Oil extended losses on Monday as an emergency rate cut by the US Federal Reserve failed to soothe global financial markets panicked by the rapid spread of the coronavirus while a price war rages on between top producers.

Brent crude fell $1.13 to $32.72 a barrel by 0230 GMT, tumbling after last week's plunge of 25%, the largest weekly fall since 2008. The front-month price opened at a high of $35.84 but slipped to a low of $31.63.

US crude was at $31.01, down 72 cents after slipping below $30 earlier in the session, despite US President Donald Trump's pledge to fill strategic oil reserves in the world's largest oil consumer "to the top".

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-jump-to-61-over-opec-supply-cut-reports-265782">Oil prices jump to $61 over OPEC+ supply cut reports</a>

The US Fed slashed interest rates on Sunday in its second emergency cut this month and said it would expand its balance sheet by at least $700 billion in coming weeks in a bid to ease tension in financial markets.

Oil prices have come under intense pressure on both demand and supply sides. Worries about the pandemic slashing oil buying persist, while oversupply fears have grown after top exporter Saudi Arabia ramped up output and slashed prices to increase sales to consumers in Asia and Europe.

Earlier this month, the Organization of the Petroleum Countries and Russia failed to extend a production cut agreement which has been supporting prices since 2016.

"Fear remains the crux of the problem here as market players remain unconvinced that monetary policy easing and liquidity injections will solve an essential healthcare crisis," OCBC Bank's economist Selena Ling said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-rise-10-after-russia-indicates-open-to-cooperation-with-opec-285465">Oil prices rise 10% after Russia indicates 'open to cooperation with OPEC'</a>

"The end-game to me remains not about more policy bazookas, but a peak in global COVID-19 infections and fatalities, and, or a COVID-19 vaccine cure in the horizon."

Despite the massive drop in both oil and natural gas prices last week, the US oil drilling rig count rose for a second week in a row to its highest since December, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said in its closely followed report on Friday.

Still, the number of rigs is expected to fall as producers deepen spending cuts on new drilling.

More pain will be felt by US producers as Brent's premium to WTI is close to its narrowest since 2016, making US crude oil uncompetitive in international markets. Exports are set to fall by 1 million barrels per day each in April and May, sources have said.

"The big loser will be US shale, where the Republican government will possibly face a bailout decision on a heavily indebted industry sooner rather than later," said Jeffrey Halley, a senior market analyst at Oanda in Singapore.

&nbsp;

Oil extended losses on Monday as an emergency rate cut by the US Federal Reserve failed to soothe global financial markets panicked by the rapid spread of the coronavirus while a price war rages on between top producers.

Oil extended losses on Monday as an emergency rate cut by the US Federal Reserve failed to soothe global financial markets panicked by the rapid spread of the coronavirus while a price war rages on between top producers. Brent crude fell $1.13 to $32.72 a barrel by 0230 GMT, tumbling after last week's plunge of 25%, the largest weekly fall since 2008. The front-month price opened at a high of $35.84 but slipped to a low of $31.63. US crude was at $31.01, down 72 cents after slipping below $30 earlier in the session, despite US President Donald Trump's pledge to fill strategic oil reserves in the world's largest oil consumer "to the top". Also Read: Oil prices jump to $61 over OPEC+ supply cut reports The US Fed slashed interest rates on Sunday in its second emergency cut this month and said it would expand its balance sheet by at least $700 billion in coming weeks in a bid to ease tension in financial markets. Oil prices have come under intense pressure on both demand and supply sides. Worries about the pandemic slashing oil buying persist, while oversupply fears have grown after top exporter Saudi Arabia ramped up output and slashed prices to increase sales to consumers in Asia and Europe. Earlier this month, the Organization of the Petroleum Countries and Russia failed to extend a production cut agreement which has been supporting prices since 2016. "Fear remains the crux of the problem here as market players remain unconvinced that monetary policy easing and liquidity injections will solve an essential healthcare crisis," OCBC Bank's economist Selena Ling said. Also Read: Oil prices rise 10% after Russia indicates 'open to cooperation with OPEC' "The end-game to me remains not about more policy bazookas, but a peak in global COVID-19 infections and fatalities, and, or a COVID-19 vaccine cure in the horizon." Despite the massive drop in both oil and natural gas prices last week, the US oil drilling rig count rose for a second week in a row to its highest since December, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said in its closely followed report on Friday. Still, the number of rigs is expected to fall as producers deepen spending cuts on new drilling. More pain will be felt by US producers as Brent's premium to WTI is close to its narrowest since 2016, making US crude oil uncompetitive in international markets. Exports are set to fall by 1 million barrels per day each in April and May, sources have said. "The big loser will be US shale, where the Republican government will possibly face a bailout decision on a heavily indebted industry sooner rather than later," said Jeffrey Halley, a senior market analyst at Oanda in Singapore.

Oil prices slide again on coronavirus fears, price war

16 March in history: First liquid-fuelled rocket, Treaty of Versailles and more!

Why India has fared better than other nations in times of epidemic

Several companies in the UK have cut travel insurance due to the coronavirus even as travellers have been seeking cover during their stay away from home.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-capitol-closed-to-public-after-staffer-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-285967">Also Read: US Capitol closed to public after staffer tests positive for coronavirus</a>

The move comes even as India's insurance regulator&nbsp;IRDAI instructed all insurers to include medical cover for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/say-no-to-panic-yes-to-precautions-pm-modi-on-coronavirus-outbreak-285873">COVID-19</a>, the insurance authority's notification says that medical expenses during the quarantine period will also be reimbursable.

In order to prevent high-handedness by insurers, all claims will go through a review committee before they can be rejected. IRDAI has also asked insurers to design policies that cover coronavirus cases in the future.

Patients across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-urges-citizens-not-to-panic-as-infected-toll-stands-at-73-285932">India</a> have been troubled by the fact that their policies do not cover the virus with reports of hospitals refusing to recognise claims of policyholders.

However, it is quite a different scenario in the UK with&nbsp;British insurer LV saying: "In light of the significant impact that coronavirus is having globally, LV=... has taken the difficult decision to pause the sale of travel insurance to new customers," while adding that it was "temporary move".

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/trump-suspends-all-travel-from-europe-to-us-to-fight-covid-19-285728/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to reports, several companies saw a surge in travel insurance including Post Office, CoverForYou and TravelSupermarket as the coronavirus spread last month and people continued to travel. However, as the virus took a dangerous turn with the WHO declaring it a "pandemic", British insurers have begun to relook the cover.

Reports say leading UK insurers including Post Office, InsureandGo &amp; Aviva have withdrawn their cover amid a huge spike in coronavirus cases in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/soaps-or-sanitisers-which-is-best-to-fight-coronavirus-285925">In Pics:&nbsp;Soaps or sanitisers - Which is best to fight coronavirus?</a>

Aviva said it has&nbsp;decided to do away with add-on cover for “travel disruption” or “airspace closure” while maintaining that it has&nbsp;paused single-trip direct travel insurance for new customers travelling to Italy due to coronavirus.

“Insurance is designed to provide cover for unforeseen and unexpected events and is priced on this basis. The outbreak of the coronavirus means there is an increased likelihood of disruption to people’s travel plans. We envisage that these decisions, affecting only Aviva’s travel insurance new business, will be temporary actions,” the company said in a statement.

"In light of the impact that Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having globally, we’ve made the difficult decision to pause the sale of travel insurance to new customers," LV said on its website, adding, "We considered a number of different options, such as excluding cover or significantly increasing prices for new customers. We strongly believe this temporary measure of pausing the sale of new policies and focusing on our existing customers is the right decision."

Several companies in the UK have cut travel insurance due to the coronavirus even as travellers have been seeking cover during their stay away from home. Also Read: US Capitol closed to public after staffer tests positive for coronavirus The move comes even as India's insurance regulator IRDAI instructed all insurers to include medical cover for COVID-19, the insurance authority's notification says that medical expenses during the quarantine period will also be reimbursable.

Several companies in the UK have cut travel insurance due to the coronavirus even as travellers have been seeking cover during their stay away from home. Also Read: US Capitol closed to public after staffer tests positive for coronavirus The move comes even as India's insurance regulator IRDAI instructed all insurers to include medical cover for COVID-19, the insurance authority's notification says that medical expenses during the quarantine period will also be reimbursable. In order to prevent high-handedness by insurers, all claims will go through a review committee before they can be rejected. IRDAI has also asked insurers to design policies that cover coronavirus cases in the future. Patients across India have been troubled by the fact that their policies do not cover the virus with reports of hospitals refusing to recognise claims of policyholders. However, it is quite a different scenario in the UK with British insurer LV saying: "In light of the significant impact that coronavirus is having globally, LV=... has taken the difficult decision to pause the sale of travel insurance to new customers," while adding that it was "temporary move". Watch Video: According to reports, several companies saw a surge in travel insurance including Post Office, CoverForYou and TravelSupermarket as the coronavirus spread last month and people continued to travel. However, as the virus took a dangerous turn with the WHO declaring it a "pandemic", British insurers have begun to relook the cover. Reports say leading UK insurers including Post Office, InsureandGo & Aviva have withdrawn their cover amid a huge spike in coronavirus cases in the country. In Pics: Soaps or sanitisers - Which is best to fight coronavirus? Aviva said it has decided to do away with add-on cover for “travel disruption” or “airspace closure” while maintaining that it has paused single-trip direct travel insurance for new customers travelling to Italy due to coronavirus. “Insurance is designed to provide cover for unforeseen and unexpected events and is priced on this basis. The outbreak of the coronavirus means there is an increased likelihood of disruption to people’s travel plans. We envisage that these decisions, affecting only Aviva’s travel insurance new business, will be temporary actions,” the company said in a statement. "In light of the impact that Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having globally, we’ve made the difficult decision to pause the sale of travel insurance to new customers," LV said on its website, adding, "We considered a number of different options, such as excluding cover or significantly increasing prices for new customers. We strongly believe this temporary measure of pausing the sale of new policies and focusing on our existing customers is the right decision."

Coronavirus insurance: India moves to protect patients as UK companies limit cover

As the number of confirmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-pushes-ahead-with-psl-2020-despite-coronavirus-fears-285934">coronavirus</a> cases rose to 28 on Friday, the Pakistan government moved to close its border with Iran and Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pilgrims-returning-from-iran-produce-fake-coronavirus-clearance-certificate-report-285976">Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan pilgrims returning from Iran produce 'fake' coronavirus clearance certificate</a>

According to the Pakistan government, it will be closing the borders from March 16.

It will be for "an initial period of two weeks... in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, in the best interest of all three brotherly countries", Pakistan's interior ministry said. The minister added that the government will review the situation while screening and preventive measures will be undertaken.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/250000-pilgrims-mass-in-pakistan-despite-coronavirus-warnings-286157">Also Read: 250,000 pilgrims mass in Pakistan despite coronavirus warnings</a>

The minister also declared that large public gathering would be banned for two weeks with cinema halls shut down.

Meanwhile, Shafqat Mahmood, Pakistan's education minister said all educational institutions in the country will be closed till April 5 which includes all schools and universities, public and private, vocational institutions and madaris.

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In a meeting of the National Security Committee presided over PM Imran Khan, it has been decided to close all educational institutions in the country till April 5. This includes all schools and universities, public and private, vocational institutions and madaris.
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shafqat_Mahmood/status/1238464735538003968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan had already shut flight services to and from Iran, which has been hit hard due to the coronavirus.

As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 28 on Friday, the Pakistan government moved to close its border with Iran and Afghanistan. Also Read: Pakistan pilgrims returning from Iran produce 'fake' coronavirus clearance certificate According to the Pakistan government, it will be closing the borders from March 16.

As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 28 on Friday, the Pakistan government moved to close its border with Iran and Afghanistan. Also Read: Pakistan pilgrims returning from Iran produce 'fake' coronavirus clearance certificate According to the Pakistan government, it will be closing the borders from March 16. It will be for "an initial period of two weeks... in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, in the best interest of all three brotherly countries", Pakistan's interior ministry said. The minister added that the government will review the situation while screening and preventive measures will be undertaken. Also Read: 250,000 pilgrims mass in Pakistan despite coronavirus warnings The minister also declared that large public gathering would be banned for two weeks with cinema halls shut down. Meanwhile, Shafqat Mahmood, Pakistan's education minister said all educational institutions in the country will be closed till April 5 which includes all schools and universities, public and private, vocational institutions and madaris. In a meeting of the National Security Committee presided over PM Imran Khan, it has been decided to close all educational institutions in the country till April 5. This includes all schools and universities, public and private, vocational institutions and madaris. — Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) March 13, 2020 × Pakistan had already shut flight services to and from Iran, which has been hit hard due to the coronavirus.

Pakistan to close border with Iran, Afghanistan over coronavirus

How the super rich around the world lost billions due to coronavirus

NASA has revealed satellite pictures to show how China's pollution levels declined in December as China began its battle against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100000-likely-coronavirus-cases-in-ohio-us-health-official-286226">coronavirus</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-now-the-epicentre-of-coronavirus-pandemic-who-286257">Also Read:&nbsp;Europe now the epicentre of coronavirus pandemic, says&nbsp;WHO</a>

The video compares satellite images before and after the quarantine in Wuhan. As the virus spread, Chinese authorities moved to stop pubic transport which dramatically reducted pollution in the country.

NASA and the European Space Agency used satellite images to show&nbsp;nitrogen dioxide (NO2) went down drastically as China began to close factories and put brakes on travel.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAGgjFVajrs&amp;feature=youtu.be/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

NO2 which is widely emitted by vehicles and industrial units saw a rapid drop, thereby improving environmental conditions, NASA scientists revealed with first signs seen in Wuhan which was later seen throughout the country.

The drop was significant in Wuhan with NO2 levels still high in Beijing where the virus reached much later. According to NASA scientists, it was the most dramatic fall in pollution over a short period of time in the country not seen since the 2008 recession and the Beijing Olympics in the same year.

The virus has claimed 3,176 lives in China so far with over 80,000 infected.&nbsp;

NASA has revealed satellite pictures to show how China's pollution levels declined in December as China began its battle against coronavirus. Also Read: Europe now the epicentre of coronavirus pandemic, says WHO The video compares satellite images before and after the quarantine in Wuhan.

NASA has revealed satellite pictures to show how China's pollution levels declined in December as China began its battle against coronavirus. Also Read: Europe now the epicentre of coronavirus pandemic, says WHO The video compares satellite images before and after the quarantine in Wuhan. As the virus spread, Chinese authorities moved to stop pubic transport which dramatically reducted pollution in the country. NASA and the European Space Agency used satellite images to show nitrogen dioxide (NO2) went down drastically as China began to close factories and put brakes on travel. Watch Video: NO2 which is widely emitted by vehicles and industrial units saw a rapid drop, thereby improving environmental conditions, NASA scientists revealed with first signs seen in Wuhan which was later seen throughout the country. The drop was significant in Wuhan with NO2 levels still high in Beijing where the virus reached much later. According to NASA scientists, it was the most dramatic fall in pollution over a short period of time in the country not seen since the 2008 recession and the Beijing Olympics in the same year. The virus has claimed 3,176 lives in China so far with over 80,000 infected.

NASA satellite pictures show how coronavirus lockdown in China reduced pollution

The World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that "Europe has now become the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic" while terming the over the 5,000 deaths due to the virus as &nbsp;"a tragic milestone".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-speculations-brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-tests-negative-for-coronavirus-286256">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid speculations, President Bolsonaro tests negative for coronavirus</a>

"It's impossible for us to say when this will peak globally," Maria Van Kerkhove, head of &nbsp;WHO's emerging diseases unit said, adding," "we hope that it is sooner rather than later".

Italy which has been hit the hardest due to the virus has put the country on lockdown. The citizens have been ordered to stay at home till April 3 with just essential shops selling foodstuffs or healthcare items allowed to stay open.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-total-infected-toll-leaps-to-15113-in-italy-286229/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Austria has decided to close non-essential shops from Monday and to close cafes and restaurants with Bulgaria too closing non-essential shops. Austria has also closed its border with Italy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-much-much-worse-says-peter-piot-ebola-discoverer-286205">Also Read: Coronavirus much, much worse, says Peter Piot, Ebola discoverer</a>

Belgium has ordered nightclubs, cafes and restaurants to be closed until April 3. The Czech Republic and Spain have also taken similar measures. Schools and universities have been closed across Europe with Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Turkey and Ukraine asking students to stay home.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-begins-to-loosen-restrictions-in-hubei-as-death-toll-climbs-in-italy-286165">Also Read:&nbsp;China begins to loosen restrictions in Hubei as death toll climbs in Italy</a>

Gatherings too have been banned. Meanwhile, the European Commission has said that Italy will be provided with whatever support it needs to fight the COVID-19.

"We are absolutely ready to help Italy with whatever is necessary. This is of the utmost importance. This country is severely hit by coronavirus," European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.

"So whatever is necessary, we support. Whatever they will need, we will answer," the EU chief added.

The World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that "Europe has now become the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic" while terming the over the 5,000 deaths due to the virus as "a tragic milestone".

The World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that "Europe has now become the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic" while terming the over the 5,000 deaths due to the virus as "a tragic milestone". Also Read: Amid speculations, President Bolsonaro tests negative for coronavirus "It's impossible for us to say when this will peak globally," Maria Van Kerkhove, head of WHO's emerging diseases unit said, adding," "we hope that it is sooner rather than later". Italy which has been hit the hardest due to the virus has put the country on lockdown. The citizens have been ordered to stay at home till April 3 with just essential shops selling foodstuffs or healthcare items allowed to stay open. Watch Video: Austria has decided to close non-essential shops from Monday and to close cafes and restaurants with Bulgaria too closing non-essential shops. Austria has also closed its border with Italy. Also Read: Coronavirus much, much worse, says Peter Piot, Ebola discoverer Belgium has ordered nightclubs, cafes and restaurants to be closed until April 3. The Czech Republic and Spain have also taken similar measures. Schools and universities have been closed across Europe with Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Turkey and Ukraine asking students to stay home. Also Read: China begins to loosen restrictions in Hubei as death toll climbs in Italy Gatherings too have been banned. Meanwhile, the European Commission has said that Italy will be provided with whatever support it needs to fight the COVID-19. "We are absolutely ready to help Italy with whatever is necessary. This is of the utmost importance. This country is severely hit by coronavirus," European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. "So whatever is necessary, we support. Whatever they will need, we will answer," the EU chief added.

Europe now the epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO

How to keep your smartphone safe in times of coronavirus

In a major revelation, the man who co-discovered the Ebola virus has warned that the new coronavirus is "much, much worse" than Ebola.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-coronavirus-case-traced-to-november-17-in-wuhan-report-286245">Also Read:&nbsp;First coronavirus case traced to November 17 in Wuhan</a>

Peter Piot said that unlike Ebola, which requires close contact with a victim, the new virus was "very infectious".

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-total-infected-toll-leaps-to-15113-in-italy-286229/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Piot said the new coronavirus was more dangerous as the virus is literally something you can catch by just talking to somebody,

Professor Peter Piot co-discovered the Ebola virus in Zaire while working at the institute of tropical medicine in Antwerp, Belgium. Its average fatality rate is 50 per cent, although in some previous outbreaks it has been as high as 90 per cent.

"This is much, much worse than Ebola. Ebola requires very close contact for transmission. People are very scared of it but frankly, it is usually very contained. I mean, we have some exceptions,"&nbsp;Piot said.

"But it's because it (new coronavirus) is a respiratory transmitted virus that makes it so worrisome. And it's very infectious because there's so much virus in the throat. So this is literally something you can catch by just talking to somebody," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100000-likely-coronavirus-cases-in-ohio-us-health-official-286226">Also Read:&nbsp;100,000 likely coronavirus cases in Ohio, says US health official</a>

Peter Piot, currently the director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, equated the coronavirus outbreak with the Spanish flu.

The influenza outbreak infected 500 million around the world in 1918 and killed an estimated 50 million people. However,&nbsp;he pointed out that at least this time around, the world was better equipped through antibiotics and specialist medical tools.

"It's like back to the times of the Spanish flu, 100 years ago, where that killed, you know, 50 million people. However, we have antibiotics that can treat pneumonia, there are respirators, we are better equipped," he asserted.

In a major revelation, the man who co-discovered the Ebola virus has warned that the new coronavirus is "much, much worse" than Ebola. Also Read: First coronavirus case traced to November 17 in Wuhan Peter Piot said that unlike Ebola, which requires close contact with a victim, the new virus was "very infectious".

In a major revelation, the man who co-discovered the Ebola virus has warned that the new coronavirus is "much, much worse" than Ebola. Also Read: First coronavirus case traced to November 17 in Wuhan Peter Piot said that unlike Ebola, which requires close contact with a victim, the new virus was "very infectious". Watch Video: Piot said the new coronavirus was more dangerous as the virus is literally something you can catch by just talking to somebody, Professor Peter Piot co-discovered the Ebola virus in Zaire while working at the institute of tropical medicine in Antwerp, Belgium. Its average fatality rate is 50 per cent, although in some previous outbreaks it has been as high as 90 per cent. "This is much, much worse than Ebola. Ebola requires very close contact for transmission. People are very scared of it but frankly, it is usually very contained. I mean, we have some exceptions," Piot said. "But it's because it (new coronavirus) is a respiratory transmitted virus that makes it so worrisome. And it's very infectious because there's so much virus in the throat. So this is literally something you can catch by just talking to somebody," he added. Also Read: 100,000 likely coronavirus cases in Ohio, says US health official Peter Piot, currently the director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, equated the coronavirus outbreak with the Spanish flu. The influenza outbreak infected 500 million around the world in 1918 and killed an estimated 50 million people. However, he pointed out that at least this time around, the world was better equipped through antibiotics and specialist medical tools. "It's like back to the times of the Spanish flu, 100 years ago, where that killed, you know, 50 million people. However, we have antibiotics that can treat pneumonia, there are respirators, we are better equipped," he asserted.

Coronavirus much, much worse, says Peter Piot, Ebola discoverer

Coronavirus pandemic: These are 'no go' zones in Europe

As China and US squabble over the origin of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-fuels-debate-on-coronavirus-origin-links-us-army-to-outbreak-286138">coronavirus </a>with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo terming it "Wuhan virus", a report has emerged which points to the first case being reported on November 17.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-begins-to-loosen-restrictions-in-hubei-as-death-toll-climbs-in-italy-286165">Also Read:&nbsp;China begins to loosen restrictions in Hubei as death toll climbs in Italy</a>

A Hong Kong newspaper reported that the first case has been traced after going through government data.

The report says Chinese government officials had identified 266 people who were infected with the virus and&nbsp;were under scanner&nbsp;by Chinese medical officials. Scientists have been trying to map the pattern of the virus in Wuhan where it first emerged.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-edit-wuhan-coronavirus-should-china-pay-for-its-negligence-285984/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China had reported the first case on December 31 which experts say was very late as the virus has already begun to take hold. The report claims China had already 60 confirmed cases of the virus by December 20 last year. The South China Morning Post claims a 55-year-old, known as "patient zero" could have been the first victim of the virus, however, it hasn't been confirmed.

Meanwhile, the spat between China and United States over the origin of the virus took another turn today after the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said it might have been "the US Army that brought" the virus to Wuhan.&nbsp;

"When did patient zero begin in US? How many people are infected? What are the names of the hospitals? It might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan. Be transparent! Make public your data! US owe us an explanation!, Lijian alleged.

Several US officials including US President Trump have pointed to the origin being from Wuhan.&nbsp;

As China and US squabble over the origin of coronavirus with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo terming it "Wuhan virus", a report has emerged which points to the first case being reported on November 17.

As China and US squabble over the origin of coronavirus with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo terming it "Wuhan virus", a report has emerged which points to the first case being reported on November 17. Also Read: China begins to loosen restrictions in Hubei as death toll climbs in Italy A Hong Kong newspaper reported that the first case has been traced after going through government data. The report says Chinese government officials had identified 266 people who were infected with the virus and were under scanner by Chinese medical officials. Scientists have been trying to map the pattern of the virus in Wuhan where it first emerged. Watch Video: China had reported the first case on December 31 which experts say was very late as the virus has already begun to take hold. The report claims China had already 60 confirmed cases of the virus by December 20 last year. The South China Morning Post claims a 55-year-old, known as "patient zero" could have been the first victim of the virus, however, it hasn't been confirmed. Meanwhile, the spat between China and United States over the origin of the virus took another turn today after the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said it might have been "the US Army that brought" the virus to Wuhan. "When did patient zero begin in US? How many people are infected? What are the names of the hospitals? It might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan. Be transparent! Make public your data! US owe us an explanation!, Lijian alleged. Several US officials including US President Trump have pointed to the origin being from Wuhan.

First coronavirus case traced to November 17 in Wuhan: Report

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