China fears of second wave of pandemic Coronavirus infection as Beijing has reported new COVID-19 cases linked to a meat market. Around 45 of the meat market staff test positive for COVID-19.

China: Beijing reports new COVID-19 cases linked to a meat market, fears of second wave

China witnesses 57 new Coronavirus case in last 24 hours, highest no. of daily cases since April. Watch this video to know more.

China witnesses 57 new Coronavirus case in last 24 hours, highest no. of daily cases since April

Life is coming back on track in China as forbidden city ha been reopened after 3 months lockdown. But, visitors are required to wear mask and gloves.

Your Story: Life back on track in China as forbidden city reopens after 3 months lockdown

China claims to successfully suppress the novel Coronavirus. After which, China has eased the lockdown restrictions & has organised the biggest political event on May 22.

China eases lockdown restrictions, organises biggest political event on May 22

The United States on Saturday continued building pressure on China over transparency in novel coronavirus figures with the White House saying Beijing had a "moral obligation" to provide information important to the rest of the world.&nbsp;

"When you are the first country to have an outbreak, you really have a moral obligation to the world to not only talk about it, but provide that information that's critical to the rest of the world to really respond to this credibly," Dr. Deborah Birx, the coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-225-million-coronavirus-cases-registered-worldwide-death-toll-tops-154000-293313">Over 2.25 million coronavirus cases registered worldwide; death toll tops 154,000</a>

Birx made these comments when she was asked about China's transparency over its coronavirus data.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-spain-extends-lockdown-by-two-weeks-as-death-toll-tops-20000-293338">Coronavirus: Spain extends lockdown by two weeks as death toll tops 20,000</a>

US President Donald Trump also continued raising doubts over China's COVID-19 figures, warning that the country should face consequences if it was "knowingly responsible" for the coronavirus pandemic.

The US and other European countries are pressurising China over transparency, following which the country's COVID-19 epicentre Wuhan its raised death toll by 50 per cent.&nbsp;

However, Trump still didn't get convinced by China's new figures, saying: "it is far higher than that and far higher than the US, not even close".&nbsp;

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

The United States on Saturday continued building pressure on China over transparency in novel coronavirus figures with the White House saying Beijing had a "moral obligation" to provide information important to the rest of the world.

The United States on Saturday continued building pressure on China over transparency in novel coronavirus figures with the White House saying Beijing had a "moral obligation" to provide information important to the rest of the world. "When you are the first country to have an outbreak, you really have a moral obligation to the world to not only talk about it, but provide that information that's critical to the rest of the world to really respond to this credibly," Dr. Deborah Birx, the coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force said. Also read | Over 2.25 million coronavirus cases registered worldwide; death toll tops 154,000 Birx made these comments when she was asked about China's transparency over its coronavirus data. Also read | Coronavirus: Spain extends lockdown by two weeks as death toll tops 20,000 US President Donald Trump also continued raising doubts over China's COVID-19 figures, warning that the country should face consequences if it was "knowingly responsible" for the coronavirus pandemic. The US and other European countries are pressurising China over transparency, following which the country's COVID-19 epicentre Wuhan its raised death toll by 50 per cent. However, Trump still didn't get convinced by China's new figures, saying: "it is far higher than that and far higher than the US, not even close". (With Reuters inputs)

China has 'moral obligation' to share coronavirus data: White House

The coronavirus crisis is far from over, but China, from where this pandemic started is back to work. The lockdown in the country has been lifted, COVID-19's no new cases have been reported from once an epicentre Wuhan. So, the good news is coming from China. But, it's China, a region where no news is considered credible and the shadow of propaganda is always visible.&nbsp;

However, at this crucial point, the world doesn't need this answer from the Asian giant, but there are five key questions that the country needs to answer.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-5-questions-that-china-must-answer-wuhan-coronavirus-292327/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Where did the COVID-19 come from?

The first question that the world demands answer is how did the virus originate? Was it the wet markets, that has not been shut down by the government? If yes, then the threat of COVID-21, 22 remains. Did it come from laboratories which are infamous for sloppy practices? In any responsible nation, the guilty are brought to books, but in China, it is buried under the carpet.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-is-10-times-deadlier-than-swine-flu-who-292313">Coronavirus is 10 times deadlier than swine flu: WHO</a>

How did it cure patients?

China has reported over 80,000 coronavirus cases and it claims that most of them are cured. So how did this happen? Did they use traditional medicines that President Xi Jinping seems to encourage? What about the use of nanomaterials as reported by Global Times.&nbsp;

India, on one hand, has supplied HCQ, despite the medicine still not proven a cure, but since the world needed it desperately. It is also sending paracetamol and other life-saving countries to other nations. And, then there is China, which on the name of donation diplomacy sent faulty testing kits to the nations struggling with the COvID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

What does the research say?

China rejected HCQ as a cure to treat coronavirus. But it offered no other alternatives. China boasts about their research infrastructure and the first case was reported in the country nearly four months ago. Still, the world is waiting for an answer.&nbsp;

Currently, we don't know whether China is clamping down on the publication of coronavirus research. Why the research papers to get published needs a green signal from the Special Task Force of the State Council.&nbsp;

If China has nothing to hide, why it's not giving an access to international experts?

Global experts say that we have to collectively fight this challenge, then why China doesn't want to collaborate with them? A WHO delegation was sent to Wuhan. But its findings still remain unknown. In any case, WHO is facing a credibility crisis. The US Center for Disease Control had offered to send experts to China, but the country rejected. &nbsp;

How will China assure that this lapses won't happen again?

If the coronavirus has come from China's wet markets, will China close it so that crisis of such levels won't happen again. The country's wet markets have given birth to many diseases and they have gone back to sell exotic meat. From deer and minks to foxes and bats, everything is on the menu yet again.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The coronavirus crisis is far from over, but China, from where this pandemic started is back to work. The lockdown in the country has been lifted, COVID-19's no new cases have been reported from once an epicentre Wuhan.

The coronavirus crisis is far from over, but China, from where this pandemic started is back to work. The lockdown in the country has been lifted, COVID-19's no new cases have been reported from once an epicentre Wuhan. So, the good news is coming from China. But, it's China, a region where no news is considered credible and the shadow of propaganda is always visible. However, at this crucial point, the world doesn't need this answer from the Asian giant, but there are five key questions that the country needs to answer. Watch | Where did the COVID-19 come from? The first question that the world demands answer is how did the virus originate? Was it the wet markets, that has not been shut down by the government? If yes, then the threat of COVID-21, 22 remains. Did it come from laboratories which are infamous for sloppy practices? In any responsible nation, the guilty are brought to books, but in China, it is buried under the carpet. Also read | Coronavirus is 10 times deadlier than swine flu: WHO How did it cure patients? China has reported over 80,000 coronavirus cases and it claims that most of them are cured. So how did this happen? Did they use traditional medicines that President Xi Jinping seems to encourage? What about the use of nanomaterials as reported by Global Times. India, on one hand, has supplied HCQ, despite the medicine still not proven a cure, but since the world needed it desperately. It is also sending paracetamol and other life-saving countries to other nations. And, then there is China, which on the name of donation diplomacy sent faulty testing kits to the nations struggling with the COvID-19 pandemic. What does the research say? China rejected HCQ as a cure to treat coronavirus. But it offered no other alternatives. China boasts about their research infrastructure and the first case was reported in the country nearly four months ago. Still, the world is waiting for an answer. Currently, we don't know whether China is clamping down on the publication of coronavirus research. Why the research papers to get published needs a green signal from the Special Task Force of the State Council. If China has nothing to hide, why it's not giving an access to international experts? Global experts say that we have to collectively fight this challenge, then why China doesn't want to collaborate with them? A WHO delegation was sent to Wuhan. But its findings still remain unknown. In any case, WHO is facing a credibility crisis. The US Center for Disease Control had offered to send experts to China, but the country rejected. How will China assure that this lapses won't happen again? If the coronavirus has come from China's wet markets, will China close it so that crisis of such levels won't happen again. The country's wet markets have given birth to many diseases and they have gone back to sell exotic meat. From deer and minks to foxes and bats, everything is on the menu yet again.

China is back to business, but these five questions need an answer

China, from where the coronavirus infections began, is beginning to return to normalcy when most parts around the world are still struggling to contain the outbreak. However, people in China are still taking precaution to avoid cathcing the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-panic-buying-patterns-shifts-from-toilet-paper-to-hair-colour-292231">US panic buying patterns shifts from toilet paper to hair colour</a>

Recently, a Shanghai-based Cao Junjie designed a space-suit for his two-year-old son so that the COVID-19 stays away from the toddler. The man said that the suit is ideal for small children as they have a tendency to touch their faces and masks make them feel uncomfortable.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2021-no-new-emojis-to-be-launched-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-292197">2021: No new emojis to be launched due to coronavirus pandemic</a>

The suit which has an air-purification system, a device to monitor air quality, and an electric fan is created by Junjie himself.&nbsp;

People on the streets, who saw the child with the suit gave a thumbs up to it.&nbsp;

"I think it's great. He looks like a cartoon character," said Wu Fengying.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China, from where the coronavirus infections began, is beginning to return to normalcy when most parts around the world are still struggling to contain the outbreak.

China, from where the coronavirus infections began, is beginning to return to normalcy when most parts around the world are still struggling to contain the outbreak. However, people in China are still taking precaution to avoid cathcing the deadly virus. Also read | US panic buying patterns shifts from toilet paper to hair colour Recently, a Shanghai-based Cao Junjie designed a space-suit for his two-year-old son so that the COVID-19 stays away from the toddler. The man said that the suit is ideal for small children as they have a tendency to touch their faces and masks make them feel uncomfortable. Also read | 2021: No new emojis to be launched due to coronavirus pandemic The suit which has an air-purification system, a device to monitor air quality, and an electric fan is created by Junjie himself. People on the streets, who saw the child with the suit gave a thumbs up to it. "I think it's great. He looks like a cartoon character," said Wu Fengying.

Chinese father designs space suit for two-year-old to shield him from coronavirus

Now, it has become more or less obvious that if China wouldn't have hidden about coronavirus, the world could have avoided this outbreak that became a pandemic in no time. With each passing day, the demand to make China pay for this gross negligence is rising.

China's might and influence in the global arena are well known. Many countries, developed or poor, don't want to confront this Asian giant, but at this juncture, now the most-hit coronavirus country has again shown some way and hope.

In the US, there are already lawsuits filed against the Communist Party. And, now two lawmakers are gearing up to introduce a bill.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-the-us-sanction-chinese-officials-wuhan-coronavirus-290493/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

If the bill is passed, US President Donald Trump would able to exercise unprecedented powers to impose sanctions on Chinese officials.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-chinese-doctor-to-raise-alarm-over-coronavirus-missing-since-her-now-deleted-interview-290483">First Chinese doctor to raise alarm over coronavirus missing since her now 'deleted interview'</a>

According to the bill, anyone who conceals or distorts information related to coronavirus can face actions from the US. Some of the provisions include revocation of visas, barring future travel, among others.

Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley are the two senators who are pushing this bill.&nbsp;

Also, the bill is named after the deceased whistleblower Li Wenliang, who tried to alert the administration with the outbreak of COVID-19. The Chinese regime tried to silence the physician who later himself succumbed to the coronavirus.&nbsp;

The bill is yet to move on the floor for a vote, but China has already started making its case that China was transparent enough.&nbsp;

A few hours ago, the Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson appeared before the media. Although she did not speak on the bill, but&nbsp;accused American lawmakers of disrespecting the deceased Chinese doctor.&nbsp;

A legal organisation has moved to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and made a range of allegations from inaction to negligence.&nbsp;

The International Council of Jurists has filed the petition and demanded reparations from the Chinese leadership.&nbsp;

China has caused "serious physical, psychological, economic and social harm to member states", the petition said.&nbsp;

Now, it has become more or less obvious that if China wouldn't have hidden about coronavirus, the world could have avoided this outbreak that became a pandemic in no time.

Now, it has become more or less obvious that if China wouldn't have hidden about coronavirus, the world could have avoided this outbreak that became a pandemic in no time. With each passing day, the demand to make China pay for this gross negligence is rising. China's might and influence in the global arena are well known. Many countries, developed or poor, don't want to confront this Asian giant, but at this juncture, now the most-hit coronavirus country has again shown some way and hope. In the US, there are already lawsuits filed against the Communist Party. And, now two lawmakers are gearing up to introduce a bill. Watch | If the bill is passed, US President Donald Trump would able to exercise unprecedented powers to impose sanctions on Chinese officials. Also read | First Chinese doctor to raise alarm over coronavirus missing since her now 'deleted interview' According to the bill, anyone who conceals or distorts information related to coronavirus can face actions from the US. Some of the provisions include revocation of visas, barring future travel, among others. Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley are the two senators who are pushing this bill. Also, the bill is named after the deceased whistleblower Li Wenliang, who tried to alert the administration with the outbreak of COVID-19. The Chinese regime tried to silence the physician who later himself succumbed to the coronavirus. The bill is yet to move on the floor for a vote, but China has already started making its case that China was transparent enough. A few hours ago, the Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson appeared before the media. Although she did not speak on the bill, but accused American lawmakers of disrespecting the deceased Chinese doctor. A legal organisation has moved to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and made a range of allegations from inaction to negligence. The International Council of Jurists has filed the petition and demanded reparations from the Chinese leadership. China has caused "serious physical, psychological, economic and social harm to member states", the petition said.

US senators lead the way to hold China accountable for coronavirus

It has been over two months when the initial coronavirus cases emerged in China's Wuhan. The virus took off from China, spread globally, killed thousands and is now a reason for a lockdown impacting 3 billion people.&nbsp;

Here's a compilation of two videos, the first, China wants everyone to see and another one that the Asian giant&nbsp;intends to hide.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-coronavirus-pictures-that-china-doesnt-want-you-to-see-289535/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This is Hubei's Wuhan, the birthplace of COVID-19, and you can see people moving around, trains running, malls opened, business as usual. This is the story Chinese state media wants to tell that the worst is over and Wuhan has bounced back.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-chinas-authoritarianism-vs-democracy-and-transparency-289530">WION Edit: China's authoritarianism vs democracy and transparency</a>

However, we later received images where we can see clashes in Hubei province.&nbsp;

As the restrictions were lifted from Hubei, people tried to move to the neighbouring Jiangxi province. However, when people tried to enter, they were stopped. Reportedly, clashes broke out and police vehicles were overturned.&nbsp;

Can we trust Chinese figures?

The Chinese propaganda machinery is trying to tell people that the dragon has defeated the virus. The official figures say that 3,186 were killed in Hubei. But, a new report, raises key questions. One report says that on two occasions, trucks shipped in 2,500 urns, which means 5000 urns. This claim is far more than the government's figures&nbsp;for the number of deaths.&nbsp;

Another report from Radio Free Asia claims that more than 40,000 died in the outbreak. The number is based on a claim that all seven funeral homes in Wuhan were handing out 3,500 urns everyday.&nbsp;

There are no independent inquiry and it's high time that the world takes note of it.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It has been over two months when the initial coronavirus cases emerged in China's Wuhan. The virus took off from China, spread globally, killed thousands and is now a reason for a lockdown impacting 3 billion people.

It has been over two months when the initial coronavirus cases emerged in China's Wuhan. The virus took off from China, spread globally, killed thousands and is now a reason for a lockdown impacting 3 billion people. Here's a compilation of two videos, the first, China wants everyone to see and another one that the Asian giant intends to hide. Watch: This is Hubei's Wuhan, the birthplace of COVID-19, and you can see people moving around, trains running, malls opened, business as usual. This is the story Chinese state media wants to tell that the worst is over and Wuhan has bounced back. Also read | WION Edit: China's authoritarianism vs democracy and transparency However, we later received images where we can see clashes in Hubei province. As the restrictions were lifted from Hubei, people tried to move to the neighbouring Jiangxi province. However, when people tried to enter, they were stopped. Reportedly, clashes broke out and police vehicles were overturned. Can we trust Chinese figures? The Chinese propaganda machinery is trying to tell people that the dragon has defeated the virus. The official figures say that 3,186 were killed in Hubei. But, a new report, raises key questions. One report says that on two occasions, trucks shipped in 2,500 urns, which means 5000 urns. This claim is far more than the government's figures for the number of deaths. Another report from Radio Free Asia claims that more than 40,000 died in the outbreak. The number is based on a claim that all seven funeral homes in Wuhan were handing out 3,500 urns everyday. There are no independent inquiry and it's high time that the world takes note of it.

Is everything normal in China? Some reports, videos tell otherwise

China, after spreading the deadly virus to the world, is trying to don the saviour's hat. It is on an image-building mission. After crippling mankind with the coronavirus, China wants now to become a global donor.

It is sending emergency supplies and other assistance to the world. But, with the reputation China holds, it is difficult to take things on face value. Watch this video first and see it yourself why China can still not be trusted.&nbsp;

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-coronavirus-chinese-firms-are-selling-substandard-testing-kits-289015/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The above video clearly shows medical experts from China sharing their experiences in containing the novel coronavirus. However, these officials are Malaysian healthcare workers.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/china-manoeuvres-to-protect-its-interests-in-gulf-while-keeping-its-hands-clean-288908">China manoeuvres to protect its interests in Gulf while keeping its hands clean</a>

On March 25, a chartered plan arrived in Milan in Italy with health kits. The officials, who were seen in the previous compilation video, were holding Chinese flags, as the country tries to manage its PR.

China extended its generosity to 89 Countries, including Cambodia and France, apart from four international organisations.&nbsp;

However, interesting developments took place in the last 24 hours. Spain turned down 9,000 Chinese-manufactured test kits. The Spanish government said that the kits were faulty and 70 per cent of the times give wrong results.&nbsp;

In hindsight, China is even though pretending to help nations in order to improve its image, history and current examples tell us that the country can't be trusted.

And this means neither its claims nor its substandard products.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

China, after spreading the deadly virus to the world, is trying to don the saviour's hat. It is on an image-building mission. After crippling mankind with the coronavirus, China wants now to become a global donor.

China, after spreading the deadly virus to the world, is trying to don the saviour's hat. It is on an image-building mission. After crippling mankind with the coronavirus, China wants now to become a global donor. It is sending emergency supplies and other assistance to the world. But, with the reputation China holds, it is difficult to take things on face value. Watch this video first and see it yourself why China can still not be trusted. Watch The above video clearly shows medical experts from China sharing their experiences in containing the novel coronavirus. However, these officials are Malaysian healthcare workers. Also read | China manoeuvres to protect its interests in Gulf while keeping its hands clean On March 25, a chartered plan arrived in Milan in Italy with health kits. The officials, who were seen in the previous compilation video, were holding Chinese flags, as the country tries to manage its PR. China extended its generosity to 89 Countries, including Cambodia and France, apart from four international organisations. However, interesting developments took place in the last 24 hours. Spain turned down 9,000 Chinese-manufactured test kits. The Spanish government said that the kits were faulty and 70 per cent of the times give wrong results. In hindsight, China is even though pretending to help nations in order to improve its image, history and current examples tell us that the country can't be trusted. And this means neither its claims nor its substandard products.

Can China be trusted in its attempts to become messiah for fighting coronavirus

The virus epic center china has reported 21 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and only one is from the worst-hit province of Hubei. The Chinese health authority has also confirmed 13 new deaths.

Coronavirus pandemic over in China?

The World Health Organization warned that the new coronavirus which has peaked in China could still become a pandemic. The alert comes after the victims of the virulent strain have been discovered in countries the world over.

Grim news of deaths and outbreaks in the Middle East, Europe and Asia has sent financial markets spiralling down, though the Chinese epicentre of Wuhan seems to be stabilising with the death toll at its lowest for three straight weeks.

But the situation is worsening in other countries, with more than 2,000 cases and 30 deaths reported abroad, prompting a raft of restrictions on travellers from infected nations. The situation has worsened in other nations with more than 2,000 people infected and 30 reported deaths, following which almost every nation put up stringent restrictions on travellers from infected countries.

Iran, Italy and South Korea witnessed a drastic increase in COVID-19 infections and deaths while numerous nations in the Middle East are reporting their first case of the novel coronavirus. WHO Chief commended China's drastic quarantine measures in several cities insisting that the virus could still be contained and thanking the PRC for their aid in preventing an even bigger spread.

"For the moment we are not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus and we are not witnessing large-scale deaths," Tedros told reporters in Geneva. However, he added that "we should do everything we can to prepare for a potential pandemic."

South Korean hotspot

Registering the largest number of nCoV cases outside China is the nation of South Korea, which has reported 60 more infections and another death as of Tuesday, pulling its death toll to 8 and total number of infected to 900. The epicentre of South Korea's outbreak is reportedly around a religious sect in Daegu, the country's fourth-largest city.

South Korea remains on its highest "red" alert and has extended school holidays to aid the containment effort, requesting around 2.5 million people of Daegu to remain indoors. Meanwhile, the CDC has raised its caution level to warn the American people against "nonessential travel to South Korea."

With seven reported deaths and over 200 cases, Italy has been forced to lock down 11 towns and schedule upcoming football matches in its Serie A and the Europa League to be played behind closed doors. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has said that residents could face weeks of lockdown with law enforcement officials manning checkpoints to enforce a blockade.

Iranian paranoia

Officially known as COVID-19, the disease has spread to Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman and other countries. Iran reported 12 deaths, making this the highest number of people the virus has killed outside of China.&nbsp;

Reports from a semi-official news agency named ILNA highlight concerns that the situation might be worse than is officially acknowledged. The agency quoted one local lawmaker in the hard-hit religious centre of Qom who has reason to believe that 50 people died from COVID-19.

The statements in the report have been denied by the Iranian government, which has pledged transparency. Head of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, Michael Ryan stated that a team from the UN agency would be arriving in Iran on Tuesday.&nbsp;

However, he advised against drawing any conclusions about the mortality rate, deducing that Iran may only be facing severe cases as the epidemic was still at an early stage in the country.&nbsp;

Chinese origins

508 new cases were reported in China and only 9 were at the epicentre in central Hubei province. Though it is a visible increase from 409 cases on Monday, the overall number of new infections being reported has decreased, when compared to those of last week. China's death toll reached 2,663 on Tuesday after 71 more people died. The epidemic peaked in China between January 23 and February 2, per WHO Chief Tedros.&nbsp;

56 million people in Hubei and its capital have been quarantined by China in the last month, while other regions have enacted travel restraints and measures to keep millions more indoors. Global markets plunged on Monday with Wall Street off 3.6 per cent, reflecting the global anxiety.

The World Health Organization warned that the new coronavirus which has peaked in China could still become a pandemic. The alert comes after the victims of the virulent strain have been discovered in countries the world over.

The World Health Organization warned that the new coronavirus which has peaked in China could still become a pandemic. The alert comes after the victims of the virulent strain have been discovered in countries the world over. Grim news of deaths and outbreaks in the Middle East, Europe and Asia has sent financial markets spiralling down, though the Chinese epicentre of Wuhan seems to be stabilising with the death toll at its lowest for three straight weeks. But the situation is worsening in other countries, with more than 2,000 cases and 30 deaths reported abroad, prompting a raft of restrictions on travellers from infected nations. The situation has worsened in other nations with more than 2,000 people infected and 30 reported deaths, following which almost every nation put up stringent restrictions on travellers from infected countries. Iran, Italy and South Korea witnessed a drastic increase in COVID-19 infections and deaths while numerous nations in the Middle East are reporting their first case of the novel coronavirus. WHO Chief commended China's drastic quarantine measures in several cities insisting that the virus could still be contained and thanking the PRC for their aid in preventing an even bigger spread. "For the moment we are not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus and we are not witnessing large-scale deaths," Tedros told reporters in Geneva. However, he added that "we should do everything we can to prepare for a potential pandemic." South Korean hotspot Registering the largest number of nCoV cases outside China is the nation of South Korea, which has reported 60 more infections and another death as of Tuesday, pulling its death toll to 8 and total number of infected to 900. The epicentre of South Korea's outbreak is reportedly around a religious sect in Daegu, the country's fourth-largest city. South Korea remains on its highest "red" alert and has extended school holidays to aid the containment effort, requesting around 2.5 million people of Daegu to remain indoors. Meanwhile, the CDC has raised its caution level to warn the American people against "nonessential travel to South Korea." With seven reported deaths and over 200 cases, Italy has been forced to lock down 11 towns and schedule upcoming football matches in its Serie A and the Europa League to be played behind closed doors. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has said that residents could face weeks of lockdown with law enforcement officials manning checkpoints to enforce a blockade. Iranian paranoia Officially known as COVID-19, the disease has spread to Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman and other countries. Iran reported 12 deaths, making this the highest number of people the virus has killed outside of China. Reports from a semi-official news agency named ILNA highlight concerns that the situation might be worse than is officially acknowledged. The agency quoted one local lawmaker in the hard-hit religious centre of Qom who has reason to believe that 50 people died from COVID-19. The statements in the report have been denied by the Iranian government, which has pledged transparency. Head of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, Michael Ryan stated that a team from the UN agency would be arriving in Iran on Tuesday. However, he advised against drawing any conclusions about the mortality rate, deducing that Iran may only be facing severe cases as the epidemic was still at an early stage in the country. Chinese origins 508 new cases were reported in China and only 9 were at the epicentre in central Hubei province. Though it is a visible increase from 409 cases on Monday, the overall number of new infections being reported has decreased, when compared to those of last week. China's death toll reached 2,663 on Tuesday after 71 more people died. The epidemic peaked in China between January 23 and February 2, per WHO Chief Tedros. 56 million people in Hubei and its capital have been quarantined by China in the last month, while other regions have enacted travel restraints and measures to keep millions more indoors. Global markets plunged on Monday with Wall Street off 3.6 per cent, reflecting the global anxiety.

China, South Korea, Iran worst-hit from COVID-19, WHO warns of pandemic

Chinese regions deemed at low risk from the coronavirus outbreak should fully resume normal activities and end transport bans, an official at the state planning agency said on Tuesday.

Chinese regions deemed at low risk from the coronavirus outbreak should fully resume normal activities and end transport bans, an official at the state planning agency said on Tuesday. China needed to take a more nuanced approach to control the epidemic to ensure the economic impact is minimised, Ou Xiaoli of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) told a news briefing. "Low-risk areas ... are to restore order in production and life, cancel transport restrictions and help enterprises solve employment, raw material, funding, equipment and other difficulties," he said. Also Read: Hong Kongers set up face mask factory amid coronavirus panic buying "The current epidemic situation is not the same everywhere," he said, adding that if control measures were not tailored to circumstances in different places, it could hurt the economic recovery. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said the epidemic in China peaked between January 23 and February 2 and has been declining since. China on Tuesday reported a rise in new cases in Hubei province, the centre of the outbreak. But excluding those, China had just nine new infections on Monday, the lowest number since January 20. Watch: Coronavirus death toll surges to 2, 469 Ou said counties apart from Beijing and Hubei would be divided into "low-risk", "medium-risk" and "high-risk" and draw up their production recovery plans accordingly. Low-risk areas should "completely restore work and life procedures", end all restrictions on transportation and help enterprises resolve funding and raw material problems, he said. China's leaders have been urging regions outside the major infection zone of Hubei to do their utmost to restore the economy, and many have in recent days downgraded their emergency response measures after reporting no new cases. Also Read: Virus-hit China set to postpone parliament for first time in decades President Xi Jinping said on Sunday the economy would take a big hit and low-risk provinces should focus on going back to work and restoring production. But high-risk areas should continue to focus on controlling the epidemic, he said. Hubei backtracked on Monday after saying it would relax restrictions and allow healthy people to leave the province. It said the notice had been issued without authorisation and controls would remain in place. Ou said high-risk areas must maintain "strict controls" and gradually restore economic output only after the epidemic has been effectively curbed. At the same time, they should ensure that firms in essential sectors continue to function normally, he said. He Qinghua of the National Health Commission told the briefing entry-exit controls at residential compounds and tourist areas should remain in place in high-risk zones, and public gatherings still need to be restricted.

Low-risk Chinese regions must resume activity: State Planning Agency

Another person infected with coronavirus died on Monday in Italy as the country witnessed second death in one day.&nbsp;

So far, six people have died in Italy due to coronavirus and earlier today an 88-year-old person became the fifth victim.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The chief of Italy's Civil Protection confirmed the fifth casualty and said that the total number of cases have reached 219 in the country. This is the fourth death from the northern Lombardy region, where lockdown has already been imposed and security measures are tightened in order to control the spread.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-2-dead-79-infected-in-italy-as-country-resorts-to-punitive-measures-to-contain-outbreak-282178">Coronavirus: 2 dead, 79 infected in Italy as country resorts to punitive measures to contain outbreak&nbsp;</a>

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has hinted of lockdown for weeks to control the outbreak.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-south-korea-reports-161-new-cases-bringing-total-number-of-infected-to-763-282242">Coronavirus: South Korea reports 161 new cases, bringing total number of infected to 763</a>

Presently, 11 towns in Italy are under lockdown, that includes 10 in Lombardy and one in neighbouring Veneto. In many regions, public gathering spots such as bars, cinemas and restaurants are ordered to be shut down.&nbsp;

High profile events such as Milan Fashion Week and the Venice Carnival have been disrupted due to virus fears. Serie A matches have also been postponed.&nbsp;

Milan stock market was also hit by the virus outbreak and was down nearly 5 per cent on Monday.&nbsp;

Italian passengers who arrived by bus in France's Lyon are also being kept on board after the driver was hospitalised with symptoms similar to that of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Despite the massive spread of the virus, officials in Italy still didn't confirm how did the virus reach the country.&nbsp;

Italy's neighbour France has said that there is no need to close borders in order to control the spread.&nbsp;

Hungarian officials urged its citizens to postpone their trips to northern Italy, adding that the incoming passengers would be screened at Budapest and Debrecen airports. &nbsp;

The outbreak that was earlier majorly confined to China, where more than 2500 people are killed, but now has reached to dozens of countries.&nbsp;

Another person infected with coronavirus died on Monday in Italy as the country witnessed second death in one day. So far, six people have died in Italy due to coronavirus and earlier today an 88-year-old person became the fifth victim.

Another person infected with coronavirus died on Monday in Italy as the country witnessed second death in one day. So far, six people have died in Italy due to coronavirus and earlier today an 88-year-old person became the fifth victim. The chief of Italy's Civil Protection confirmed the fifth casualty and said that the total number of cases have reached 219 in the country. This is the fourth death from the northern Lombardy region, where lockdown has already been imposed and security measures are tightened in order to control the spread. Also read: Coronavirus: 2 dead, 79 infected in Italy as country resorts to punitive measures to contain outbreak Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has hinted of lockdown for weeks to control the outbreak. Also read: Coronavirus: South Korea reports 161 new cases, bringing total number of infected to 763 Presently, 11 towns in Italy are under lockdown, that includes 10 in Lombardy and one in neighbouring Veneto. In many regions, public gathering spots such as bars, cinemas and restaurants are ordered to be shut down. High profile events such as Milan Fashion Week and the Venice Carnival have been disrupted due to virus fears. Serie A matches have also been postponed. Milan stock market was also hit by the virus outbreak and was down nearly 5 per cent on Monday. Italian passengers who arrived by bus in France's Lyon are also being kept on board after the driver was hospitalised with symptoms similar to that of the deadly virus. Despite the massive spread of the virus, officials in Italy still didn't confirm how did the virus reach the country. Italy's neighbour France has said that there is no need to close borders in order to control the spread. Hungarian officials urged its citizens to postpone their trips to northern Italy, adding that the incoming passengers would be screened at Budapest and Debrecen airports. The outbreak that was earlier majorly confined to China, where more than 2500 people are killed, but now has reached to dozens of countries.

Italy records sixth death from coronavirus, second in one day