As the Global Coronavirus death toll passed 3,000 with the new China count, New York state confirmed its first Coronavirus case on Sunday, 1 March, Reuters reported.

After the first death from Coronavirus was reported in Washington, US President Donald Trump on Saturday, 29 February announced restrictions on travel from Iran and advised fellow citizens not to travel to certain areas of South Korea and Italy.

• Indian envoy to Iran, Gaddam Dharmendra, said authorities are working to facilitate the return of Indians who wish to go back home in the wake of the outbreak
• The World Health Organisation said there were now more new cases of the coronavirus daily, outside China, than inside the hard-hit country, marking a shift in the outbreak
  

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has asked citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the South Korea, Iran and Italy
• The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are going ahead as scheduled, organisers said, amid the outbreak
• A global recession is likely if the coronavirus becomes a pandemic, and the odds of that are high, Moody’s Analytics said on Wednesday

4 Indians on Board Cruise Ship Test Positive, Total Number of Indian Cases Rises to 12

Four Indian crew members, who underwent tests for the coronavirus along with others still on board the cruise ship moored off the Japan coast, have tested positive for the virus, taking the total number of Indians infected with the virus on the vessel to 12, the Indian embassy said on Sunday, 23 February, as per PTI reports.

Passengers showing no signs of the deadly disease started deboarding the ship, Diamond Princess, after the quarantine period ended last week.

"Unfortunately, results received as of 1200 JST (Japan Standard Time) include 4 Indian crew members having tested positive," the Indian embassy tweeted. Earlier, eight Indians tested positive for the virus.

"All 12 Indians are responding well to treatment," the mission said.

South Korea Raises Coronavirus Alert Level to 'Highest': President

South Korea is raising its alert level on the new coronavirus to the "highest", President Moon Jae-in said Sunday, in the face of a sudden spike in the number of infections, AFP reported.

"The COVID-19 incident faces a grave turning point," Moon said following a government meeting on the virus. "The government will raise the alert level to the highest level."

DGCA Expands Universal Screening of Flight Passengers

An order issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) declared that the universal screening of passengers arriving in flights has been expanded to those from Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia, in addition to those from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore.

Israel Quarantines Pupils Who Met South Korean Tourists Over Virus Fears

Nearly 200 Israeli pupils were ordered to begin a two-week quarantine from Sunday, 23 February, after having come into contact with South Korean tourists who contracted the coronavirus, the education ministry said, as per AFP reports.

South Korean members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus toured Israeli sites between February 8-15 and upon their return home 18 of them were discovered to be infected with the virus.

Israel's health ministry urged people who might have encountered them to self-quarantine, including 180 pupils and 19 staff from three separate schools who it said had close contact with the South Korean visitors.

More Than 100 Confirmed Cases in Italy

Italy has reported that it has more than 100 coronavirus cases in all, up from the 79 previously reported, as per AFP news agency. The president of the northern Lombardy, Attilio Fontana, told SkyTG24 television that there were "more than 100 cases" in the country overall and 89 cases in Lombardy alone.

On Saturday, authorities had said there were 79 cases in Italy, but that number has continued to grow.

Iran Reports 3 More Deaths Among 15 New Cases

Iran has reported 3 more deaths due to coronavirus, among the 15 new confirmed cases in the country, AFP reported, taking the total number of fatalities to eight and infections to 43.

Four new cases surfaced in Tehran, seven in the holy city of Qom, two in Gilan and one each in Markazi and Tonekabon, health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said.

Doctor Succumbs to Coronavirus in Wuhan, Death Toll of Medical Staff Rises to 10

A 29-year-old female doctor died on Sunday, 23 February, after contracting the coronavirus while treating patients at a hospital in China's worst-hit Wuhan city, taking the death toll of the medical staff to 10, PTI reported.

Xia Sisi, a gastroenterology physician, had got infected while working at the Union Jiangbei Hospital of Wuhan in Hubei province, the epicentre of the virus.

She was hospitalised on January 19 and later transferred to Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University on February 7 after her condition worsened. She died on Sunday, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Third Passenger From Japan Cruise Ship Dies: Health Ministry

A third passenger has died after contracting the coronavirus on a cruise ship that was quarantined off Japan, the country's health ministry said on Sunday, 23 February, AFP reported.

In a statement, the ministry identified the victim as a Japanese man in his 80s who was also suffering from other ailments. He was removed from the Diamond Princess and taken to a local hospital after testing positive for coronavirus, the statement said, without giving details on when he tested positive or where he was being treated.

The man's cause of death was given as pneumonia, the statement added.

Coronavirus Is Communist China's "Biggest Health Emergency": Xi Jinping

Coronavirus is communist China's "biggest health emergency," Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Sunday, 23 February, as reported by AFP. "It has the fastest transmission, widest range of infection and has been the most difficult to prevent and control," Xi said at a meeting on curbing the epidemic.

Pakistan Shuts Border With Iran to Counter Coronavirus

Pakistan on Sunday, 23 February, said that it has declared a medical emergency and temporarily closed its border with Iran to counter the threat of coronavirus from across the border.

Iran has so far witnessed eight deaths and 43 cases of infection due to the novel coronavirus.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove said that Pakistan's border with Iran in Balochistan province was temporarily closed. “We have closed the border. The measure was taken due to the threat of coronavirus," Langove told reporters, PTI reported.

81 out of 83 in Maharashtra Isolation Wards Test Negative

The Maharashtra government on Sunday, 23 February, said that 81 out of 83 people admitted in isolation wards for suspected exposure to the novel coronavirus have tested negative.

While 80 of them have been discharged, three others continue to be hospitalised.

"Out of the 83 persons, 81 have tested negative for the coronavirus infection. Of these 80 have been discharged. Three persons are under observation in Mumbai's Kasturba Hospital," a state health department official said.

India Prohibits Exports on Medical Equipment

India on Monday, 24 February, prohibited the export of some medical equipment which are in short supply in the country. However, these equipments are in high demand in China, where the outbreak has claimed 2,442 lives.

“Just like any other country, India with a billion-plus population has the responsibility to take the necessary measures to combat the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak which if not properly managed can become a global risk,” said Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson of MEA.

"The government has allowed a one-time exemption for the export of some items which had been restricted for export. In a humanitarian gesture, a gift reflecting the solidarity of the people of India with the people of China is expected to be delivered to Wuhan by a special flight,” Kumar added.

WHO Team Visits Hospitals in Wuhan

The WHO experts visited various hospitals in Wuhan city over the weekend as the death toll climbed to 2,592 with 150 new fatalities while the total number of confirmed cases increased to over 79,000, health officials said on Monday.

The country's National Health Commission (NHC) said it received reports of 409 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection and 150 deaths from 31 provincial-level regions on Sunday.

The overall confirmed cases on the Chinese mainland has reached 77,150 with a total of 2,592 fatalities by the end of Sunday, the NHC said.

Hubei province and its provincial capital Wuhan, the ground zero of the virus, continued to bear the brunt with 149 death while one person died in Hainan Province, it said.

Pak Suspends Flights to China Till 15 March

Pakistan has again suspended flights to China till 15 March due to surge in the infected cases in that country, days after it resumed the air operations to and from Beijing, according to officials.

Earlier, Pakistan suspended flights from China on January 31 till February 2, a day after the World Health Organisation declared the outbreak of the virus as a global health emergency.

National flag-carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was operating two flights weekly to Beijing after the resumption of air services on 3 February.

The flights were allowed a day after Pakistan said it has received special medical kits from China to detect the coronavirus cases.

Bahrain, Kuwait Announce First Coronavirus Cases: State Media

Kuwait and Bahrain confirmed on Monday their first novel coronavirus cases, health ministries in the two Gulf states announced, adding all had come from Iran.

Kuwait reported three infections and Bahrain one.

"Tests conducted on those coming from the Iranian city of Mashhad showed there were three confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19)," the Kuwaiti health ministry said in a statement posted on Twitter.

It said the cases were of a 53-year-old Kuwaiti man, a 61-year-old Saudi citizen and a 21-year-old stateless Arab.

"All three cases are under constant observation by the health authority," the ministry added.

Wuhan Reverses Quarantine Relaxation: Official

Authorities in Wuhan on Monday reversed a decision that would have allowed some people to leave the quarantined city at the centre of China's deadly virus epidemic.

The city government said in a statement that the previous announcement had been made by a traffic prevention and control group "without the consent" of the local leadership, and was now "declared invalid".

Iran Death Toll Rises to 12

Four more people have died of coronavirus in Iran, a spokesman for parliament said on Monday, 24 February, bringing to 12 the country's overall death toll from the outbreak.

"The minister of health announced the deaths of 12 people and 47 cases of infection in the country," Assadollah Abbassi was quoted as saying by semi-official news agency ISNA after a closed session of parliament.

China NPC Postpones Annual Parliament Session: State Media

The country's top legislature, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), approved a draft decision on postponing the NPC's annual session due to coronavirus.

The third annual session of the 13th NPC, one of China's biggest political events, was originally planned to open on 5 March in Beijing, official media reported.

Afghanistan Reports First Case: Health Minister

Afghanistan has detected its first novel coronavirus case, the country's health minister said Monday, involving a patient who had recently travelled to Iran, where 12 people have died from the outbreak.

"I announce the first positive coronavirus (case) in Herat," health minister Firozuddin Feroz told a press conference, calling on citizens to avoid travel to the western province which borders Iran.

Afghan authorities had earlier announced a suspension of suspend air and ground travel to Iran, as fears mount across the region over a jump in new coronavirus infections.

Italy Reports Fourth Coronavirus Death as Infections Mount

Italy reported its fourth death from the new coronavirus on Monday, 24 February, an 84-year old man in the northern Lombardy region, as the number of people contracting the virus continued to mount.

It was the third death in Lombardy, where villages have been put in lockdown and security measures enforced in a bid to stem the spread of the disease, the region's health department said, as per AFP reports.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has said that residents could face weeks of lockdown in an effort to sit out the virus.

The president of the Lombardy region Attilo Fontana said 165 people had now tested positive in the region, the worst-hit zone in Italy. The country now has the most confirmed cases in Europe.

Iraq Confirms First Novel Coronavirus Case

Iraq on Monday confirmed its first novel coronavirus case in an elderly Iranian national living in the southern city of Najaf, according to health officials, AFP reported.

Iraq had blocked travel to and from Iran days before announcing that the religious seminary student in Najaf is its first confirmed case.

China 'Comprehensively Bans' Wildlife Trade Over Coronavirus

China on Monday declared an immediate and "comprehensive" ban on the trade and consumption of wild animals, a practice believed to be responsible for the deadly coronavirus outbreak, as per AFP.

The country's top legislative committee approved a proposal "prohibiting the illegal wildlife trade, abolishing the bad habit of overconsumption of wildlife, and effectively protecting the lives and health of the people," state television reported.

Previously, temporary bans have been put in place, including after the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus killed hundreds of people in China and Hong Kong in 2002 and was also traced to wild animal consumption.

Red Cross Gets Sanctions Exemption for North Korea Virus Aid

The Red Cross said on Monday it had obtained an exemption to United Nations sanctions against North Korea to provide testing kits and medical equipment against a possible coronavirus outbreak, AFP reported.

"The potential for an outbreak of COVID-19 in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea poses a threat to millions of people who are already in need of humanitarian assistance," the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said in a statement.

IFRC's Asia Pacific chief Xavier Castellanos was quoted as saying that the sanctions exemption was "a life-saving intervention and an important measure to ensure that sanctions do not bear a negative impact on the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

The exemption was granted by the United Nations Sanctions Committee after the US said last week that it would look positively at requests for sending assistance.

Fifth Coronavirus Death in Italy as Infections Mount

Italy reported on Monday its fifth death from the new coronavirus, as the number of people contracting the disease continued to mount and officials called for calm, AFP reported.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has said that residents could face weeks in lockdown in an effort to sit out the virus. Angelo Borrelli, head of the country's civil protection agency, said 219 people had now tested positive in Italy, which has the most confirmed cases in Europe.

Five people have died of the virus in the past four days, including one in the Veneto region.

Wuhan Revokes Order to Partially Ease Lockdown; Death Toll Reaches 2,592

China's coronavirus-hit Wuhan city on Monday revoked its decision to partially lift a month-long lockdown barely three hours after the announcement, a media report said, as the death toll climbed to 2,592, while the number of confirmed cases increased to more than 77,000, PTI reported.

The Wuhan local administration earlier announced that people who are not quarantined and seeking special treatment or stranded in the city can leave in batches. The city of 11 million people was the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak.

China locked down Wuhan city on January 23, followed by the entire Hubei province with over 50 million people. Wuhan is the provincial capital of Hubei. Over 18 cities in the province have been sealed. No residents were allowed to leave the city since then, including several hundred foreigners, mainly students.

Two More Japan Officials Aboard Ship Contract Coronavirus

Two more officials sent to a cruise ship quarantined off Japan to help with on-board efforts to contain the deadly coronavirus have contracted the illness themselves, authorities said Monday, AFP reported.

The announcement came as experts warned the next one to three weeks would be "crucial" to preventing widespread infections and as fears deepen that the isolation of the virus-stricken Diamond Princess has been ineffective.

A quarantine officer in his 50s and a health ministry official in his 40s both tested positive and are in hospital, the ministry said, after they were dispatched separately to the vessel earlier this month.

Iran Lawmaker Says 50 Dead From New Virus in City of Qom

A staggering 50 people have died in the Iranian city of Qom from the new coronavirus this month, a lawmaker was quoted as saying on Monday, even as the Health Ministry insisted only 12 deaths have been recorded to date in the country, AP reported.

The new death toll reported by the Qom representative, Ahmad Amiriabadi Farahani, is significantly higher than the latest number of nationwide confirmed cases of infections that Iranian officials had reported just a few hours earlier, which stood at 12 deaths out of 47 cases, according to state TV.

Health Ministry spokesman Iraj Harirchi rejected the Qom lawmaker's claims, insisting the death toll from the virus remains at 12. However, he raised the number of confirmed cases from the virus to 61. Some 900 other suspected cases are being tested, he said.

Pakistan Quarantines 200 Near Iran Border on Virus Fears

Pakistan began quarantining at least 200 people near the Iranian border, officials said Monday, as fears spiralled over the growing toll from the coronavirus in the region amid allegations of a cover-up in Iran, reported AFP.

The quarantine announcement came hours after Pakistan sealed off its land border with Iran while neighbouring Afghanistan said it had detected its first infection.

It also came as Iranian authorities denied allegations of an official coverup following reports that dozens of deaths had gone unreported in the country.

Hong Kong to Bar Non-Resident Arrivals From South Korea Over Virus

Hong Kong will bar non-residents arriving from South Korea from Tuesday morning in response to the growing coronavirus outbreak, the city's security chief said late Monday, AFP reported.

"Considering the development of the epidemic in South Korea, the Security Bureau will issue a red travel alert," John Lee told reporters.

"We also urge Hong Kong residents not to travel there unless necessary," he added.

Iran Denies Virus Cover-Up and Claim of 50 Deaths

Iran's government vowed on Monday to be transparent after being accused of covering up the deadliest coronavirus outbreak outside China, dismissing claims the toll could be as high as 50.

The authorities in the Islamic republic have come under mounting public pressure since it took days for them to admit to "accidentally" shooting down a Ukrainian airliner last month, killing 176 people.

The government said on Monday that Iran's coronavirus death toll had jumped by four to 12 - by far the highest outside China -- as its neighbours closed their borders and imposed strict quarantine measures.

But Ahmad Amirabadi Farahani, a lawmaker from the holy city of Qom, south of Tehran, had alleged the government was "lying" about the full extent of the outbreak.

Oman Reports First Two Cases of Coronavirus, Halts Flights to Iran

Oman on Monday reported its first two cases of coronavirus, and halted flights to and from Iran with immediate effect, authorities and reports said, as per AFP.

Two Omani women who had returned from Iran -- which is battling the deadliest outbreak outside China -- were diagnosed with the disease and were in a stable condition, state TV reported.

The civil aviation authority said in a tweet that it was "suspending all civilian flights between the sultanate and the Islamic Republic of Iran starting today and until further notice".

World Must Prepare for 'Potential Pandemic': WHO Chief

The World Health Organization chief said on Monday that the world should be working harder to contain the spread of the deadly new coronavirus, and should be preparing for a "potential pandemic," AFP reported.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that so far, the WHO does not consider the outbreak that has killed more than 2,600 people a pandemic, but said countries should be "doing everything we can to prepare for a potential pandemic."

Steep Decline in Coronavirus Cases in China: WHO Expert

A World Health Organisation expert said on Monday that there was a steep decline in newly-reported cases of coronavirus due to actions taken by the Chinese government to contain the outbreak, PTI reported.

Canadian epidemiologist Bruce Aylward, who heads the WHO mission team to China, said that he has seen a steep decline in newly-reported cases compared to the number when he first arrived in China two weeks ago.

On Monday, the Chinese officials said the death toll has climbed to 2,592 with 150 new fatalities while the total number of confirmed cases increased to over 77,000.

"I know the challenges with the statistics that come out of China sometimes with changing numbers and what we had to do is look very carefully different sources of information to say confidently this is actually declining," Aylward told reporters. "A lot of compelling data and observations on the ground to support this decline," he added.

WHO Says Epidemic Has 'Peaked and Plateaued' in China

he World Health Organization said Monday the outbreak of the deadly new coronavirus has "peaked" in China, where new cases have been declining since early February.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that a mission of international experts determined that in China "the epidemic peaked and plateaued between the 23rd of January and the 2nd of February and has been declining steadily since then," AFP reported.

Two More Indians on Board Cruise Ship Test Positive for Coronavirus: Embassy

Two more Indian crew members on board a cruise ship moored off the Japan coast have tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of infected Indians on the vessel to 14, the Indian embassy in Tokyo said on Monday.

The mission also expressed hope that the last groups of results expected to be announced on Tuesday and Wednesday will not have any more Indian nationals included in it.

"PCR test results announced today, from the samples collected earlier, included 02 Indian crew members, onboard #DiamondPrincess, testing positive for #COVID19. Total number of Indian crew members tested positive so far is 14 - responding well to treatment," the embassy tweeted on Monday.

Over 50,000 Total Travellers Screened at Mumbai Airport

The health department of Maharashtra on Monday said over 50,000 travellers have undergone screening at the international airport here for novel coronavirus since January 18, PTI reported.

The screening for the deadly infection started at the busy airport more than a fortnight after the coronavirus (named by the WHO as Covid-19) outbreak was reported from the Hubei province in central China in December-end.

A total of 50,091 travellers have been screened at the Mumbai International Airport till now, it said in a release.

Italy Reports Fourth Coronavirus Death as Infections Mount

Italy reported Monday its fourth death from the new coronavirus, an 84-year old man in the northern Lombardy region, as the number of people contracting the virus continued to mount, reported AFP.

On 26 February, Third Flight Heads to Coronavirus-Hit Wuhan to Evacuate Indians

India is likely to send a military aircraft carrying relief items to Wuhan, Ground Zero of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, on 26 February.

China Reports 71 More Virus Deaths

China on Tuesday reported another 71 deaths from the novel coronavirus, the lowest daily number of fatalities in over two weeks, which raised the toll to 2,663.

The National Health Commission also reported 508 new confirmed cases, with all but nine in hard-hit Hubei province.

South Korea Reports 60 New Coronavirus Cases, Total 893 Seoul

South Korea reported 60 more novel coronavirus cases on Tuesday, the smallest increase for four days in the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's morning updates.

The country now has 893 cases, the KCDC said -- the largest national total anywhere outside China -- adding one more person had died, taking the toll to eight.

Of the latest cases, 49 are in the southern city of Daegu and the neighbouring North Gyeongsang province, KCDC said.

White House Unveils $2.5 Billion Emergency Coronavirus Budget Request

The White House on Monday sent lawmakers an urgent budget request for $2.5 billion to address the deadly coronavirus outbreak, whose rapid spread and threat to the global economy rocked financial markets.

The White House budget office said the funds are for vaccines, treatment, and protective equipment. The request could advance quickly through Congress and came as coronavirus fears were credited with Monday's 1,000-plus point drop in the Dow Jones Industrials and are increasingly seen as a potential political threat to President Donald Trump.

Special Flight To Evacuate Indian Citizens From Japan

The Indian Embassy in Japan reported that a chartered flight is being arranged to evacuate any Indian national who were on board the quarantined cruise ship, Diamond Princess, in Japan.

Indiam nationals who have consented, not positive for the coronavirus and have been cleared by the medical team will be evacuated.

Three More Die of Coronavirus in Iran: State Media

The novel coronavirus has claimed three more lives in Iran, state media reported, taking the country's overall death toll from the outbreak to 15-the highest outside China.

The Iran government said on Monday that Iran's coronavirus death toll had jumped by four to 12 - by far the highest outside China -- as its neighbours closed their borders and imposed strict quarantine measures.

Iran Deputy Health Minister Tests Positive for Coronavirus

Iran's deputy health minister has been infected with the new coronavirus, a ministry official said on Tuesday, amid a major outbreak in the Islamic republic.

"The coronavirus test for Mr Harirchi, the deputy health minister who was on the front lines combating the coronavirus, was positive," Alireza Vahabzadeh, a media adviser to the health minister, said in a tweet.

Iraj Harirchi coughed occasionally and appeared to be sweating during a press conference on Monday with government spokesman Ali Rabiei, AFP reported.

US President Donald Trump on Coronavirus

“India-US has discussed the issue of coronavirus; US has it under control,” US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, 25 february, while addressing media in India during his trip.

He also said that President Xi is working hard to solve the problem of coronavirus.

UAE Bans All Flights With Iran Over Coronavirus Outbreak

The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday banned all flights to and from Iran over the outbreak of the new coronavirus, just a day after its spread was announced across multiple Mideast nations from the Islamic Republic.

The UAE, home to long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad, remains a key international transit route for Iran's 80 million people. The flight ban, which will last at least a week, shows the growing concern over the spread of the virus in Iran amid worries the outbreak may be larger than what authorities there now acknowledge.

Three More Dead in Iran Coronavirus Outbreak: State Media

The novel coronavirus has claimed three more lives in Iran, state media reported, taking the country's overall death toll from the outbreak to 15 -- the highest outside China.

Two of the dead were elderly women in the central province of Markazi and the other was a patient in the northern province of Alborz, state news agency IRNA said.

"One was an 87-year-old woman with a history of cardiovascular, pulmonary, liver and kidney diseases who passed away after being hospitalised for two days," Abbas Nikravesh, head of Saveh city's medical university, told IRNA.

The other was an 82-year-old with "serious blood and cardiovascular diseases" and died after being hospitalised for a day, he added, noting that she had a history of visiting Qom as her children live there.

"Three cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed in Saveh city so far, with two dead," Nikravesh said.

Drugmaker Readies Possible Coronavirus Vaccine for Testing

The drugmaker Moderna has shipped a potential coronavirus vaccine for humans to government researchers for testing.

Shares of the biotech company soared early Tuesday, a day after the company said it sent vials to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for early-stage testing in the United States, AP reported,

Algeria Reports First Novel Coronavirus Case

Algerian authorities on Tuesday, 25 February announced the country's first case of the novel coronavirus, in an Italian citizen who arrived in the country on 17 February.

"One case was confirmed positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), out of two suspected cases (both) of Italian nationality," the North African country's health ministry said.

State television said the infected person had been placed in isolation, without offering further details.

The health ministry said it had reinforced its "monitoring and surveillance systems at all points of entry" into Algeria

Air Canada Extends Flight Suspension to Chinese Cities

Air Canada announced Tuesday, 25 February it is extending its suspension of flights between Canada and the Chinese cities of Beijing and Shanghai until April 10 due to the new coronavirus epidemic.

Flights from Canada to the two cities had been temporarily suspended from 30 January to the end of February after the foreign ministry advised Canadians against non-essential travel to China in light of the virus's rapid spread there. The Air Canada website says the company and health authorities "will continue to monitor this evolving situation closely" and "will adjust its schedule as appropriate." The airline usually offers direct flights from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to Beijing and Shanghai.

China Quarantines 94 People on Seoul Flight

China quarantines 94 people on Seoul flight after three show fever, reports AFP news agency quoting state media.

US Forces in South Korea Report First Coronavirus Case

A US soldier stationed in South Korea has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, commanders said Wednesday, the first US serviceman to do so.

The soldier is stationed at Camp Carroll, 30 kilometres north of Daegu, the city that is the epicentre of the outbreak in the South, US Forces Korea said in a statement, adding that he had been put in self-quarantine at his off-base residence.

China: Death Toll Climbs to Over 2,700 Amidst Signs of Slowdown

The death toll in China's novel coronavirus epidemic on Wednesday, 26 February, climbed to 2,715 with 52 new fatalities while the confirmed cases rose to 78,064, amidst strong signs of the virus slowing down even at its epicentre Hubei province, PTI reported.

The country's National Health Commission (NHC) in its daily update said it received reports of 52 deaths, all from Hubei, and 406 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection from all over the country.

The death toll has gone up to 2,715 and overall confirmed cases reached 78,064, it said.

Dozens Allowed off Japan Virus-Hit Ship Have 'Symptoms': Minister

Dozens of passengers who were allowed off a coronavirus-stricken cruise ship have developed symptoms including fever and will be asked to take tests for the virus, Japan's health minister said on Wednesday, 26 February, AFP reported.

The government has contacted 813 former passengers of the Diamond Princess. Around 970 were allowed off the boat last week after testing negative for the virus, but several have subsequently been found to be carrying the disease.

The ministry found "45 people had certain symptoms," health minister Katsunobu Kato told parliament. "We asked all of them (who have symptoms) to see a doctor and to take tests."

Japan has come under increasing pressure over its handling of the crisis on the vessel, particularly after it emerged that some passengers allowed to disembark after testing negative were subsequently diagnosed with the virus.

Global Recession Likely If Coronavirus Becomes Pandemic: Moody's Analytics

A global recession is likely if coronavirus becomes a pandemic, and the odds of that are uncomfortably high and rising with infections surging in Italy and Korea, Moody's Analytics said on Wednesday, PTI reported.

"The coronavirus has been a body blow to the Chinese economy, which now threatens to take out the entire global economy," Chief Economist at Moody's Analytics Mark Zandi said.

"Coronavirus is battering the global economy in numerous ways. Chinese business travel and tourism has all but stopped; global airlines are not going to China and cruise lines are cancelling most Asia-Pacific itineraries. This is a huge problem for major travel destinations, including in the US, where some 3 million Chinese tourists visit each year," Moody's Analytics said.

Refrain From Non-Essential Travel to South Korea, Iran, Italy: Health Ministry Advisory

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has asked citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Republic of Korea, Iran and Italy after each country reported a spike in coronavirus cases.

"People coming from Republic of Korea, Iran and Italy or having such travel history since February 10, 2020 may be quarantined for 14 days on arrival to India," the ministry said in a travel advisory.

This is in addition to the travel advisory issued earlier in the wake of the deadly coronavirus outbreak. The last one issued on February 22 advised citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Singapore.

German Authorities Say Man With Virus in Critical Condition

Authorities in western Germany said Wednesday that a man who contracted coronavirus is in critical condition and has been taken to a specialist hospital in Dusseldorf, AP reported.

The health ministry of North Rhine-Westphalia state said the man was first hospitalized Monday with serious pneumonia in the town of Erkelenz near the Dutch border.

He was then diagnosed with the new virus and isolated in an intensive care unit before being transported to Dusseldorf's University Hospital. The man's wife was also isolated on suspicion of contracting the virus after showing symptoms.

South Korea Starts Virus Checks on 200,000-Plus Sect Members

More than 200,000 members of a shadowy religious sect were being checked for coronavirus symptoms by South Korean authorities on Wednesday, as US commanders reported the first case among American forces in the country, AFP reported.

Most of South Korea's novel coronavirus are linked to the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, an entity often accused of being a cult.

After days of mounting public anger Shincheonji, a secretive group which pursues converts surreptitiously, handed over a list of 212,000 members, the government said.

Local authorities across the country, which has more coronavirus cases than anywhere else outside China, will check if they have symptoms of fever or respiratory disease and put them in quarantine at home if so, said vice health minister Kim Gang-lip.

France Reports First French Death From Coronavirus

A 60-year-old man has become the first French victim of the coronavirus in the country, the health ministry announced on Wednesday, 26 February.

The man died overnight after being rushed to a Paris hospital in serious condition on Tuesday evening, bringing the total death toll in the country to two, said the ministry's deputy head Jerome Salomon.

The first victim was an 80-year-old Chinese tourist, who died in mid-February.

Coronavirus Kills Four in Iran, Taking Total to 19: Ministry

Iran on Wednesday reported four more novel coronavirus deaths among 44 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of fatalities to 19 and infections to 139, AFP reported.

Singapore Charges Man With Virus for Lying to Health Officials

A Chinese man infected with coronavirus and his wife have been charged in Singapore for lying to health authorities investigating whether they had passed the illness to others, officials said Wednesday, 26 February, AFP reported.

Hu Jun, originally from Wuhan, arrived in Singapore on January 22 and later tested positive for the illness, but has since recovered and been discharged. His Chinese wife, a resident of the city-state, was issued a quarantine order.

Singapore's health ministry said the couple had given false information about their movements and whereabouts to officials investigating whether they could have passed the infection on to others.

They were charged because of the potentially serious risk their actions had posed to public health, the ministry added.

Tokyo Olympics On, Organisers Say, as Virus Hits Japan Events

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are going ahead, organisers said Wednesday, 26 February, even as the government called for major events in coming weeks to be postponed, cancelled or scaled back over the new coronavirus.

The fate of the Summer Games has been in the spotlight as the coronavirus outbreak forces the cancellation and delays in Japan of everything from football matches to the rituals that mark the opening of the March sumo tournament.

But organisers have insisted that Olympics and Paralympics scheduled for the summer are not in danger of being scrapped, AFP reported.

"We have not thought about it. We have not heard about it. We have made inquiries, and we were told there is no such plan," Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told reporters.

Coronavirus Outbreak Fuels China Black Market for Supplies

China's coronavirus crisis has sparked a thriving black market in fake medical supplies, forcing a crackdown from authorities who have seized 31 million counterfeit or substandard face masks, AFP reported.

Illegal products are being produced to satisfy demand as masks and disinfectant remain in short supply. In one case, swindlers took customers' cash and gave them fake delivery notes for masks that didn't exist, security officials said.

Du Hangwei, deputy minister of public security, told a press conference Wednesday that masks and other products worth 174 million yuan ($24 million) had been seized and police had dealt with 22,000 criminal cases related to the virus epidemic.

Greece Reports First Coronavirus Case

Greece on Wednesday reported its first coronavirus case, a woman who had recently travelled to northern Italy. A health ministry spokesman said the 38-year-old woman was in a Thessaloniki hospital and in good condition.

The announcement comes as the virus continues to surge in Italy, making it the hardest-hit country in Europe. The Greek government on Tuesday had said a shutdown of some public areas and travel restrictions would be activated in case of a mass outbreak. The health ministry has earmarked 13 hospitals nationwide to handle virus cases.

Vistara to Cancel 54 International Flights Next Month as Virus Weakens Demand

Full service carrier Vistara will cancel 54 international flights next month, including on routes connecting Delhi with Bangkok and Singapore, amid weak demand due to the coronavirus outbreak, PTI reported.

In a statement on Wednesday, the airline said it has made temporary adjustments to selected services to/ from Bangkok and Singapore for March. "20 flights between Delhi and Bangkok, 26 flights between Mumbai and Singapore and 8 flights between Delhi and Singapore will be cancelled in March 2020," it said.

The airline said the adjustments have been made to the services in response to weak demand due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus Concerning but No Reason for 'Panic': Eu

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Europe is concerning but no reason for alarm, the European Union said on Wednesday, AFP reported.

"This is a situation of concern but we must not give in to panic," EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides told reporters in Rome after meeting Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza.

"We must also be vigilant when it comes to misinformation and disinformation as well as xenophobic statements which are misleading citizens and putting in question the work of public authorities," she added.

IAF Flight Leaves for China Carrying 15 Tonnes of Medical Supplies

An Indian Air Force aircraft carrying around 15 tonnes of medical supplies left for the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan on Wednesday. The C-17 military aircraft will bring back over 80 Indians and around 40 citizens from neighbouring countries, government sources said, PTI.

Last week, India accused China of deliberately delaying permission to send the aircraft while allowing other countries to operate flight from Wuhan to evacuate their citizens. China had rejected India's charges.

"The assistance being sent today is also a mark of friendship and solidarity from the people of India towards the people of China as the two countries also celebrate 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year," the MEA said in a statement.

It said the aircraft carried around 15 tonnes of medical supplies comprising masks, gloves and other emergency medical equipment.

More New Daily Virus Cases Outside China Than Inside: WHO

The World Health Organisation said on Wednesday there were now more new daily cases of the coronavirus outside China than inside the hard-hit country, marking a shift in the outbreak, AFP reported.

"Yesterday, the number of new cases reported outside China exceeded the number of new cases in China for the first time," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told diplomats in Geneva.

The UN health agency put the number of new cases in China on Tuesday at 411 while those registered outside the country stood at 427.

Twelfth Coronavirus Death in Italy, 374 Cases

Italy saw a fresh jump in the number of cases of the new coronavirus on Wednesday, with another death also reported to bring the total to 12 and 374 infections, AFP reported.

The new toll published by the country's civil protection department is a jump from the 322 cases and 10 deaths recorded on Tuesday evening.

All of those who have died so far in Italy were either elderly or had pre-existing medical conditions

Distribution of Free Smartphones Delayed Due to Coronavirus: Punjab CM

Facing the ire of the Opposition over unfulfilled poll promise of giving free smartphones to the state youth, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday informed the Punjab Assembly that the distribution of mobile phones was delayed because of coronavirus.

Winding up the discussion on the governor's address in the budget session, Singh said the phones would arrive and distributed as soon as the coronavirus outbreak in China is contained.

"(Free) smartphones is one of our promises. At this point of time, there is some delay because of this coronavirus," Singh said. "Telephones are under order. As soon as coronavirus is lifted, goods will start coming from China. Be it one month, two months or four months. Whenever coronavirus is lifted, they (smartphones) will arrive and then will be given."

Govt Closely Monitoring Impact of Coronavirus Outbreak on Economy: FM

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman on Wednesday said the government is keeping a close watch on the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the Indian economy, PTI reported.

The minister also said that the process of merger of public sector banks was underway as per the schedule. The government has announced to merge 10 sector state-run banks to create four bigger lenders.

The government is "closely monitoring" the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the economy, she said.

Iran Cyberpolice Arrest 24 Over Coronavirus Rumours

Iranian cyberpolice have arrested 24 people accused of online rumour-mongering about the spread of the coronavirus in the country, semi-official news agency ISNA reported on Wednesday, said AFP.

The Islamic republic has been battling to control an outbreak of the novel coronavirus that has claimed 19 lives among 139 infections in the past week.

"Twenty-four people were arrested and handed over to the judiciary and 118 (internet) users were talked to and let go" after receiving warnings, said Vahid Majid, head of the Iranian police force's cyber unit.

Japan Reports Two Virus-Linked Deaths, Urges Public Events to Be Cancelled

Japan reported two more deaths linked to the coronavirus on Wednesday as the government called for organisers to reconsider holding major events in coming weeks to limit the outbreak.

The news came as dozens of passengers allowed off a virus-stricken cruise ship were reported to have developed symptoms including fever, and will be asked to be re-tested for the virus.

"In light of the significant infection risks, we will ask that national sporting or cultural events that will attract large crowds be either cancelled, postponed or downsized for the next two weeks," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a cabinet task force meeting on the outbreak.

Travelers From Iran, Italy To Mumbai To Be Screened

Passengers arriving at the Mumbai International Airport from Iran and Italy will also be screened for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) infection, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Wednesday.

"Travelers from two more countries, Iran and Italy, will be screened at the airport apart from those from ten other countries," the minister said.

Passengers arriving from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia are already undergoing screening at the airport.

Xi Says Situation in Wuhan Remains 'Complex and Grim' as Death Toll Climbs to Over 2,700

President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that the situation in coronavirus-hit Wuhan city remains "complex and grim" despite the decline in the number of cases and risk of rebound cannot be overlooked, as the death toll climbed to 2,715 and confirmed cases rose to over 78,000, PTI reported

President Xi, who presided over a high power meeting, said the positive trend in preventing and controlling the epidemic is expanding and economic and social development is rapidly recovering, but the situation in Hubei and Wuhan remains "complex and grim as the risk of a rebound of the epidemic in other regions cannot be overlooked".

Beijing Orders Quarantine for Foreign Arrivals From Virus-Hit Areas

Beijing announced Wednesday that people landing in the Chinese capital from countries hit by the new coronavirus epidemic will have to go into a 14-day self-quarantine.

A day earlier, more than 250 people arriving in eastern China from South Korea were placed in isolation after passengers on two flights were discovered to have fevers. Beijing's health commission spokesman Gao Xiaojun said that people "from areas with severe epidemic situations abroad ... must accept home or concentrated medical observation for 14 days".

Separately, the foreign ministry said China was "exploring the possibility" of adopting "scientific, appropriate, and targeted prevention and control measures" for people arriving from abroad.

Brazil Confirms First Coronavirus Case in Latin America

Brazil's health ministry on Wednesday said a Sao Paulo resident has been diagnosed with coronavirus, the first such case recorded in Latin America.

The 61-year-old patient had returned on 21 February from the Lombardy region of Italy, the epicentre of an outbreak in the European country, Brazil's Health Minister Luiz Henrique said, as per AFP reports.

Pope Francis Expresses Solidarity With Coronavirus Victims

Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with those hit by the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, praising those working to battle the virus.

Italy has suffered the worst outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Europe, with 374 cases of the disease and 12 deaths.

"I would like to express my closeness to the coronavirus patients and to the health workers who are treating them, as well as to the civil authorities," the pope said at his weekly audience at the Vatican.

Only a few of the 12,000 or so faithful who turned out to see him on Saint Peter's Square were wearing face masks.

Trump Announces News Conference on Coronavirus Crisis

US President Donald Trump announced a news conference from the White House on the coronavirus epidemic Wednesday, with experts warning they expect it to spread in the United States.

"I will be having a News Conference at the White House, on this subject, today at 6:00 PM" (EST) Trump tweeted, adding that officials from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would attend.

Authorities have urged Americans to develop plans to avoid mass gatherings amid dire warnings that countries are not ready to contain an outbreak that has infected 80,000 people, mostly in China.

Critics, including lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, have expressed growing alarm over the Trump administration's response to the crisis.

Pakistan Confirms First Cases of Coronavirus

Pakistan has confirmed its first cases of new coronavirus, an official said, according to AFP.

Iran Announces Domestic Travel Curbs Over Coronavirus

Iranian authorities on Wednesday, 26 February announced domestic travel restrictions for people with confirmed or suspected cases of the novel coronavirus.

"Instead of quarantining cities, we are going to implement movement restrictions for those suspected of infection or those infected," Health Minister Saeed Namaki said at a news conference.

Trump Defends Administration's Coronavirus Response

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, 26 February defended his administration's response to the novel coronavirus, lashing the media for spreading panic as he announced an evening news conference on the epidemic.

It comes a day after a senior health official warned that, despite containment efforts, it was only a matter of time before the COVID-19 disease spreads in the United States.

Saudi Arabia Bans Umrah Pilgrimage Over Coronavirus

Saudi Arabia has banned religious pilgrims from visiting Mecca or Medina to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the Kingdom.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Kingdom stated that they had been following developments of the virus for some time.

Air India Flight Returns From Japan With 119 Indians, 5 Foreign Nationals

An Air India flight carrying 119 Indians and 5 nationals from Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa and Peru who were stranded on board the quarantined Diamond Princess Cruise ship in Japan, landed in Delhi on Thursday, 27 February, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

IAF Plane Returns From China With 76 Indians, 36 Foreign Nationals

An Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster returned on Thursday, 27 February, from China with 112 evacuees, including 36 foreign nationals. All evacuees will be taken to the ITBP quarantine facility in Delhi’s Chhawla after their thermal screening, ANI reported.

The flight brought back 76 Indians and 36 nationals from seven countries: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, China, South Africa, USA and Madagascar.

The aircraft, carrying around 15 tonnes of medical supplies, left for the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan on Wednesday.

Pakistan Confirms First Two Cases of Coronavirus

Pakistan on Thursday, 27 February, confirmed the first two cases of coronavirus in country.

Facebook Bans Ads With False Claims About New Virus

Facebook said Wednesday that it is banning ads that make false claims about products tied to the new coronavirus, AP reported.

The social network said it is removing ads that feature a product and imply a limited supply, seeking create a “sense of urgency” in their mention of coronavirus. Ads that guarantee a cure or prevention are also banned, it said.

For instance, ads for face masks that claim the products are 100% guaranteed to prevent the spread of the virus are not allowed, the company said.

The ban went into effect this week. Facebook had previously banned ads, along with regular unpaid posts, that peddle fake cures such as drinking bleach, spread conspiracy theories about the virus, or discourage people from seeking medical treatment.

Crew Leaves Japan Virus-Hit Ship for New Quarantine

Crew members from a coronavirus-stricken cruise ship off Japan began leaving the vessel on Thursday, 27 February, for a new quarantine on-shore after passengers left the boat, the government said, according to AFP.

"Today, 240 crew members are leaving the ship and this disembarking operation will continue for a couple of days," a health ministry official told AFP.

Those leaving the boat will be placed in medical observation for 14 days at government-designated dormitories before being allowed to leave Japan, they said.

Hundreds of crew members of the Diamond Princess remained on the vessels to continue operations while Japanese officials placed thousands of passengers in a quarantine after the ship arrived at a port near Tokyo on 3 February.

Australia Team to 'Wait and See' on Olympics as Virus Fears Rise

Athletes preparing for the Tokyo Olympics will have to "wait and see" whether the Games go ahead as concerns soar about the coronavirus, the head of Australia's team said on Thursday, 27 February.

Despite reassurances from Tokyo organisers that all plans were on track, chef de mission Ian Chesterman said the ultimate decision would be made by the International Olympic Committee.

"It's a huge operation, the Olympic Games, so nobody wants to cancel the Games, that's for sure," Chesterman said in Sydney, after announcing members of Australia's sailing team, which plans to head to Tokyo in late May.

Although the Olympics are scheduled to open on July 24 and the Paralympics on August 25, many teams are planning to arrive earlier as part of their final preparations.

Saudi Arabia Halts Pilgrimages Over Coronavirus; Iran Says 22 Dead

Saudi Arabia on Thursday halted travel to the holiest sites in Islam over fears about a viral epidemic just months ahead of the annual hajj pilgrimage, a move that came as the Mideast has over 240 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, the Associated Press reported.

The decision by Saudi Arabia stops foreigners from reaching the holy city of Mecca and the Kaaba.

The epicentre in the Mideast's most-affected country, Iran, appears to be in the holy Shiite city of Qom. Iran now has the highest death toll from the virus, 22 dead from among 141 confirmed cases outside of China, where the outbreak began.

Death Toll Due to Coronavirus Rises to 26 in Iran

Iran has confirmed a total of 26 coronavirus-caused deaths, AFP reported, quoting Health Ministry.

European Stock Markets Tumble 3%

European stock markets tumble 3 percent on coronavirus fallout, AFP reports.

India Evacuates 112 People From China, 124 From Japan

India on Thursday brought back 112 people from the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan and another group of 124 people from Tokyo, who were on board a cruise ship infected by the deadly virus.

A C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft of Indian Air Force evacuated 76 Indians and 36 foreign nationals from Wuhan while an Air India flight brought back the group of 124 people from Tokyo.

The foreign nationals evacuated from Wuhan include 23 from Bangladesh, six from China, two each from Myanmar and Maldives and one each from South Africa, USA and Madagascar.

Iran Vice President Masoumeh Ebtekar Has Coronavirus

Those with the virus in Iran now include Iranian vice president Masoumeh Ebtekar, better known as the English-language spokeswoman “Mary” for the 1979 hostage-takers who seized the US Embassy in Tehran and sparked the 444-day diplomatic crisis, state media reported.

New Coronavirus Epidemic at 'Decisive Point': WHO Chief

The new coronavirus epidemic is at a "decisive point" globally, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday, urging affected countries to "move swiftly" to contain the disease.

"We're at a decisive point," Tedros said, adding: "If you act aggressively now, you can contain this virus, you can prevent people getting sick, you can save lives".

Oil Prices Slump More Than 4% Over Coronavirus Fears

World oil prices tumbled by more than four percent on Thursday, as traders fretted about the impact of spreading coronavirus on crude demand, particularly from key consumer China.

Brent oil for April delivery tanked almost 4.2 percent to USD 51.20 per barrel, while New York's WTI crude for the same month dived nearly 5.0 percent to USD 46.31.

India Cancels All Flight Operations From Iran

India has cancelled all flight operations from Iran due to coronavirus.

First Case of Coronavirus Confirmed in Netherlands

First case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Netherlands, reported AFP news agency quoting Ministry.

India Suspends Visa on Arrival for Japan and South Korean Nationals

In view of the recent outbreak of coronavirus, visa on arrival facilities have been temporarily suspended for nationals of Japan and South Korea, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs, reported ANI.

South Korea Coronavirus Cases Pass 2,000: Authorities

South Korea reported 256 new coronavirus cases on Friday, 28 February, taking its total-the highest in the world outside China-to 2,022, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

South Korea's total is expected to increase further after checks began on more than 2,10,000 members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a secretive entity often accused of being a cult that is linked to around half of the country's cases.

Nigeria Confirms Coronavirus Case, First in Sub-Saharan Africa

Nigeria on Friday announced the first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus in sub-Saharan Africa.

"The case is an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos, Nigeria on the 25 February 2020," Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health said in a statement on Twitter.

Prior to the case in Nigeria, just two cases had surfaced across all of Africa -- in Egypt and in Algeria-a tally that had puzzled health specialists, given the continent's close economic ties with China.

Tokyo Disney Parks Closing for Two Weeks on Virus Fears

The operator of Tokyo's two Disney resorts, Disneyland and DisneySea, said Friday the parks would be closed for around two weeks on fears over the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

"Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea have decided to proceed with an extraordinary closure from Saturday 29 February 2020, through Sunday 15 March, after the government urged measures to limit the spread of the virus,” the operator said in a statement.

The operator Oriental Land said it currently hoped to resume operations from March 16.

Iran Vice President Infected with Coronavirus

The coronavirus epidemic in Iran has cost 26 lives, the health ministry announced Thursday, with Massoumeh Ebtekar, Vice President of Woman Affairs becoming the latest top official to be infected as the spread appeared to accelerate.

Ebtekar, a former spokeswoman for students who took 52 Americans hostage at the US embassy in Tehran in 1979, is being treated at home and members of her team have been tested, state news agency IRNA reported.

Umrah Pilgrims From Kerala Deplaned by Airlines Over Virus Fears

Nearly 200 Umrah pilgrims from Kerala were deboarded from their flights to Saudi Arabia from Calicut international Airport on Thursday, 27 February after the gulf nation enforced a temporary ban on foreigners seeking to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madina, following coronavirus scare.

According to Airports Authority of India officials, as many as 84 of passengers from the Saudi Airlines and 104 from the Spice Jet Airlines were denied permission to board the flights and travel to Saudi Arabia.

New Zealand Confirms First Case of Coronavirus

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has confirmed a suspected case coronavirus as positive on Friday, reported Radio New Zealand (RNZ).

According to RNZ, the PM said the person is a permanent resident of New Zealand who had recently been in Iran.

Rejected by Jamica, Caymans Over Virus Fears, Cruise Ship Docks in Mexico

A cruise ship was turned away from Jamaica and the Cayman Islands after a crew member tested positive for flu has docked in Mexico and passengers will be allowed to disembark as long as "health standards" are met, the country's president said Thursday.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told reporters that the Meraviglia, which has been anchored off Cozumel island in the Caribbean since Wednesday, "is being allowed to dock" and those aboard may be allowed off.

However, the cruise operator, MSC Cruises, lashed out at authorities for refusing to allow it to dock at its previous destinations for "acting out of fears" over the new coronavirus. A crew member was being treated for seasonal flu.

Iran's Death Toll at 34

Iran reports eight new coronavirus deaths, taking the total to 34, according to AFP.

Two South Korean Workers of Obra-C Power Project Asked to Work From Home

Two South Korean workers engaged in the construction work of Obra-C power project here, have been asked to work from home following the corona virus scare.

HR Manager Lal Babu Jha of South Korea Doosan company on Friday said, "Two workers, who came back from South Korea respectively on February 25 and 26, have been told to work from home and not move out of their houses."

"South Koreans workers Don Kim and Denam Kim reached Obra after spending their holidays in South Korea. Both were screened at the New Delhi airport and at Varanasi airport. They were not found infected by corona virus," he said.

"However, as a precaution, both workers have been asked to stay in their houses for 15 days," Jha added.

All Three Students Tested Positive for Coronavirus Cured: Kerala Health Minister

All three patients who tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Keralal have been cured, Kerala’s Health Minister KK Shailaja Teacher said on Friday.

“The three students who were found to be corona-positive were isolated, now they are stable. They have been cured,” Shailaja Teacher was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The state health minister also stated that a total of 3,500 people had been quarantined in Kerala and that they were released after completing 28 days of quarantine. “At least 135 people are still under home quarantine,” she added.

British Passenger of Virus-Hit Japan Ship Dies

A British man who was on board a coronavirus-stricken cruise ship quarantined near Tokyo has died, Japan's health ministry said Friday.

The unidentified man's death is the latest linked to infections on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, where more than 700 other people tested positive for the illness.

The ministry confirmed the man's nationality and death on Friday without giving further details. He is the first Briton to die from the illness and joins five Japanese nationals who also succumbed to the pathogen.

'No Fear': Pilgrims in Saudi Defy Coronavirus Risks

Saudi Arabia has so far reported no coronavirus cases but there are mounting concerns over a spike in infections across the Middle East.

On Friday it specifically barred citizens from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council from entering Mecca and Medina amid fears over the new coronavirus, the foreign ministry said.

China Reports 47 More Coronavirus Deaths

China on Saturday, 29 February reported 47 more deaths from the new coronavirus, raising the death toll in the country to 2,835. The National Health Commission also tallied 427 new cases, an increase from the previous day, bringing the total number of infections to 79,251.

One person died in Beijing and another in Henan province, while 45 died in Hubei.

US Postpones ASEAN Summit Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Amid growing alarm over novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the United States on Friday, 28 February (local time), postponed a special summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders, according to an ANI report.

"As the international community works together to defeat the novel coronavirus, the United States, in consultation with ASEAN partners, has made the difficult decision to postpone the ASEAN leaders meeting previously scheduled for mid-March," Voice of America quoted a senior administration official as saying.

The summit was scheduled to be held in Las Vegas in the second week of March. Moreover, bilateral meetings were planned between US President Donald Trump and the leaders of ASEAN countries.

Bishkek Withdraws as Host of Asian Olympic Qualifying Wrestling Event

Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek withdrew as host of next month's Asian Olympic qualifying wrestling event in the wake of Coronavirus threat, reports ANI.

Japan Cherry Blossom Festivals Cancelled as Virus Fears Grow

Major cherry blossom festivals in Japan have been cancelled due to the deadly new coronavirus, the latest in a growing list of events quashed as the epidemic spreads globally.

The traditional spring celebrations in Tokyo and Osaka, which attract millions of people wanting to seeing the white and pink flowers, will not go ahead as planned in April.

"We are sincerely sorry for those who were looking forward to the viewing... but please give us your understanding," the Japan Mint in Osaka said on Friday, 28 February.

Other cherry blossom events, feverishly anticipated by locals and tourists, are likely to follow suit, according to local media.

112 Evacuees Housed at ITBP Facility Test Negative for Coronavirus

112 evacuees housed at ITBP’s Chhawla facility in new Delhi have tested negative for novel coronavirus. The evacuees include 36 foreigners as well, ANI reported, quoting Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

US Reports Fourth Coronavirus Infection of Unknown Origin

US health officials reported on Friday, 28 February, a fourth case of novel coronavirus of unknown origin, indicating the disease was spreading in the country, according to AFP.

The latest case is a boy under 18 in Washington State who tested "presumptive positive," local authorities said without releasing further details about the patient.

He is currently in home isolation in Snohomish County. The high school he attends will be shut until 3 March while it is deep cleaned, the Washington State Department of Health said.

Iran Says New Virus Has Killed 43 With 593 Cases Confirmed

An Iran Health Ministry spokesman says the new coronavirus has killed 43 people amid 593 confirmed cases in the Islamic Republic, reports PTI.

Spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour gave the new figure Saturday. Jahanpour urged people to stay away from mass gatherings and limit their travel.

Iran has the world's highest death toll outside of China, the epicenter of the outbreak.

With Two More Cases, Pak's Coronavirus Infections Rise to Four

Two more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Pakistan on Saturday, taking the total number of COVID-19 infections in the country to four.

Earlier, two people tested positive for the deadly disease in the country on 26 February.

Evacuate J&K Residents Stranded in Coronavirus-Hit Iran: Leaders to Centre

Several political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have appealed to the Centre to evacuate the residents of the Union Territory, including students, stranded in Iran which is emerging as the second focal point after China for the spread of the coronavirus.

National Conference Member of Parliament from Anantnag Justice (retd) Hasnain Masoodi spoke to Union Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar about the safe return of Kashmiri students stranded in Iran following the outbreak of the virus.

Indian Envoy Says Facilitating Return of Citizens From Iran Amid Coronavirus Scare

Indian envoy to Iran Gaddam Dharmendra on Saturday said the authorities are working to facilitate the return of Indians who wish to go back home in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

He said discussions are underway with the authorities concerned to work out arrangements for the same.

At many as 43 people have died in Iran as a result of the new deadly disease.

First Coronavirus Death on US Soil in Washington State: Official

The first death from the novel coronavirus on US soil has been confirmed in Washington state, health officials said Saturday, reported PTI. This comes after the first four cases of unknown origin were detected, indicating the disease was spreading in the country.

The fatality occurred in King county, the most populous in the state and home to Seattle, a city of more than 700,000 people. The victim was not immediately identified.

Trump Imposes International Travel Restrictions After First Coronavirus Death

US President Donald Trump on Saturday, 29 February announced restrictions on travel from Iran into the US and advised fellow citizens not to travel to certain areas of South Korea and Italy.

Pak to Close Border With Afghanistan for 7 Days Amid Coronavirus Scare

Pakistan will close its border with Afghanistan for seven days from Monday, 2 March to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday, 1 March as the authorities ramped up efforts to stop the new cases of infection, reported PTI.

The announcement came a day after two more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Pakistan, taking the total number of infections in the country to four.

Coronavirus Death Toll in Iran Reached 54

Iran's health ministry raised on Sunday, 1 March the nationwide death toll from the new coronavirus to 54 as the number of infected cases jumped overnight to 978 people, reported PTI.

The ministry's spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said new cases were confirmed in a number of cities, including Mashhad, which is home to Iran's most important Shiite shrine that attracts pilgrims from across the region.

Calls by Iran's civilian government to clerics to close such shrines to to the public have not been uniformly followed. The shrine in Mashhad is among those that have remained open.

The new figures represent 11 more deaths than reported on Saturday and a whopping 385 new cases of infections. The new numbers, however, bring down the percentage of deaths to infections from 20 per cent to around 5.5 per cent. Still, that is much higher than other countries, suggesting the number of infections may also be much higher.

Indian Embassy in Touch With Iranian Authorities on Indians Stuck There Due to Coronavirus

The government has received reports of Indians including fishermen stuck in Iran due to the Coronavirus outbreak and the embassy in Tehran is in touch with local authorities on the issue, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said on Sunday, 1 March.

Indian envoy to Iran Gaddam Dharmendra had on Saturday said the authorities are working to facilitate the return of Indians who wish to go back home and discussions were underway with authorities.

Several political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have appealed to the Centre to evacuate the people of the Union Territory, including students, who were stranded in Iran.

All Crew Members Have Left Virus-Hit Ship in Japan: Minister

ll crew members from a coronavirus-stricken cruise ship off Japan have now disembarked, the country's health minister said, PTI reported.

The crew began leaving the Diamond Princess on Thursday for quarantine ashore after the last of the passengers had departed.

"Including the captain, all crew members disembarked," health minister Katsunobu Kato told reporters late Sunday.

Around 130 people -- including the captain and 98 health ministry officials who were working aboard -- tested negative for the virus as they left the vessel, he said.

Pinarayi Vijayan Writes to Jaishankar Over Fishermen Trapped in Iran Due to Coronavirus

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar over 'more than 100 fishermen trapped in Azalur, Iran due to Coronavirus.

"I request you to direct the Embassy officials to take necessary steps & arrange for the safe return of these persons,” he mentioned.

UK Reports 12 New Coronavirus Cases, Bringing Tally to 35

British health authorities on Sunday announced 12 more confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, bringing the country's overall tally to 35, reported PTI.

The government's chief medical officer, Prof. Chris Whitty, said one of the new patients “had no relevant travel and it is not yet clear whether they contracted it directly or indirectly from an individual who had recently returned from abroad.” Whitty said medical workers were still investigating the cause of that one infection.

Three of the new COVID-19 patients were contacts of an existing patient.

Virus Fears Close Down France's Louvre Museum

The spreading coronavirus epidemic shut down France's Louvre Museum on Sunday, 1 March with workers who guard its trove of artworks fearful of being contaminated by the museum's flow of visitors from around the world, reported PTI.

“We are very worried because we have visitors from everywhere,” said Andre Sacristin, a Louvre employee and union representative for its staffers.

“The risk is very, very, very great," he said in a phone interview. While there are no known virus infections among the museum's 2,300 workers, “it's only a question of time,” he said.

New York State Confirms First Coronavirus Case

New York state confirmed its first Coronavirus case on Sunday, 1 March, Reuters reported.