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Latest on the coronavirus outbreak

The coronavirus has killed at least 212 in China, and spread to more than 9320 people globally.
The coronavirus has killed at least 212 in China, and spread to more than 9320 people globally. Credit: EPA

A coronavirus outbreak that began in Wuhan, the capital of China's central province of Hubei, has spread to more than 9800 people globally, surpassing the total from the 2002-2003 SARS epidemic. The new virus has killed 213 people.

Here is what we know:

* There are 129 confirmed cases in 22 countries and regions outside mainland China, including Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand and the United States.

* No deaths have been reported outside China.

* The World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on Thursday.

* The United States reported its first case of person-to-person transmission. Germany, Japan, Vietnam and South Korea have also recorded similar transmissions, which suggest greater potential for the virus to spread.

* Several Chinese cities have levied strict travel curbs.

* The US State Department told Americans not to travel to China.

* Global airlines have suspended or scaled back direct flights to China's major cities.




* China's aviation authority sent two flights to bring back its tourists stranded in Thailand and Malaysia.


* The Chinese Football Association said it would postpone domestic games in 2020.


* The coronavirus should have little impact on the US economy, President Donald Trump's chief economic adviser said.
