuesday. Do you know if American experts are going to be part of a group?
FAUCI: Well, we've submitted a names -- a list of names of 13 people that we would suggest would be part of that. We want very much to be part of it
in the NIH and CDC, particularly, with CDC, who's had good relationships over the years with the China's CDC. So, it would be really favorable, I
believe, if American scientists can be part of that WHO group that's going to be going to China.
KOSIK: Yes, I mean, the new United States is still waiting on an invitation from the Chinese government to send experts to help fight the outbreak.
What assistance could Americans provide?
FAUCI: Well, first of all, we are providing assistance. As you know, there have been hundreds of millions of dollars of non-government charity
organizations, philanthropic organizations, the United States government officially is giving $100 million. And we have scientists who know well,
and in fact, have been involved for years with the Chinese scientists.
So, we can actually help them and be part of a team that would be responding. So, there are a number of ways that the United States is
already helping and would like to help more.
KOSIK: What can we learn from this virus? What lessons can we take away for future viruses that are inevitably going to -- going to come?
FAUCI: Well, that's a really good question. And it's something we've been talking about for years now that new microbes emerge historically, they've
always done that. They're doing that now and they will in the future. We've seen it with HIV AIDS, we've seen it with Ebola, we've seen it with Zika,
and now, we're seeing with the coronavirus.
What it tells us that we really need to have our preparedness apparatus get better and better on a global scale. Not just in the developed world, but
in the developing world as well.
We have to have a global security network, which we've already started, but we need to amplify that. That's really the lesson.
KOSIK: Dr. Fauci, what -- what's one big piece of advice that you've given to President Trump or that you would give him?
[10:35:00]
FAUCI: Well, we do meet with the president regularly about this, because it -- he's very interested in staying on, on top of this. And what we do is we
update him, he asked us what our needs are so that we can do it well. And the advice is that we've got to continue the kind of vigilance, keeping
ourselves alert, and doing the kind of contact tracing, and isolation.
You know, we have 12 cases in the United States. 10 of them are travelers from Wuhan, and two are the spouses of those travelers. What we've done
with them successfully is identified, isolated, and contact tracing.
And hopefully, that will keep a lid on any outbreak in the United States. Those are the kind of things that we discussed with the president.
KOSIK: How receptive is the president to what you're saying?
FAUCI: Oh, entirely receptive. I mean, we've met with him, at least, a few times over the last several days. At least three or four times in the last
week and a half.
KOSIK: OK, Dr. Anthony Fauci. Thanks so much for coming on the show and giving us all this great information.
FAUCI: Good to be with you.
KOSIK: No matter what you call it, Russia, which has confirmed two cases has closed its long border with China to try to stop the virus from
entering. And it shipping potential carriers off to Siberia.
Matthew Chance, reports.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: On a bleak Siberian runway, a frosty reception for the first Russians evacuated from Wuhan,
China. To contain the infection, suitcases is sprayed with disinfectant on the tarmac. As emergency workers in protective suits escort the passengers
into quarantine.
And this is where potential exposure to coronavirus leads. Two weeks under strict observation at this remote Soviet era sanatorium, a virus gulag
where evacuees are isolated from the outside world.
But some are now video blogging from inside.
VLADIMIR MARKOV, RUSSIAN EVACUEE FROM WUHAN: Now, what do we have to do is to put our whole clothes in one back. This is top clothes, another clothes
in another day. Then call the reception, and they will come and take all clothes for disinfection. Also, we had to use alcohol and clean all
personal belongings.
CHANCE: Russia has particularly high exposure to China, including a vast land border more than 4,000 kilometers long, now closed, bar a few frantic
tightly controlled corridors.
It also attracts nearly two million Chinese tourists a year, but now, the throngs of two groups have been canceled. And curtailed flights directed to
a single terminal in Moscow, where passengers are carefully screened before being allowed in.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: From yesterday, I also heard that the Russian government (INAUDIBLE) flight from -- between China and the Russia. I think this is
also to protect the Russian people.
CHANCE: But Russia also wants to protect its important relationship with China. The two countries have strengthening trade and political ties and
shared tensions with United States.
Little surprised, Russian state television is trying to blame the U.S. for the coronavirus outbreak. The virus is named after the coronas or crowns
Donald Trump placed on the heads of beauty queens; this newsreader claimed.
Reporting the same bulletin, alleges the virus was created by U.S. pharmaceutical firms to make money.
Even a global pandemic, it seems, can be an opportunity to take a bizarre swing at a rival. Matthew Chance, CNN, Moscow.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KOSIK: Let's get you up to speed on some other stories that are on our radar right now. Vote counting is underway for Ireland's general election.
And so far, the race is too close to call.
But an exit poll is suggesting an unprecedented three-way tie. Sinn Fein is making huge gains in many constituencies. That is the only political party
that operates in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Parts of Western Australia are being pounded by Cyclone Damien's wet and windy weather. It's the third cyclone there this season.
Meantime, New South Wales and eastern Australia is getting some of the heaviest rainfall in nearly 20 years, causing flash flooding. That area has
been ravaged by months of bushfires.
[10:40:09]
KOSIK: Two of Europe's busiest airports are canceling hundreds of flights. We'll learn more about what's going on there.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KOSIK: Airline passengers across Europe could see major delays in their travel plans in the coming hours. Airports in Frankfurt, Germany, and
Amsterdam, have canceled hundreds of flights due to a strong wind storm.
And officials at London's Heathrow, say they're expecting disruptions. Allison Chinchar is live for us at the CNN Weather Center and has more on
what to expect from the storm.
Hi, Allison.
ALLISON CHINCHAR, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, Alison. And unfortunately, it may be even longer than a few hours. This may linger well into Tuesday of the
upcoming week as the storm continues to make its way through Europe.
Now, here's a look at the latest that we know, at least, 1,500 cancellations, 600 of those were delays. And we're talking numerous, at
least a half a dozen cities worth of airports there dealing with delays.
It's all from this storm that you see here that's continuing to spread, first, initially across portions of the U.K., then in towards Central
Europe, even hitting portions of Scandinavia pretty hard as well.
Wind is the main focus with this particular storm? Look at some of these wind gust report at Cambridge, 100-kilometer-per-hour wind gusts.
Even Plymouth down there on the southwest picking up a 90-kilometer-per- hour wind gusts.
So, again, wind is going to be the main focus here, not just for areas of England and Scotland, and such. But again, this wind is going to then push
its way into areas of Central Europe.
Taking a look at Monday, some of the hot spots, if you will, likely going to be Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, even around Hamburg.
So, if you have any travel plans to those cities, please keep in mind you may continue to see some delays and cancellations as we go into Monday.
Then, we start pushing this forward to Tuesday.
Notice a lot of the same spots are still going to be dealing with those winds up around 70 to 90 kilometers per hour. And even spreading to a few
more as Europe looking like it will start to see an increase in wind, same thing with Milan.
Now, once we get to Tuesday, we start to see them come back down slightly most of these areas now only around the 50 to 70 kilometer-per-hour range.
But keep in mind, in some cities, that may still be enough to trigger some continued airline delays.
Here is a look at the forecast radar, because it's not just wind, we are still expecting to get some pretty good decent rain out of this in some
areas, and it's going to be near-constant for some of these areas.
So, you get these moderate waves of rain that will slide in. So, unfortunately, for some locations, you may be looking at a washout as we
start off the upcoming work week.
Overall, rainfall accumulations are not expected to be that high, widespread likely about 25 to 50 millimeters. However, you could have a
couple of spots that pick up maybe 75, if not even as high as 100 millimeters of rain before these systems finally pushed out.
In terms of snowfall, we're also expecting some decent amounts around the Alps, Allison could be looking at 30 to 45 centimeters at some of those
extremely high elevations.
KOSIK: OK. Meteorologist Allison Chinchar, thanks so much.
Movie stars will hit the Oscars' red carpet in just hours from now. But critics are pointing to the lack of diversity among the nominees. The
creator of Oscars So White, joining us next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:47:34]
KOSIK: It's Hollywood's biggest night tonight, the Oscars. And two movies are widely predicted to be slugging it out for the best film award. World
War One drama, 1917, and South Korean dark comedy, Parasite.
But choosing the winner won't be as cut and dry as you may think. Stephanie Elam takes a look at the contenders.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And the winner is --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And the actor goes to come, get your bright shiny things so I can go home to bed.
STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The Oscar showdown is set.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Parasite.
ELAM: All signs point to a best picture face-off between Parasite and 1917. Why these two?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: 1917.
ELAM: 1971 won the Producers Guild Award, which is predicted 21 of the last 30 Oscar winners. And the film's unique style as if shot in one long take
has impressed Hollywood.
SAM MENDES, DIRECTOR, 1917: We have a nice relaxed spirit, where you have a -- sit around with a cup of coffee and discuss whether you want to keep the
scene in or put it out, or going to take a line in that. Everything that we shot was in the movie.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is it OK with you?
ELAM: Parasite has momentum after the Screen Actors Guild made it the first foreign film to win a SAG Award for Best Ensemble. It could do the same at
the Oscars, where actors make up the largest voting bloc.
KANG-HO SONG, ACTOR, PARASITE (through translator): It would be blurring the lines between East and West and providing hope that everyone on this
earth can coexist. And that is why we must win Best Picture.
ELAM: But Oscar can surprise. Thanks in part to a Best Picture voting method that's similar to a caucus. Voters ranked nominees from one to nine,
films with few number one votes are disqualified, and those ballots instead count for the number two choice. Until one film has over 50 percent of all
ballots.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We didn't expect it, honestly.
ELAM: Something Green Book benefited from that waited ballot last year.
At the Oscars, there is always a chance for a plot twist.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In this town, that can all change like that.
ELAM: Stephanie Elam, Hollywood.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KOSIK: One plot the Academy Awards was hoping to change this year is its lack of diversity. In 2015, The #OscarsSoWhite started a movement that
calls for more representation of minority groups in the entertainment industry. But still, after making some progress, Cynthia Erivo is the only
black actor in the running for an Oscar tonight for her lead role in the film, Harriet.
Let's bring in April Reign. She's the creator of the Oscars So White campaign, which you began right on Twitter with that one tweet, what was
it?
[10:50:07]
APRIL REIGN, CREATOR, #OSCARSSOWHITE: Oscars so white, they asked to touch my hair.
KOSIK: Yes. And it caught on, and now it's been five years, April, since you created the hashtag calling out the Academy Awards. And, as I said,
this year, just one black actress was nominated for an Oscar, what's happened to the movement?
REIGN: Well, I don't -- I think that the movement continues. Oscars So White was never just about race, it is not a binary black and white issue.
It is about all marginalized communities. So, that includes gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and first nation status among
other -- traditionally, underrepresented communities.
So, yes, we can absolutely talk about Cynthia Erivo, receiving the Best Actress nomination, but we also need to talk about the lack of women who
were not nominated within the directing category.
This is also not an issue just about the Oscars. There have been issues with respect to the Golden Globes, the BAFTA Awards, the British equivalent
of our Oscars, and so on. This goes throughout the entertainment industry.
KOSIK: What is it do you think -- why is it such a struggle, as you said, not just for the Academy, but for the entire American film industry, to,
you know, to be more progressive and recognize that there is diversity here, and diversity with talent?
REIGN: Absolutely, we need to talk about who the gatekeepers are. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, the folks who run the Oscars
committed in 2016, year two of Oscars So White, when yet again, there were no people of color nominated for any of the acting categories.
They then committed to doubling the number of people of color and doubling the number of women within their voting membership ranks by this year, by
2020. And they missed the mark with respect to women but hit it with respect to people of color.
And yet, the academy membership is still 84 percent male -- excuse me, 84 percent white, and 68 percent male.
So, what we also know is that the Oscar voters are not required to view the films and performances before they vote. And if that's the case, it's not a
meritocracy, as I think, it should be. But it is truly a popularity contest amongst older white men. And that's why we see the results with the
nominations that we do.
KOSIK: What do you say to critics of your stance here, who just say, listen, let the director or the actor or the actress win or get the
nomination based on their skill, regardless of the color of their skin or what their gender is, et cetera?
REIGN: I absolutely agree. That's the way it should be. But we need to ensure that we are casting our net wide enough so that we are bringing in
the very best within the entertainment industry.
You know, again, I'm not sure that they are doing that if what we're looking at is older white men making these decisions. So, are you watching
movies like Loose and Clemency, and the Farewell, and Parasite? Or are you sticking to what you know what you feel most comfortable with? And that's
why we see the results that we do.
KOSIK: And still other critics say that -- listen, by you, coming down hard on the Academy, you're in effect penalizing the people who were nominated,
almost implying that they don't deserve to get the nomination or win. So, how do you walk that fine line?
REIGN: Oh, that's not what I'm saying at all. I'm not saying that so and so should have been nominated, and we should remove another person. Everyone
who receives a nomination absolutely deserves that -- deserves that nomination because everyone is working hard.
But what we need to do is ensuring that we are opening up the gates for everyone to participate in this process, not just the names that are known.
You know, The Hollywood reporter every single year does an anonymous Oscar voter interview in which people say things like, Oh, well, I couldn't
pronounce a certain name, or I couldn't connect with this movie, and that's why I didn't vote for it.
But again, if the majority of the people voting are older white men, we have to ask whether they are watching films that don't necessarily reflect
their experiences but are still amazing pieces of art that should receive due acknowledgment and recognition.
KOSIK: Are you going to still watch tonight?
REIGN: I am. I'm going to be working with Color of Change, which is the largest online social justice organization in the country. We're going to
be talking about diversity and inclusion issues all night long, talking about potential snubs, and even doing some silly stuff when we're talking
about who's wearing what tonight.
KOSIK: We'll be following you on Twitter at the very least. April Reign, thanks so much for your time.
REIGN: My pleasure. Thank you.
KOSIK: And for the first time, a woman will start the Olympic torch relay. Olympic shooting champion Anna Korakaki will start the torches epic journey
from Greece to Japan in the Tokyo 2020 Games. Korakaki won gold in the previous Olympic Games for her marksmanship and is returning to defend her
title.
[10:55:01]
KOSIK: The final carrier of the flame will also be a woman, 2016 pole vault champion, Katerina Stefanidi. The torch relay will end in traditional form
with the flame being carried into the National Stadium before lighting the main cauldron at the opening ceremony. Tokyo 2020 will start, July 24th.
All right, time for a quick break, then, there is more CONNECT THE WORLD, after this break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
