Fear of coronavirus pandemic grows but China eases curbs as new infections fall

02/24/20 3:13 AM

Fears of a coronavirus pandemic grew on Monday after sharp rises in new cases reported in Iran, Italy and South Korea but China relaxed restrictions on movements in several places including Beijing as its rates of new infections eased.

Virus epicenter Wuhan revokes announcement easing lockdown

02/24/20 3:13 AM

An announcement that the Chinese city of Wuhan would relax some of its travel restrictions and allow some people to leave was made without authorization and has been revoked, the local government said on Monday.

Fourth person dies in coronavirus outbreak in northern Italy - RAI radio

02/24/20 3:12 AM

A fourth person infected with the coronavirus has died in Italy, RAI radio reported on Monday, as officials struggle to contain an outbreak of the illness in the north of the country with around 150 cases reported since Friday.

WHO says no longer uses 'pandemic' category, but virus still emergency

02/24/20 3:02 AM

The World Health Organization (WHO) no longer has a process for declaring a pandemic, but the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak remains an international emergency, a spokesman said on Monday.

Malaysian PM Mahathir submits resignation in shock move, leaves government in limbo

02/24/20 3:01 AM

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has submitted a letter of resignation to the country's king, his office said on Monday, leaving the government in limbo amid talk of forming a new governing coalition.

China not considering travel advisories for countries with rising coronavirus cases

02/24/20 2:49 AM

China's foreign ministry said on Monday that Beijing was not considering issuing travel advisories for countries such as South Korea and Japan that are reporting an increase in coronavirus cases.

Afghanistan identifies first confirmed coronavirus patient - health minister

02/24/20 2:45 AM

Afghanistan's minister of public health said on Monday the country had identified its first case of coronavirus.

No need to close France/Italy borders over coronavirus - French minister

02/24/20 2:34 AM

French junior transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said on Monday that he saw no need to close down transport borders between France and Italy, despite the spread of coronavirus.

Qatar to quarantine passengers arriving from Iran, South Korea

02/24/20 2:29 AM

Qatar will ask passengers arriving from Iran and South Korea to remain in home isolation or a quarantine facility for 14 days over fears of new coronavirus outbreak, Qatar Airways said in a statement on Monday.

Iraq closes border crossing with Kuwait amid coronavirus spread

02/24/20 2:20 AM

Iraq has shut its Safwan border crossing with Kuwait to travellers and trade at Kuwait's request, the local mayor told Reuters on Monday without providing a reason, amid fears over the spread of coronavirus.