China has been pushing its borders far out into international waters. The speed and scale of this military aggression is unprecedented.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-allergic-to-any-investigation-but-top-priority-to-fight-win-against-covid-19-china-297005">Also Read:&nbsp;Not allergic to any investigation but top priority to fight &amp; win against COVID-19, says&nbsp;China</a>

There have been ten instances of how the Chinese regime is using the pandemic to wage a silent war. Encroachment of Indonesian fisheries is still happening with the first instance that was reported in January. An incursion by a Chinese coast guard vessel near the north Natuna islands. Indonesia had to beef up its naval defences.

The area is internationally recognised as part of Indonesia but China is infamous for violating the sovereignty of others. The result is Chinese incursions in Indonesian waters haven't stopped.

Also, the ramming a Taiwanese coast guard vessel which happened on March 16. At least ten Chinese speed boats entered Taiwan's territorial waters.

They attacked a patrol vessel which was clearing illegal Chinese fishing nets then targeting a Japanese naval ship that occurred in the East China Sea on March 30.

A Chinese fishing vessel collided and badly damaged a Japanese maritime destroyer. China said this was vessel was sailing in its waters and endangered its safety.&nbsp;

The sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat near the Paracel Islands on April 2 was another example. The fishing boat sank after being hit by a Chinese coast guard vessel. A crew of eight on board the boat was captured and detained. China's excuse was the same - threat to its interests in the South China Sea.

Then the unwarranted drills in the Taiwan Strait. On April 11, Chinese fighter jets conducted drills just miles away from Taiwan. The reason was America's support for Taiwan's sovereignty. A US destroyer was transiting through Taiwan on this day. China deployed an aircraft carrier in the Miyako Strait which happened just two days later on April 13.

Miyako Strait is a strategic international waterway nobody can lay claim to this Strait. China deployed an aircraft carrier, two guided missile destroyers, two multi-role warships, and a fast combat support ship near the Strait.

China deployed an exploration vessel near Malaysia. On Apri 16, China sent a "survey ship" to the Malaysian exclusive economic zone. A "survey" activity inside Malaysian waters.&nbsp;

It also stablished new districts in the South China Sea. It was first reported on April 19. China announced new administrative districts in the contested waterway which the Global Times said was for better management.

Expelling a US vessel conducting routine operations that happened last week. Beijing had accused Washington of taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic by aggressively intervening in the South China Sea.

And finally, it gave official names to islands in South China Sea. Chinese authorities released standard names for 25 islands and reefs in the South China Sea in April. The Global Times said that the standardization of names reflected China's sovereignty over these islands.&nbsp;

China has been pushing its borders far out into international waters. The speed and scale of this military aggression is unprecedented. Also Read: Not allergic to any investigation but top priority to fight & win against COVID-19, says China There have been ten instances of how the Chinese regime is using the pandemic to wage a silent war.

China has been pushing its borders far out into international waters. The speed and scale of this military aggression is unprecedented. Also Read: Not allergic to any investigation but top priority to fight & win against COVID-19, says China There have been ten instances of how the Chinese regime is using the pandemic to wage a silent war. Encroachment of Indonesian fisheries is still happening with the first instance that was reported in January. An incursion by a Chinese coast guard vessel near the north Natuna islands. Indonesia had to beef up its naval defences. The area is internationally recognised as part of Indonesia but China is infamous for violating the sovereignty of others. The result is Chinese incursions in Indonesian waters haven't stopped. Also, the ramming a Taiwanese coast guard vessel which happened on March 16. At least ten Chinese speed boats entered Taiwan's territorial waters. They attacked a patrol vessel which was clearing illegal Chinese fishing nets then targeting a Japanese naval ship that occurred in the East China Sea on March 30. A Chinese fishing vessel collided and badly damaged a Japanese maritime destroyer. China said this was vessel was sailing in its waters and endangered its safety. The sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat near the Paracel Islands on April 2 was another example. The fishing boat sank after being hit by a Chinese coast guard vessel. A crew of eight on board the boat was captured and detained. China's excuse was the same - threat to its interests in the South China Sea. Then the unwarranted drills in the Taiwan Strait. On April 11, Chinese fighter jets conducted drills just miles away from Taiwan. The reason was America's support for Taiwan's sovereignty. A US destroyer was transiting through Taiwan on this day. China deployed an aircraft carrier in the Miyako Strait which happened just two days later on April 13. Miyako Strait is a strategic international waterway nobody can lay claim to this Strait. China deployed an aircraft carrier, two guided missile destroyers, two multi-role warships, and a fast combat support ship near the Strait. China deployed an exploration vessel near Malaysia. On Apri 16, China sent a "survey ship" to the Malaysian exclusive economic zone. A "survey" activity inside Malaysian waters. It also stablished new districts in the South China Sea. It was first reported on April 19. China announced new administrative districts in the contested waterway which the Global Times said was for better management. Expelling a US vessel conducting routine operations that happened last week. Beijing had accused Washington of taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic by aggressively intervening in the South China Sea. And finally, it gave official names to islands in South China Sea. Chinese authorities released standard names for 25 islands and reefs in the South China Sea in April. The Global Times said that the standardization of names reflected China's sovereignty over these islands.

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, China wages 'silent war' in international waters

The coronavirus has spread across 194 countries and territories around the world. The dangers, as well as precautions, have been covered adequately by all government communications/media/publications, as well as social media.

While there is adequate awareness, but there is also a varying degree of seriousness in dealing with the pandemic, as many segments of society chose to put individual preferences above potentially most devastating threat that looms the world.&nbsp;

The world meter indicates over 4,23,000 cases of coronavirus with 18296 deaths and 107,199 recoveries. The WHO puts the morbidity rate at 3.4 per cent, but the biggest danger being faced by mankind is the exponential rise in coronavirus cases due to community transfers.

It is necessary to understand the seriousness in adopting the safety measures being communicated by government agencies through various mediums. &nbsp;

The Epicenters&nbsp;

China is accused to have done global damage by hiding crucial timely information about the pandemic from the rest of the world. Wuhan, believed to be the origin and initial epicentre of the disease, was late in quarantining affected people and could not prevent community transfer.&nbsp;

China was quick to declare that it has conquered the disease with reporting 73,159 recovered cases, but 78 fresh cases, seven fresh deaths and 4735 active cases, mitigate the claim. The world will continue to accuse China for hiding the pandemic, with two legal notices already filed against it.&nbsp;

Italy (with 69176 cases and 6820 deaths) is another example of taking the disease lightly initially and trying to control it with all possible measures later. WHO warns USA to be next epicenter of COVID-19 having 54916 cases confirmed, out of which there are more than 25000 cases in New York. The US faces stalemate over $2 trillion allocations for combating the pandemic. The same is the case with South Korea and Japan.&nbsp;

The only advantage these countries enjoy is that they have much less population in comparison to countries like India and relatively better medical capacities per capita population to control. Iran continues to struggle with an initial spurt of carelessness and later with inadequate capacity. It needs to be noted that in most western countries the testing in terms of the percentage of the population has been fairly high; hence, the magnitude of the problem is better identified. &nbsp;

Taiwan's Success in Combatting Covid-19

Taiwan, with 23 million people, just off the coast of China, was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China and heavy rush of travellers to and from China. Considering the risk, having only 199 cases with two deaths and no new cases so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) with a branch focusing on large outbreak responses and acting as a central command post for direct, transparent communications, which was established after the SARS outbreak. Their actions included border control from the air and sea, identifying cases, quarantine of suspicious cases, managing resource allocation, daily press briefings, identifying false information and formulating economic policies to relieve families and businesses. Maximum use of ‘Big Data’ and technology was done to identify travellers, patients and suspects, and quarantining them. The support of the population was another major factor.&nbsp;

What Should be India's Next Response?

India has the second-largest population in the world with over 130 billion people. While there is no need to panic with 536 cases identified and 10 deaths so far, but as a developing country, its capacity to isolate communities is the biggest challenge in the world, which cannot be combatted without public participation.&nbsp;

The numbers identified so far are limited, due to limited testing facilities available in the country, which are being increased gradually. India needs to ensure not to enter into community spread (next stage) of COVID19 outbreak, otherwise, speed of infection will overtake the speed of capacity building of the country to handle it.&nbsp;

Although a lot is being done by the central and state governments, the biggest challenge is to convince the segments of the society, who chose to take it lightly, by superimposing personal priorities over public health. The 21-day lockdown of the complete country announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24, 2020, is the right step to break the chain of infection and flatten the upward curve of growing cases in India.&nbsp;

India does not have the luxury of a manageable population, and is yet to have the full capacity to deal with the third stage of the pandemic; hence the best option available is to quarantine and social distancing.

The partnership of people and the private sector for capacity building is required. Going by the example of Taiwan, the data of every citizen with the government is necessary to counter such emergencies better. India needs to take&nbsp;the spirit of ‘Janata Curfew’ forward with much more vigour, enthusiasm and discipline.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

The coronavirus has spread across 194 countries and territories around the world. The dangers, as well as precautions, have been covered adequately by all government communications/media/publications, as well as social media.

The coronavirus has spread across 194 countries and territories around the world. The dangers, as well as precautions, have been covered adequately by all government communications/media/publications, as well as social media. While there is adequate awareness, but there is also a varying degree of seriousness in dealing with the pandemic, as many segments of society chose to put individual preferences above potentially most devastating threat that looms the world. The world meter indicates over 4,23,000 cases of coronavirus with 18296 deaths and 107,199 recoveries. The WHO puts the morbidity rate at 3.4 per cent, but the biggest danger being faced by mankind is the exponential rise in coronavirus cases due to community transfers. It is necessary to understand the seriousness in adopting the safety measures being communicated by government agencies through various mediums. The Epicenters China is accused to have done global damage by hiding crucial timely information about the pandemic from the rest of the world. Wuhan, believed to be the origin and initial epicentre of the disease, was late in quarantining affected people and could not prevent community transfer. China was quick to declare that it has conquered the disease with reporting 73,159 recovered cases, but 78 fresh cases, seven fresh deaths and 4735 active cases, mitigate the claim. The world will continue to accuse China for hiding the pandemic, with two legal notices already filed against it. Italy (with 69176 cases and 6820 deaths) is another example of taking the disease lightly initially and trying to control it with all possible measures later. WHO warns USA to be next epicenter of COVID-19 having 54916 cases confirmed, out of which there are more than 25000 cases in New York. The US faces stalemate over $2 trillion allocations for combating the pandemic. The same is the case with South Korea and Japan. The only advantage these countries enjoy is that they have much less population in comparison to countries like India and relatively better medical capacities per capita population to control. Iran continues to struggle with an initial spurt of carelessness and later with inadequate capacity. It needs to be noted that in most western countries the testing in terms of the percentage of the population has been fairly high; hence, the magnitude of the problem is better identified. Taiwan's Success in Combatting Covid-19 Taiwan, with 23 million people, just off the coast of China, was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China and heavy rush of travellers to and from China. Considering the risk, having only 199 cases with two deaths and no new cases so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) with a branch focusing on large outbreak responses and acting as a central command post for direct, transparent communications, which was established after the SARS outbreak. Their actions included border control from the air and sea, identifying cases, quarantine of suspicious cases, managing resource allocation, daily press briefings, identifying false information and formulating economic policies to relieve families and businesses. Maximum use of ‘Big Data’ and technology was done to identify travellers, patients and suspects, and quarantining them. The support of the population was another major factor. What Should be India's Next Response? India has the second-largest population in the world with over 130 billion people. While there is no need to panic with 536 cases identified and 10 deaths so far, but as a developing country, its capacity to isolate communities is the biggest challenge in the world, which cannot be combatted without public participation. The numbers identified so far are limited, due to limited testing facilities available in the country, which are being increased gradually. India needs to ensure not to enter into community spread (next stage) of COVID19 outbreak, otherwise, speed of infection will overtake the speed of capacity building of the country to handle it. Although a lot is being done by the central and state governments, the biggest challenge is to convince the segments of the society, who chose to take it lightly, by superimposing personal priorities over public health. The 21-day lockdown of the complete country announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24, 2020, is the right step to break the chain of infection and flatten the upward curve of growing cases in India. India does not have the luxury of a manageable population, and is yet to have the full capacity to deal with the third stage of the pandemic; hence the best option available is to quarantine and social distancing. The partnership of people and the private sector for capacity building is required. Going by the example of Taiwan, the data of every citizen with the government is necessary to counter such emergencies better. India needs to take the spirit of ‘Janata Curfew’ forward with much more vigour, enthusiasm and discipline. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Coronavirus outbreak: Lockdown and beyond - a looming crisis

A team of UK scientists believe they are one of the first to start animal testing of a vaccine for the new coronavirus that has killed more than 900 people and spread around the world.

A team of UK scientists believe they are one of the first to start animal testing of a vaccine for the new coronavirus that has killed more than 900 people and spread around the world. Researchers at Imperial College London said their ultimate goal was to have an effective and safe way of halting the SARS-like strain's spread by the end of the year. "At the moment we have just put the vaccine that we've generated from these bacteria into mice," Imperial College London researcher Paul McKay said in an interview. Also Read: Coronavirus cure found by Indian Scientist; team leader at CSIRO cultured the first viable batch "We're hoping that over the next few weeks we'll be able to determine the response that we can see in those mice, in their blood, their antibody response to the coronavirus." Scientists across the world are racing to develop a way to stamp out a new strain of a well-known virus that has been successfully combatted in the past. Imperial College London said it cannot be sure how advanced other teams' research is at the moment, but the animal tests they began running Monday were one of the first. Also Watch: Coronavirus Outbreak: Death toll rises to 1,016 Britain has recorded eight cases and been forced to shut down two branches of a medical centre in the southeast city of Brighton where at least two staff members tested positive. But coming up with a vaccine is a laborious process that usually involves years of animal testing and clinal trials on humans. Regulators must then make sure that the vaccine is both sufficiently safe and effective to be mass-produced. Imperial College London hopes that research on the SARS coronavirus nearly two decades ago can speed things up. "We're hoping to be the first to get this particular vaccine into human clinical trials, and that perhaps is our personal goal," McKay said. "Once the phase one trial is complete - which can take a few months to complete - it can be immediately started into an efficacy trial in people, which will also take a few months to complete," McKay added. "So, perhaps by the end of this year, there will be a viable tested vaccine that would be suitable for use in people." Collaborative race Much of the world's current research into the new strain is being funded through the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The group was formed at the 2017 World Economic Forum in Davos to help drug companies and universities join forces and stamp out dangerous and preventable diseases. Imperial College London is not working with any of the current teams partnering with CEPI and requires its sources of funding. Its scientists hope that successful animal testing can help secure investments that allow clinical trials to start sometime between June and August. McKay said it would be unfair to say that the various universities and companies are competing to become the first to develop a vaccine. "There's been so much cross-sharing with all of this information - I mean the Chinese, as soon as the genome was sequenced, they shared it freely with everyone in the world," he noted. "So to put it in a competitive sense is probably not accurate. I would say that it’s a collaborative race."

China virus vaccine trials commence on mice by UK scientists

Platforms and services aimed at providing verified information about the coronavirus outbreak have been launched by Chinese tech giants to help the nation win against this virulent outbreak.

Platforms and services aimed at providing verified information about the coronavirus outbreak have been launched by Chinese tech giants to help the nation win against this virulent outbreak. China has seen dozens of outbreaks of the 2019-nCoV which has killed 636 people and infected more than 29,000. 24 other nations have confirmed cases of the virus, including the US, Japan, Singapore and Thailand. This digital aid comes in the form of apps and platforms that map recent infections, provide the latest updates about the epidemic, and facilitate free online doctor consultations. Providing solutions to virus-related questions with the help of AI is the PRC's new approach at helping the citizens help each other. Also Read: Why coronavirus' death toll still on rise? | Ground Report from Hong Kong Following are some of the apps: Virus-tracking in real-time Tech companies NoSugarTech and Qihoo 360 collaborated to develop a tracking platform that lets users check whether they have recently travelled near any confirmed infected people. Public-verified sources such as state-owned media reports and local government websites provide the data. Baidu - Free consultations from doctors online [ Baidu's company logo is seen at its headquarters in Beijing (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The platform aims to ease panic among people and save hospitals from overcrowding by encouraging people with minor illnesses to consult doctors online, completely free of cost. Online health care services such as Ping An Good Doctor and WeDoctor have partnered with Baidu to integrate their resources into the platform and enhance the efficiency of consultations. AI-powered Queries - Alibaba Damo Academy, a research institute of Alibaba, developed an AI-powered public health service tool that provides information related to the virus. First deployed by the government of Zhejiang province on January 27, the app uses voice recognition and other AI-related integrations to provide solutions to queries such as locations of nearby hospitals or deciding upon a medically-approved face mask.

Chinese tech giants launch platforms and services aimed at providing verified information about nCoV

Oil prices jumped about 2 per cent on Wednesday on media reports that suggested scientists were developing a vaccine for the fast-spreading coronavirus, even as world health experts said treatments have not yet been found.

Oil prices jumped about 2 per cent on Wednesday on media reports that suggested scientists were developing a vaccine for the fast-spreading coronavirus, even as world health experts said treatments have not yet been found. Also supporting oil was news that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its producer allies were considering further output cuts to counter a potential squeeze on global oil demand. The outbreak has killed nearly 500 people and is weighing on global economic activity and oil demand. The World Health Organization played down the media reports, saying there was "no known effective therapeutics" against the virus. Brent crude oil futures ended the session up $1.32, or 2.5 per cent, at $56.46 a barrel while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained $1.14, or 2.3 per cent, to settle at $50.75. Both contracts rose more than 4 per cent during the session. Prices held gains after data showed US crude inventories rose by 3.4 million barrels in the week to January 31, compared with expectations in a poll for a rise of 2.8 million barrels. "The report probably had nothing shocking enough to ruin the momentum of the big crude comeback that we are seeing today," said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago. Also Read: Oil falls 1% as demand fears outweigh hopes for bigger OPEC+ cuts "The main reason oil sold off as hard as it did wasn't because of what we knew; it was what we didn't know. Now, it seems like we can quantify the demand destruction and look ahead." China's Changjiang Daily newspaper reported on Tuesday that a team of researchers led by Zhejiang University Professor Li Lanjuan had found that drugs Abidol and Darunavir can inhibit the virus in vitro cell experiments. Separately, Sky News reported that a British scientist has made a significant breakthrough in the race for a vaccine by reducing part of the normal development time from two to three years to only 14 days. [ Oil Pump (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Still, refineries including China's Sinopec, Asia's top refiner, have slashed throughput as the virus cuts demand for refined fuels. Fears of a slump in global oil demand had pushed US crude and Brent futures into contango this week - a structure in which longer-dated oil futures trade at a premium that encourages traders to keep crude in storage for more profitable resale in the future. "Based on our forecast that China's GDP growth will slow to just 3 per cent year-over-year in Q1 2020 and assuming that the virus is brought under control relatively quickly, we have tentatively pencilled in a 10 per cent drop in the country's oil consumption in Q1," Capital Economics analysts said in a note on Wednesday. Falling demand for jet fuel worldwide because of the deadly coronavirus has also hit US prices for the product, which dropped to their lowest seasonally in five years, market participants said. Companies including Royal Dutch Shell and Phillips have limited business travel to China. Demand Impacted A slowdown in the global economy resulting from the outbreak is expected to reduce 2020 worldwide oil demand growth by 300,000-500,000 barrels per day (BPD), roughly 0.5 per cent of total demand, BP's Chief Financial Officer Brian Gilvary said. "The (Chinese) economy will be weakened for some time to come as quarantines, social distancing and travel restrictions remain in place," BNP Paribas analyst Harry Tchilinguirian stated. "But as financial markets are anticipatory, one can see how favourable news with potential medical solutions, or indications that we have reached a turning point in the progress of the virus outbreak, are likely to be interpreted positively." OPEC and allies led by Russia, a group known as OPEC+, considered the impact on global oil demand and economic growth from the coronavirus at a meeting on Wednesday. According to reports, Russia was not supporting a deeper oil output cut and was suggesting an extension of the current pact.

Oil prices jump 2 per cent as virus vaccine reports spur hope

Japan confirmed an additional three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-tells-citizens-to-avoid-non-essential-travel-to-china-277709">cases of the new coronavirus</a> among evacuees from the Chinese city of Wuhan, including one who initially tested negative, the Health Ministry said, bringing the country's total to 20 cases.

One of the three, a man in his 40s who had symptoms such as fever and coughing, first tested negative for coronavirus, the ministry said. But the man, who was initially diagnosed with pneumonia, later confirmed positive for the virus with an additional test, it said.

The government plans to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-sends-plane-to-virus-hit-wuhan-to-evacuate-citizens-277129">send another chartered plane</a> mid-week or later to bring back Japanese nationals who are still in China's Hubei province and the capital Wuhan, where the disease is thought to have originated, the foreign ministry said on Sunday.

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c778734-975d-4611-be1f-0639a5142890" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2873%29_1.jpg" /> 
[ Extreme precautions are being taken to counter the coronavirus - Representative Image (Courtesy: Reuters)

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-reports-first-case-of-mystery-virus-behind-china-outbreak-274738">Japan reports first case of mystery virus behind China outbreak</a>

Japan has emailed its citizens in the province to tell them of its plan, and is negotiating with China about Chinese spouses of Japanese citizens who also wish to travel to Japan, it said.

China is facing mounting isolation amid increasing international travel curbs and flight suspensions as the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose to 259. Japan on Saturday moved to contain the economic impact of the outbreak as strict new measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus came into effect.

Japan confirmed an additional three cases of the new coronavirus among evacuees from the Chinese city of Wuhan, including one who initially tested negative, the Health Ministry said, bringing the country's total to 20 cases.

Japan confirmed an additional three cases of the new coronavirus among evacuees from the Chinese city of Wuhan, including one who initially tested negative, the Health Ministry said, bringing the country's total to 20 cases. One of the three, a man in his 40s who had symptoms such as fever and coughing, first tested negative for coronavirus, the ministry said. But the man, who was initially diagnosed with pneumonia, later confirmed positive for the virus with an additional test, it said. The government plans to send another chartered plane mid-week or later to bring back Japanese nationals who are still in China's Hubei province and the capital Wuhan, where the disease is thought to have originated, the foreign ministry said on Sunday. [ Extreme precautions are being taken to counter the coronavirus - Representative Image (Courtesy: Reuters) Also Read: Japan reports first case of mystery virus behind China outbreak Japan has emailed its citizens in the province to tell them of its plan, and is negotiating with China about Chinese spouses of Japanese citizens who also wish to travel to Japan, it said. China is facing mounting isolation amid increasing international travel curbs and flight suspensions as the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak rose to 259. Japan on Saturday moved to contain the economic impact of the outbreak as strict new measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus came into effect.

Three more Japanese citizens evacuated from Wuhan test positive for nCoV

China faced mounting isolation in the face of increasing international travel curbs and flight suspensions on Saturday, as the death toll from a spreading coronavirus outbreak rose to 259.

China faced mounting isolation in the face of increasing international travel curbs and flight suspensions on Saturday, as the death toll from a spreading coronavirus outbreak rose to 259. The epidemic has led to mass evacuations of foreign citizens as world airlines halt flights, and risks exacerbating a slowdown in growth in the world's second-largest economy. China's National Health Commission said there were 2,102 new confirmed infections in China as of Friday, bringing the total to 11,791. Around two dozen other countries have reported more than 130 cases. All of the reported deaths from the virus have been in China. The Russian military was to start evacuating Russian citizens from China on Monday and Tuesday, Interfax and TASS news agencies reported. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying the evacuations would be from regions that had been most affected by the outbreak. Russia, which has already restricted direct flights with its biggest trading partner, also said it was suspending visa-free travel for Chinese visitors and halting work visas. Most international cases have been in people who had recently travelled to or were visiting from Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak. Hubei has been under a virtual quarantine for the last week, with roads sealed off and public transport shut down. Elsewhere, Chinese authorities placed growing restrictions on travel and business. In Beijing, counters were set up at the entrances of housing estates, where volunteers wearing red armbands and masks noted details of residents coming back from their hometowns after the Lunar New Year holiday. [ A woman wears a face mask in a market alley in Jiujiang, Jiangxi province, China. (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Also Read: Coronavirus: China toll climbs to 304; Philippines becomes first country outside China to report first death In Hubei, the provincial government extended the holiday break to Feb. 13 in a bid to contain the outbreak, the Hubei Daily reported. The World Health Organization, which this week declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, has said global trade and travel restrictions are not needed. But Singapore and the United States announced measures on Friday to ban foreign nationals who have recently been in China from entering their territories. Australia followed suit on Saturday. "We're operating with an abundance of caution in these circumstances so Australians can go about their daily lives with confidence," Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters in Sydney. The Chinese data would suggest the flu-like virus is less deadly than the 2002-03 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 800 people of the some 8,000 it infected, although such numbers can evolve rapidly. Evacuations The list of international airlines suspending all or some flights to China is growing. The latest was Qantas Airways Ltd and Air New Zealand, who said travel bans forced them to suspend their direct flights to China from Feb. 9. All three major U.S. airlines said on Friday they would cancel flights to mainland China. The commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific banned travel to China for all service members and civilian personnel under his authority and ordered those now in China to leave immediately, officials said. U.S. health officials on Saturday confirmed an eighth case of the virus, a person in Massachusetts who recently returned from Hubei province. Many nations have sent charter flights to repatriate citizens from China and then place them in isolation for around two weeks, believed to be the incubation period of the virus. German Health Minister Jens Spahn called for calm and warned against hysteria as more than 100 Germans and family members landed in Frankfurt, none showing any symptoms of the virus. As of Saturday evening Germany had eight confirmed cases. Britain, which has had two confirmed cases, said it was withdrawing some staff from its embassy and consulates in China. Many of the private clinics catering to foreigners in China have started to turn away people with fevers. Disruptions Infections have jumped in two cities flanking Wuhan, where the new virus is believed to have originated, raising concerns that new hot spots are emerging despite strict transport restrictions. In Huanggang, authorities asked households to designate one individual who can leave the home, a local newspaper said. The mayor of the city of about 7.5 million people said there could be a significant rise in cases this weekend. The northern city of Tianjin, home to some 15 million, suspended all schools and businesses until further notice. Efforts to contain the virus risk slowing economic growth in China. The virus impact prompted Goldman Sachs to cut its estimate for first-quarter growth to 4% from 5.6%. China's central bank said the impact was temporary and economic fundamentals remained sound, but that it would increase credit support, lowering lending costs for affected companies. Apple Inc said on Saturday it would close all of its official stores and corporate offices in China until Feb. 9, the latest of dozens of major companies, including IKEA and Walmart Inc, to restrict travel and operations due to the outbreak.

Coronavirus death toll rises; China faces global isolation deemed unnecessary by WHO

Air India special flight departing from Delhi on Friday will evacuate around 400 Indians trapped in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-fears-grip-chinas-borders-families-of-uk-citizens-barred-from-departing-as-they-hold-chinese-passports-277484">coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan</a>, the national carrier's Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said.

Lohani said that the Boeing 747 Jumbo aircraft will take off at 12 pm from Delhi today and will return by 2 am on Saturday. "We are sending a Boeing 747 Jumbo aircraft. Around 400 Indians will be evacuated today from Wuhan in China by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-disinvestment-begins-modi-govt-invites-bids-for-100-stake-sale-276796">Air India</a> flight. It will take off at 12 pm today and will return by 2 am tomorrow," he added.

<img alt="CMD Ashwani Lohani" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="40457b0e-386f-4ade-b624-2a28836753a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2824%29_4.jpg" /> 
[ Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Managing Director, Air India (Courtesy: ANI) ]

The flight will include all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-has-to-be-privatised-no-other-option-hardeep-puri-271260">necessary </a>resources like masks, medical equipment, packed food, prescribed medicines, along with a team of five doctors from the Health Ministry, and paramedical personnel from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/government-puts-100-of-air-india-on-sale-277092">Air India</a>. Twenty crew members, including 15 cabin crew and five cockpit crew will be on board. Lohani said that the team of doctors and crew will be led by Air India's Director of Operations Captain Amitabh Singh.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-indigo-air-india-suspend-most-china-bound-flights-no-case-in-india-yet-277405">Coronavirus outbreak: IndiGo, Air India suspend most China-bound flights; no case in India yet</a>

Lohani said that further arrangements for the passengers upon their return to India will be done by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Health Ministry. China has imposed a lockdown in Wuhan following the outbreak of the virus.

Coronavirus has claimed the lives of as many as 213 people in China alone, while cases have been reported in several countries across the world. Health authorities around the world are taking action to prevent a global pandemic as the virus continues to spread, with cases reported in Australia, France, the US, and several Asian countries besides China

Air India special flight departing from Delhi on Friday will evacuate around 400 Indians trapped in the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan, the national carrier's Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said.

Air India special flight departing from Delhi on Friday will evacuate around 400 Indians trapped in the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan, the national carrier's Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said. Lohani said that the Boeing 747 Jumbo aircraft will take off at 12 pm from Delhi today and will return by 2 am on Saturday. "We are sending a Boeing 747 Jumbo aircraft. Around 400 Indians will be evacuated today from Wuhan in China by Air India flight. It will take off at 12 pm today and will return by 2 am tomorrow," he added. [ Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Managing Director, Air India (Courtesy: ANI) ] The flight will include all necessary resources like masks, medical equipment, packed food, prescribed medicines, along with a team of five doctors from the Health Ministry, and paramedical personnel from Air India. Twenty crew members, including 15 cabin crew and five cockpit crew will be on board. Lohani said that the team of doctors and crew will be led by Air India's Director of Operations Captain Amitabh Singh. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: IndiGo, Air India suspend most China-bound flights; no case in India yet Lohani said that further arrangements for the passengers upon their return to India will be done by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Health Ministry. China has imposed a lockdown in Wuhan following the outbreak of the virus. Coronavirus has claimed the lives of as many as 213 people in China alone, while cases have been reported in several countries across the world. Health authorities around the world are taking action to prevent a global pandemic as the virus continues to spread, with cases reported in Australia, France, the US, and several Asian countries besides China

Air India CMD says around 400 Indians to be evacuated from Wuhan

South Korean battery maker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-aged-21-phones-are-a-greater-threat-than-guns-in-vermont-273423">Samsung</a> SDI Co Ltd said on Thursday its first-quarter earnings could be negatively affected by a virus outbreak in China.

The total number of confirmed deaths from the virus in China had risen by 38 to 170 as of Wednesday, and the number of infected patients had risen to over 7,700.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/the-transformation-tale-of-mobile-phones-how-we-evolved-from-nokia-3310-to-samsung-galaxy-fold-271299">Samsung</a> SDI, an affiliate of South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, counts Volvo and Volkswagen among its customers.

<img alt="Samsung" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54388805-24c3-4d63-ba45-10cc68d8944a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2815%29_11.jpg" /> 
[ A customer stands near Samsung logo during Galaxy Note 8 consumer launch event (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apples-iphone-sales-in-china-up-18-in-december-sources-273217">Apple's iPhone sales in China up 18 per cent in December: Report</a>

Meanwhile, &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apple-supplier-japan-display-to-receive-830-million-from-asset-manager-ichigo-267874">Apple</a> said it had baked into its outlook uncertainty related to a virus outbreak in China that has killed 132 and infected nearly 6,000. Companies also asked the staff there to work from home.

Apple closed one of its retail stores in China, reduced hours at others and prevented employees from travelling.

South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI Co Ltd said on Thursday its first-quarter earnings could be negatively affected by a virus outbreak in China. The total number of confirmed deaths from the virus in China had risen by 38 to 170 as of Wednesday, and the number of infected patients had risen to over 7,700.

South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI Co Ltd said on Thursday its first-quarter earnings could be negatively affected by a virus outbreak in China. The total number of confirmed deaths from the virus in China had risen by 38 to 170 as of Wednesday, and the number of infected patients had risen to over 7,700. Samsung SDI, an affiliate of South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, counts Volvo and Volkswagen among its customers. [ A customer stands near Samsung logo during Galaxy Note 8 consumer launch event (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Also Read: Apple's iPhone sales in China up 18 per cent in December: Report Meanwhile, Apple said it had baked into its outlook uncertainty related to a virus outbreak in China that has killed 132 and infected nearly 6,000. Companies also asked the staff there to work from home. Apple closed one of its retail stores in China, reduced hours at others and prevented employees from travelling.

Apple prepares for Coronavirus fallout, Samsung fears it may affect earnings

Global equity markets closed little changed on Wednesday as strong results from Apple and others provided a lift, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-edge-up-oil-drops-as-china-virus-worries-abate-276176">concerns about the coronavirus</a> outbreak in China kept enthusiasm in check and a safe-haven bid in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/who-tempers-virus-fears-gold-eases-on-improved-risk-appetite-276399">gold and the dollar</a> alive. The yield on benchmark US Treasuries and German bunds fell as foreign governments evacuated citizens from the virus' epicentre in China and the World Health Organization voiced "grave concern" about person-to-person infection in three countries.

The death toll in China from the virus rose by 27 to 133, and 1,459 other cases were confirmed. A Chinese government economist said the outbreak could <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-risk-assets-slip-on-chinese-virus-anxiety-275925">cut China's first-quarter growth</a> by one point to 5 per cent or lower as the crisis hits sectors from mining to luxury goods.

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at its first policy meeting of the year. Officials pointed to continued moderate US economic growth and a "strong" job market. Since the Fed cut rates in October, policymakers have kept their target rate in a range of 1.50 per cent to 1.75 per cent.

Treasury yields were little changed after the Fed released its policy statement. Benchmark US stock indexes initially ticked up to the day's highs before paring gains to close at break-even. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-climbs-to-two-week-high-as-china-flu-scare-spurs-safe-haven-bids-275730">market's muted reaction</a> to the virus' spread, which is close to the number of people infected by the SARS outbreak in 2003, is very positive, said Kristina Hooper, chief global market strategist at Invesco in New York.

Global equity markets closed little changed on Wednesday as strong results from Apple and others provided a lift, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-edge-up-oil-drops-as-china-virus-worries-abate-276176">concerns about the coronavirus</a> outbreak in China kept enthusiasm in check and a safe-haven bid in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/who-tempers-virus-fears-gold-eases-on-improved-risk-appetite-276399">gold and the dollar</a> alive. The yield on benchmark US Treasuries and German bunds fell as foreign governments evacuated citizens from the virus' epicentre in China and the World Health Organization voiced "grave concern" about person-to-person infection in three countries.

The death toll in China from the virus rose by 27 to 133, and 1,459 other cases were confirmed. A Chinese government economist said the outbreak could <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-risk-assets-slip-on-chinese-virus-anxiety-275925">cut China's first-quarter growth</a> by one point to 5 per cent or lower as the crisis hits sectors from mining to luxury goods.

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at its first policy meeting of the year. Officials pointed to continued moderate US economic growth and a "strong" job market. Since the Fed cut rates in October, policymakers have kept their target rate in a range of 1.50 per cent to 1.75 per cent.

Treasury yields were little changed after the Fed released its policy statement. Benchmark US stock indexes initially ticked up to the day's highs before paring gains to close at break-even. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-climbs-to-two-week-high-as-china-flu-scare-spurs-safe-haven-bids-275730">market's muted reaction</a> to the virus' spread, which is close to the number of people infected by the SARS outbreak in 2003, is very positive, said Kristina Hooper, chief global market strategist at Invesco in New York.

"The fact that stocks have held up today in light of the negative news on the novel coronavirus is a sign that the Fed is a dominant factor in keeping markets calm," Hooper said. The practice of buying $60 billion every month of US Treasury bills to ensure adequate short-term liquidity in bank funding markets will remain in place at least into April, as will a related offering of repurchase agreements, the Fed said.

Strong results from Santander helped bank stocks in Europe. Gains in Apple Inc and Boeing Co lifted shares on Wall Street, but a spate of disappointing results from AT&amp;T and Advanced Micro Devices Inc, among others, weighed on equities. MSCI's gauge of stocks across the globe shed 0.01 per cent as emerging market stocks lost 0.38 per cent. Mexico's bolsa index bucked the downdraft in emerging markets, rising about 0.93 per cent.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-slide-to-two-week-low-on-china-virus-fears-safe-havens-gain-277082">Global stocks slide to two-week low on China virus fears, safe havens gain</a>

US President Donald Trump signed a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico into law on Wednesday, replacing the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.44 per cent, with the euro-zone banks' index gaining 1 per cent. Santander posted a higher quarterly net profit, boosted by a solid underlying performance in Brazil and capital gains. Santander rose 4.4 per cent.

Apple gained 2.1 per cent after reporting earnings for the holiday shopping quarter above analysts' expectations, even as it braced for more supply disruptions in virus-hit China.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 11.6 points, or 0.04 per cent, to 28,734.45. The S&amp;P 500 lost 2.84 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 3,273.4 and the Nasdaq Composite added 5.48 points, or 0.06 per cent, to 9,275.16. Spot gold prices rose as concerns about economic growth due to the coronavirus buoyed safe-haven demand, but US gold futures settled little changed at $1,570.40 per ounce.

Oil was mixed, weighed by worries about how the coronavirus could affect demand and swelling US crude inventories. Talk that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries could extend crude output cuts provided support.

Brent crude gained 30 cents to settle at $59.81 a barrel, while US crude fell 15 cents to settle at $53.33. Demand strengthened for the dollar index and the safe-haven Japanese yen firmed modestly. A risk-off tone returned to currency markets amid uncertainty about the coronavirus. The dollar index rose 0.07 per cent, with the euro down 0.14 per cent to $1.1005. The yen strengthened 0.09 per cent versus the greenback at 109.06 per dollar. Benchmark 10-year US Treasury notes rose 18/32 in price to push down its yield to 1.5805 per cent.

Hooper said. The practice of buying $60 billion every month of US Treasury bills to ensure adequate short-term liquidity in bank funding markets will remain in place at least into April, as will a related offering of repurchase agreements, the Fed said.

Strong results from Santander helped bank stocks in Europe. Gains in Apple Inc and Boeing Co lifted shares on Wall Street, but a spate of disappointing results from AT&amp;T and Advanced Micro Devices Inc, among others, weighed on equities. MSCI's gauge of stocks across the globe shed 0.01 per cent as emerging market stocks lost 0.38 per cent. Mexico's bolsa index bucked the downdraft in emerging markets, rising about 0.93 per cent.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-slide-to-two-week-low-on-china-virus-fears-safe-havens-gain-277082">Global stocks slide to two-week low on China virus fears, safe havens gain</a>

US President Donald Trump signed a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico into law on Wednesday, replacing the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.44 per cent, with the euro-zone banks' index gaining 1 per cent. Santander posted a higher quarterly net profit, boosted by a solid underlying performance in Brazil and capital gains. Santander rose 4.4 per cent.

Apple gained 2.1 per cent after reporting earnings for the holiday shopping quarter above analysts' expectations, even as it braced for more supply disruptions in virus-hit China.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 11.6 points, or 0.04 per cent, to 28,734.45. The S&amp;P 500 lost 2.84 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 3,273.4 and the Nasdaq Composite added 5.48 points, or 0.06 per cent, to 9,275.16. Spot gold prices rose as concerns about economic growth due to the coronavirus buoyed safe-haven demand, but US gold futures settled little changed at $1,570.40 per ounce.

Oil was mixed, weighed by worries about how the coronavirus could affect demand and swelling US crude inventories. Talk that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries could extend crude output cuts provided support.

Brent crude gained 30 cents to settle at $59.81 a barrel, while US crude fell 15 cents to settle at $53.33. Demand strengthened for the dollar index and the safe-haven Japanese yen firmed modestly. A risk-off tone returned to currency markets amid uncertainty about the coronavirus. The dollar index rose 0.07 per cent, with the euro down 0.14 per cent to $1.1005. The yen strengthened 0.09 per cent versus the greenback at 109.06 per dollar. Benchmark 10-year US Treasury notes rose 18/32 in price to push down its yield to 1.5805 per cent.

Global equity markets closed little changed on Wednesday as strong results from Apple and others provided a lift, but concerns about the coronavirus outbreak in China kept enthusiasm in check and a safe-haven bid in gold and the dollar alive.

Global equity markets closed little changed on Wednesday as strong results from Apple and others provided a lift, but concerns about the coronavirus outbreak in China kept enthusiasm in check and a safe-haven bid in gold and the dollar alive. The yield on benchmark US Treasuries and German bunds fell as foreign governments evacuated citizens from the virus' epicentre in China and the World Health Organization voiced "grave concern" about person-to-person infection in three countries. The death toll in China from the virus rose by 27 to 133, and 1,459 other cases were confirmed. A Chinese government economist said the outbreak could cut China's first-quarter growth by one point to 5 per cent or lower as the crisis hits sectors from mining to luxury goods. The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at its first policy meeting of the year. Officials pointed to continued moderate US economic growth and a "strong" job market. Since the Fed cut rates in October, policymakers have kept their target rate in a range of 1.50 per cent to 1.75 per cent. Treasury yields were little changed after the Fed released its policy statement. Benchmark US stock indexes initially ticked up to the day's highs before paring gains to close at break-even. The market's muted reaction to the virus' spread, which is close to the number of people infected by the SARS outbreak in 2003, is very positive, said Kristina Hooper, chief global market strategist at Invesco in New York. Global equity markets closed little changed on Wednesday as strong results from Apple and others provided a lift, but concerns about the coronavirus outbreak in China kept enthusiasm in check and a safe-haven bid in gold and the dollar alive. The yield on benchmark US Treasuries and German bunds fell as foreign governments evacuated citizens from the virus' epicentre in China and the World Health Organization voiced "grave concern" about person-to-person infection in three countries. The death toll in China from the virus rose by 27 to 133, and 1,459 other cases were confirmed. A Chinese government economist said the outbreak could cut China's first-quarter growth by one point to 5 per cent or lower as the crisis hits sectors from mining to luxury goods. The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at its first policy meeting of the year. Officials pointed to continued moderate US economic growth and a "strong" job market. Since the Fed cut rates in October, policymakers have kept their target rate in a range of 1.50 per cent to 1.75 per cent. Treasury yields were little changed after the Fed released its policy statement. Benchmark US stock indexes initially ticked up to the day's highs before paring gains to close at break-even. The market's muted reaction to the virus' spread, which is close to the number of people infected by the SARS outbreak in 2003, is very positive, said Kristina Hooper, chief global market strategist at Invesco in New York. "The fact that stocks have held up today in light of the negative news on the novel coronavirus is a sign that the Fed is a dominant factor in keeping markets calm," Hooper said. The practice of buying $60 billion every month of US Treasury bills to ensure adequate short-term liquidity in bank funding markets will remain in place at least into April, as will a related offering of repurchase agreements, the Fed said. Strong results from Santander helped bank stocks in Europe. Gains in Apple Inc and Boeing Co lifted shares on Wall Street, but a spate of disappointing results from AT&T and Advanced Micro Devices Inc, among others, weighed on equities. MSCI's gauge of stocks across the globe shed 0.01 per cent as emerging market stocks lost 0.38 per cent. Mexico's bolsa index bucked the downdraft in emerging markets, rising about 0.93 per cent. Also Read: Global stocks slide to two-week low on China virus fears, safe havens gain US President Donald Trump signed a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico into law on Wednesday, replacing the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.44 per cent, with the euro-zone banks' index gaining 1 per cent. Santander posted a higher quarterly net profit, boosted by a solid underlying performance in Brazil and capital gains. Santander rose 4.4 per cent. Apple gained 2.1 per cent after reporting earnings for the holiday shopping quarter above analysts' expectations, even as it braced for more supply disruptions in virus-hit China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 11.6 points, or 0.04 per cent, to 28,734.45. The S&P 500 lost 2.84 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 3,273.4 and the Nasdaq Composite added 5.48 points, or 0.06 per cent, to 9,275.16. Spot gold prices rose as concerns about economic growth due to the coronavirus buoyed safe-haven demand, but US gold futures settled little changed at $1,570.40 per ounce. Oil was mixed, weighed by worries about how the coronavirus could affect demand and swelling US crude inventories. Talk that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries could extend crude output cuts provided support. Brent crude gained 30 cents to settle at $59.81 a barrel, while US crude fell 15 cents to settle at $53.33. Demand strengthened for the dollar index and the safe-haven Japanese yen firmed modestly. A risk-off tone returned to currency markets amid uncertainty about the coronavirus. The dollar index rose 0.07 per cent, with the euro down 0.14 per cent to $1.1005. The yen strengthened 0.09 per cent versus the greenback at 109.06 per dollar. Benchmark 10-year US Treasury notes rose 18/32 in price to push down its yield to 1.5805 per cent. Hooper said. The practice of buying $60 billion every month of US Treasury bills to ensure adequate short-term liquidity in bank funding markets will remain in place at least into April, as will a related offering of repurchase agreements, the Fed said. Strong results from Santander helped bank stocks in Europe. Gains in Apple Inc and Boeing Co lifted shares on Wall Street, but a spate of disappointing results from AT&T and Advanced Micro Devices Inc, among others, weighed on equities. MSCI's gauge of stocks across the globe shed 0.01 per cent as emerging market stocks lost 0.38 per cent. Mexico's bolsa index bucked the downdraft in emerging markets, rising about 0.93 per cent. Also Read: Global stocks slide to two-week low on China virus fears, safe havens gain US President Donald Trump signed a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico into law on Wednesday, replacing the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.44 per cent, with the euro-zone banks' index gaining 1 per cent. Santander posted a higher quarterly net profit, boosted by a solid underlying performance in Brazil and capital gains. Santander rose 4.4 per cent. Apple gained 2.1 per cent after reporting earnings for the holiday shopping quarter above analysts' expectations, even as it braced for more supply disruptions in virus-hit China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 11.6 points, or 0.04 per cent, to 28,734.45. The S&P 500 lost 2.84 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 3,273.4 and the Nasdaq Composite added 5.48 points, or 0.06 per cent, to 9,275.16. Spot gold prices rose as concerns about economic growth due to the coronavirus buoyed safe-haven demand, but US gold futures settled little changed at $1,570.40 per ounce. Oil was mixed, weighed by worries about how the coronavirus could affect demand and swelling US crude inventories. Talk that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries could extend crude output cuts provided support. Brent crude gained 30 cents to settle at $59.81 a barrel, while US crude fell 15 cents to settle at $53.33. Demand strengthened for the dollar index and the safe-haven Japanese yen firmed modestly. A risk-off tone returned to currency markets amid uncertainty about the coronavirus. The dollar index rose 0.07 per cent, with the euro down 0.14 per cent to $1.1005. The yen strengthened 0.09 per cent versus the greenback at 109.06 per dollar. Benchmark 10-year US Treasury notes rose 18/32 in price to push down its yield to 1.5805 per cent.

Latest Business News - Global stock rally loses steam; safe havens still going strong due to growing virus fears

Jyllands-Posten cartoon has been declared "an insult to China" by the Chinese Embassy in Denmark and has demanded a public apology from the cartoonist Niels Bo Bojesen as well as the paper in which the cartoon was published.

Similar to the outrage that the cartoon of Prophet Muhammad in 2005 spawned, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-coronavirus-dos-and-donts-symptoms-276479">coronavirus </a>cartoon furore has spread to social media.&nbsp; 
China's public have shared memes of Denmark's surrender to Nazi Germany in World War Two, stating that the surrender took place in four hours, while Danes vigorously defend Jyllands-Posten on Twitter.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-more-japanese-evacuated-from-china-virus-epicentre-death-toll-climbs-to-170-277434">&nbsp;Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to 170, the infection spreads to every Chinese region</a>

China was reminded by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen that Denmark has the freedom of expression, be it spoken or drawn. Rushing to the defense of the paper were other Danish politicians who have stood by the paper's right to publish such a cartoon.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tracking-chinas-sars-like-coronavirus-275537">grip of the coronavirus</a> on China has paralysed transit in and around the Hubei Province, which shelters about 60 million people. Wuhan, the provincial capital was the epicentre of the virus and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-china-reports-2744-confirmed-cases-of-80-deaths-276738">more than 100 people have died</a> from contracting it.

Jacob Nybroe, Chief Editor of Jyllands-Posten insists that his paper was not making light of the situation, saying "We cannot apologise for something we don't think is wrong. We have no intention of being demeaning or to mock, nor do we think that the drawing does. As far as I can see, this here is about different forms of cultural understanding."

Jyllands-Posten cartoon has been declared "an insult to China" by the Chinese Embassy in Denmark and has demanded a public apology from the cartoonist Niels Bo Bojesen as well as the paper in which the cartoon was published.

Jyllands-Posten cartoon has been declared "an insult to China" by the Chinese Embassy in Denmark and has demanded a public apology from the cartoonist Niels Bo Bojesen as well as the paper in which the cartoon was published. Similar to the outrage that the cartoon of Prophet Muhammad in 2005 spawned, the coronavirus cartoon furore has spread to social media. China's public have shared memes of Denmark's surrender to Nazi Germany in World War Two, stating that the surrender took place in four hours, while Danes vigorously defend Jyllands-Posten on Twitter. Also Read: Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to 170, the infection spreads to every Chinese region China was reminded by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen that Denmark has the freedom of expression, be it spoken or drawn. Rushing to the defense of the paper were other Danish politicians who have stood by the paper's right to publish such a cartoon. The grip of the coronavirus on China has paralysed transit in and around the Hubei Province, which shelters about 60 million people. Wuhan, the provincial capital was the epicentre of the virus and more than 100 people have died from contracting it. Jacob Nybroe, Chief Editor of Jyllands-Posten insists that his paper was not making light of the situation, saying "We cannot apologise for something we don't think is wrong. We have no intention of being demeaning or to mock, nor do we think that the drawing does. As far as I can see, this here is about different forms of cultural understanding."

Danish cartoon sparks 'Twitterfeud' between China and Denmark: Publisher insists it was not poking fun

Gold rose on Wednesday, propped up by lingering concerns over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-slide-to-two-week-low-on-china-virus-fears-safe-havens-gain-277082">economic impact of a coronavirus outbreak</a> in China, while investors awaited a policy decision from the US Federal Reserve later in the day.

Spot gold was up 0.3 per cent at $1,571.07 an ounce by 1125 GMT, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/equities-and-oil-tank-plunge-as-deadly-coronavirus-triggers-panic-276900">having fallen</a> about 1 per cent in the previous session after positive US economic data drove recovery inequities. The US gold futures were little changed at $1,570.60 an ounce.

"The coronavirus will definitely have some impact on the Chinese economy and that will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-rout-extends-to-sixth-day-as-china-virus-death-toll-rises-277073">mostly affect the country's currency</a>, but an impulsive bull trend in gold is not expected yet," said Bernard Sin, group head of trading at MKS.

Safe-haven gold held aloft despite signs of stabilisation in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-slips-to-62-heads-for-weekly-loss-on-china-virus-concerns-276358">global stock markets</a> as equities investors tried to look past China's coronavirus outbreak, encouraged by better-than-expected company earnings.

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/barclays-sees-2-per-barrel-impact-to-oil-prices-as-virus-fears-threaten-demand-277075">rising stocks</a> are capping gold's gains, it is still being supported by other factors such as uncertainty around US President Donald Trump's impeachment and tensions in the Middle East, said Quantitative Commodity Research analyst Peter Fertig.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/who-tempers-virus-fears-gold-eases-on-improved-risk-appetite-276399">Gold prices ease after WHO tempers coronavirus fears</a>

Risk aversion has not completely lifted, however. With the number of coronavirus fatalities now at 132 and 6,000 cases reported worldwide, there are fears the outbreak could inflict damage on Chinese growth. 
If there is an escalation, gold could reach $1,600, Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA, said in a note.

Investors are now waiting for the Fed's monetary policy statement at 1900 GMT. Possibly of greatest interest would be what if anything Fed Chair Jerome Powell has to say about the high Treasury purchases the Fed has been making since October to inject more liquidity into the money market, Commerzbank said in a note.

Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. "The main driver for gold this year will be strategic inflows, as it will continue to be viewed as an attractive diversifier for investor portfolios in an environment where rates remain low," UBS strategist Joni Teves said.

Elsewhere, palladium fell 0.7 per cent to $2,272.77 an ounce, while platinum was up 0.7 per cent at $992.45. Palladium will cost on average more than twice as much as platinum this year, but that premium will narrow in 2021. Silver rose 0.5 per cent 
&nbsp;to $17.51, having earlier dipped to its lowest since December 23 at $17.35. 
&nbsp;

Gold rose on Wednesday, propped up by lingering concerns over the economic impact of a coronavirus outbreak in China, while investors awaited a policy decision from the US Federal Reserve later in the day.

Gold rose on Wednesday, propped up by lingering concerns over the economic impact of a coronavirus outbreak in China, while investors awaited a policy decision from the US Federal Reserve later in the day. Spot gold was up 0.3 per cent at $1,571.07 an ounce by 1125 GMT, having fallen about 1 per cent in the previous session after positive US economic data drove recovery inequities. The US gold futures were little changed at $1,570.60 an ounce. "The coronavirus will definitely have some impact on the Chinese economy and that will mostly affect the country's currency, but an impulsive bull trend in gold is not expected yet," said Bernard Sin, group head of trading at MKS. Safe-haven gold held aloft despite signs of stabilisation in global stock markets as equities investors tried to look past China's coronavirus outbreak, encouraged by better-than-expected company earnings. While rising stocks are capping gold's gains, it is still being supported by other factors such as uncertainty around US President Donald Trump's impeachment and tensions in the Middle East, said Quantitative Commodity Research analyst Peter Fertig. Also Read: Gold prices ease after WHO tempers coronavirus fears Risk aversion has not completely lifted, however. With the number of coronavirus fatalities now at 132 and 6,000 cases reported worldwide, there are fears the outbreak could inflict damage on Chinese growth. If there is an escalation, gold could reach $1,600, Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA, said in a note. Investors are now waiting for the Fed's monetary policy statement at 1900 GMT. Possibly of greatest interest would be what if anything Fed Chair Jerome Powell has to say about the high Treasury purchases the Fed has been making since October to inject more liquidity into the money market, Commerzbank said in a note. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. "The main driver for gold this year will be strategic inflows, as it will continue to be viewed as an attractive diversifier for investor portfolios in an environment where rates remain low," UBS strategist Joni Teves said. Elsewhere, palladium fell 0.7 per cent to $2,272.77 an ounce, while platinum was up 0.7 per cent at $992.45. Palladium will cost on average more than twice as much as platinum this year, but that premium will narrow in 2021. Silver rose 0.5 per cent to $17.51, having earlier dipped to its lowest since December 23 at $17.35.

Investors await signal from the US Federal Reserve, virus concerns felt across the world

Qantas Airways Ltd Chief Executive Alan Joyce said on Wednesday it was too early for the airline to quantify the financial impact of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-outbreak-global-health-scares-and-its-impact-on-world-economy-277136">China's coronavirus epidemic</a> on its business but it was reviewing whether to end Beijing flights early.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/passengers-evacuate-qantas-plane-via-emergency-slides-at-sydney-airport-268331">Qantas </a>in November said it was axing its underperforming Sydney-Beijing route from March due to stiff competition from Chinese airlines and weak business class demand.

"We continue to review that, continue to review the loads, and whether we look to do that earlier, or keep it operating until that date," Joyce told reporters at the opening of a new pilot training school in Queensland, according to reports.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-china-records-1st-virus-death-in-beijing-wion-news-world-news-277124">Coronavirus Outbreak: China Records 1st Virus Death In Beijing | WION News | World News</a>

He said the most similar comparison to coronavirus was the SARS epidemic in 2003, which cost the carrier $55 million in lost earnings over a six to eight-month period and led it to cut some international capacity.

UBS analysts on Tuesday estimated Qantas could take an earnings hit of $204 million to $513 million in the 2021 financial year depending on traffic declines as a result of the coronavirus.

Joyce said he did not comment on analyst reports as a rule but noted that UBS assumed a much worse financial impact than the airline had experienced from SARS.

He added that a fall in the oil price over the past month was benefiting the airline and the carrier did not expect a material financial impact from widespread bushfires in Australia that have hit the local tourism industry.

Qantas Airways Ltd Chief Executive Alan Joyce said on Wednesday it was too early for the airline to quantify the financial impact of China's coronavirus epidemic on its business but it was reviewing whether to end Beijing flights early.

Qantas Airways Ltd Chief Executive Alan Joyce said on Wednesday it was too early for the airline to quantify the financial impact of China's coronavirus epidemic on its business but it was reviewing whether to end Beijing flights early. Qantas in November said it was axing its underperforming Sydney-Beijing route from March due to stiff competition from Chinese airlines and weak business class demand. "We continue to review that, continue to review the loads, and whether we look to do that earlier, or keep it operating until that date," Joyce told reporters at the opening of a new pilot training school in Queensland, according to reports. Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: China Records 1st Virus Death In Beijing | WION News | World News He said the most similar comparison to coronavirus was the SARS epidemic in 2003, which cost the carrier $55 million in lost earnings over a six to eight-month period and led it to cut some international capacity. UBS analysts on Tuesday estimated Qantas could take an earnings hit of $204 million to $513 million in the 2021 financial year depending on traffic declines as a result of the coronavirus. Joyce said he did not comment on analyst reports as a rule but noted that UBS assumed a much worse financial impact than the airline had experienced from SARS. He added that a fall in the oil price over the past month was benefiting the airline and the carrier did not expect a material financial impact from widespread bushfires in Australia that have hit the local tourism industry.

Coronavirus hits demands; Qantas CEO says they may decide to axe Beijing Route

Global <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/equities-and-oil-tank-plunge-as-deadly-coronavirus-triggers-panic-276900">equity markets</a> rebounded in a broad rally on Tuesday and some safe-haven assets eased as investors took a less pessimistic view of the potential economic fallout from China's coronavirus outbreak.

Gold fell and the Japanese yen dipped against the dollar, but risk aversion in currency markets persisted, with the Australian dollar leading losers and the greenback strengthening to an eight-week high against a basket of six rivals.

In a possible warning of a future weak economy, strong gains in US Treasuries this week led key parts of the US yield curve to reinvert, a trend that in the past has indicated that a recession in the United States will follow in a year or two.

Gains in technology and financial shares helped Wall Street recoup some losses from Monday's selloff, which was sparked by worries about the possible economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

Major European and US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-slide-to-two-week-low-on-china-virus-fears-safe-havens-gain-277082">stock indexes</a> rebounded around 1 per cent as President Xi Jinping said China was sure of defeating a "devil" coronavirus that has killed 106 people.

The World Health Organization's director-general said he is confident China can control the spread of the coronavirus, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

Chinese markets will remain closed until next week, but a 0.5 per cent overnight drop in Tokyo's Nikkei was more modest than Monday's thumping. Other Asian markets that were openly rallied.

<img alt="New York Stock Exchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d117fb1e-7aa3-41a8-a846-ccc1863d6016" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_65.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Traders Anthony Rinaldi (L) and Federico DeMarco (R) work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

"History shows us as we look back at several different examples that these viral outbreaks tend to be short-lived," said Candice Bangsund, a global asset allocation portfolio manager at Fiera Capital in Montreal. 
While markets should gyrate for a while, the global economy will resume the improving growth it started to exhibit late last year, Bangsund said.

"The economy could be ripe for a sharp snapback or a V-shaped recovery once we find out when this is contained and when the outbreak is indeed brought under control," she said. "We maintain the global economy will come back to life."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/barclays-sees-2-per-barrel-impact-to-oil-prices-as-virus-fears-threaten-demand-277075">Barclays sees $2 per barrel impact to oil prices as virus fears threaten demand</a>

MSCI's gauge of stocks across the globe gained 0.65 per cent, while its emerging market index lost 0.05 per cent.

Shares on Wall Street also surged. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 187.05 points, or 0.66 per cent, to 28,722.85. The S&amp;P 500 gained 32.61 points, or 1.01 per cent, to 3,276.24 and the Nasdaq Composite added 130.37 points, or 1.43 per cent, to 9,269.68.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-rout-extends-to-sixth-day-as-china-virus-death-toll-rises-277073">Oil futures </a>edged up after falling for five days, following the recovery in equities and talk that Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies might tighten the market amid fears the coronavirus could weigh on oil demand. 
Brent futures settled up 19 cents at $59.51 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled up 34 cents at $53.48. [O/R]

The yield on the benchmark 10-year US Treasury note bounced off three-month lows after a key part of the yield curve briefly inverted for the first time since October.

The yield fell as low as 1.57 per cent overnight, the lowest since October 10, before the 10-year note pared some losses to fall 13/32 in price and lift its yield to 1.6493 per cent.

An inverted curve, when longer-dated yields fall below shorter-maturity ones, has often been a percussor of a US recession. Eurozone government bond yields bounced off three-month lows to rise for the first time in over a week after US consumer confidence exceeded expectations to hit its highest level since August.

Traders awaited the outcome of a two-day meeting of Federal Reserve policymakers, which started on Tuesday. The market consensus is that the central bank will keep interest rates unchanged at between 1.5 per cent and 1.75 per cent.

The dollar index rose 0.02 per cent, with the euro up 0.03 per cent to $1.1019. The yen weakened 0.24 per cent versus the greenback at 109.15 per dollar. The US gold futures settled down 0.5 per cent at $1,569.8 an ounce.

Global equity markets rebounded in a broad rally on Tuesday and some safe-haven assets eased as investors took a less pessimistic view of the potential economic fallout from China's coronavirus outbreak.

Global equity markets rebounded in a broad rally on Tuesday and some safe-haven assets eased as investors took a less pessimistic view of the potential economic fallout from China's coronavirus outbreak. Gold fell and the Japanese yen dipped against the dollar, but risk aversion in currency markets persisted, with the Australian dollar leading losers and the greenback strengthening to an eight-week high against a basket of six rivals. In a possible warning of a future weak economy, strong gains in US Treasuries this week led key parts of the US yield curve to reinvert, a trend that in the past has indicated that a recession in the United States will follow in a year or two. Gains in technology and financial shares helped Wall Street recoup some losses from Monday's selloff, which was sparked by worries about the possible economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Major European and US stock indexes rebounded around 1 per cent as President Xi Jinping said China was sure of defeating a "devil" coronavirus that has killed 106 people. The World Health Organization's director-general said he is confident China can control the spread of the coronavirus, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. Chinese markets will remain closed until next week, but a 0.5 per cent overnight drop in Tokyo's Nikkei was more modest than Monday's thumping. Other Asian markets that were openly rallied. [ Traders Anthony Rinaldi (L) and Federico DeMarco (R) work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "History shows us as we look back at several different examples that these viral outbreaks tend to be short-lived," said Candice Bangsund, a global asset allocation portfolio manager at Fiera Capital in Montreal. While markets should gyrate for a while, the global economy will resume the improving growth it started to exhibit late last year, Bangsund said. "The economy could be ripe for a sharp snapback or a V-shaped recovery once we find out when this is contained and when the outbreak is indeed brought under control," she said. "We maintain the global economy will come back to life." Also Read: Barclays sees $2 per barrel impact to oil prices as virus fears threaten demand MSCI's gauge of stocks across the globe gained 0.65 per cent, while its emerging market index lost 0.05 per cent. Shares on Wall Street also surged. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 187.05 points, or 0.66 per cent, to 28,722.85. The S&P 500 gained 32.61 points, or 1.01 per cent, to 3,276.24 and the Nasdaq Composite added 130.37 points, or 1.43 per cent, to 9,269.68. Oil futures edged up after falling for five days, following the recovery in equities and talk that Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies might tighten the market amid fears the coronavirus could weigh on oil demand. Brent futures settled up 19 cents at $59.51 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled up 34 cents at $53.48. [O/R] The yield on the benchmark 10-year US Treasury note bounced off three-month lows after a key part of the yield curve briefly inverted for the first time since October. The yield fell as low as 1.57 per cent overnight, the lowest since October 10, before the 10-year note pared some losses to fall 13/32 in price and lift its yield to 1.6493 per cent. An inverted curve, when longer-dated yields fall below shorter-maturity ones, has often been a percussor of a US recession. Eurozone government bond yields bounced off three-month lows to rise for the first time in over a week after US consumer confidence exceeded expectations to hit its highest level since August. Traders awaited the outcome of a two-day meeting of Federal Reserve policymakers, which started on Tuesday. The market consensus is that the central bank will keep interest rates unchanged at between 1.5 per cent and 1.75 per cent. The dollar index rose 0.02 per cent, with the euro up 0.03 per cent to $1.1019. The yen weakened 0.24 per cent versus the greenback at 109.15 per dollar. The US gold futures settled down 0.5 per cent at $1,569.8 an ounce.

Demand for safe havens decreases as global stocks rally in a big rebound

The coronavirus, which has no effective vaccine or drug to treat it, seems to have met its match; or so claims a Siddha doctor from Tamil Nadu.

Dr Thanikasalam Veni of Rathna Siddha Hospital in Chennai has 25-year of vast experience in field Siddha and Ayurvedic medicines and claims to have formulated a herbal medicine that can cure <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-are-the-dos-and-donts-of-coronavirus-who-release-guidelines-276827">the coronavirus</a>. "We have formulated medicine from an extract of herbs. It is very effective to cure any type of viral fever," said Dr Veni.

Coronavirus has no medicine. In China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-80-in-china-14-cities-under-lockdown-276751">Wuhan </a>where Coronavirus has claimed over 50 lives, experts have no idea how to cure the disease. Our herbal extract medicine is used to treat dengue, multi-organ fever and acute liver fever. We want to tell the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-government-holds-meeting-to-discuss-possible-evacuation-of-indians-from-wuhan-276930">Chinese government</a> that our medicine is very effective in treating multi-organ failure in corona fever condition," he stated.

<img alt="China Virus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b50d2bf9-9189-494a-8809-4654910ae308" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2860%29_1.jpg" /> 
[ Citizens of the People's Republic of China are severely affected by the coronavirus (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

The Siddha doctor claimed that the medicine formulated by him along with his team treats infections caused by the virus within 24 hours to 40 hours.

"When we treated the dengue virus with our medicine, many patients with reduced platelets count, acute liver failure, immunity deficiency and low white blood cell (WBC) were cured within 24-40 hours. In coronavirus too I am confident our medicine will be very effective," he said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-cases-confirmed-in-4-continents-276964">Coronavirus cases confirmed in 4 continents</a>

The doctor said he is willing to help the state and the central government as well as China if required. "If the Centre and state government require then I am ready with medicine. Also, if China wants my contribution I am ready to fly immediately to Wuhan with my medicine which can cure Coronavirus," he stated.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijayabaskar said that the state is "well prepared and is taking all precautionary and preventive steps" to tackle any possible infections. "So far, no case has been identified in the state as well as the country. I appeal to the public to not panic," he added.

Coronaviruses (nCoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

The coronavirus, which has no effective vaccine or drug to treat it, seems to have met its match; or so claims a Siddha doctor from Tamil Nadu. Dr Thanikasalam Veni of Rathna Siddha Hospital in Chennai has 25-year of vast experience in field Siddha and Ayurvedic medicines and claims to have formulated a herbal medicine that can cure the coronavirus.

The coronavirus, which has no effective vaccine or drug to treat it, seems to have met its match; or so claims a Siddha doctor from Tamil Nadu. Dr Thanikasalam Veni of Rathna Siddha Hospital in Chennai has 25-year of vast experience in field Siddha and Ayurvedic medicines and claims to have formulated a herbal medicine that can cure the coronavirus. "We have formulated medicine from an extract of herbs. It is very effective to cure any type of viral fever," said Dr Veni. Coronavirus has no medicine. In China's Wuhan where Coronavirus has claimed over 50 lives, experts have no idea how to cure the disease. Our herbal extract medicine is used to treat dengue, multi-organ fever and acute liver fever. We want to tell the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Chinese government that our medicine is very effective in treating multi-organ failure in corona fever condition," he stated. [ Citizens of the People's Republic of China are severely affected by the coronavirus (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The Siddha doctor claimed that the medicine formulated by him along with his team treats infections caused by the virus within 24 hours to 40 hours. "When we treated the dengue virus with our medicine, many patients with reduced platelets count, acute liver failure, immunity deficiency and low white blood cell (WBC) were cured within 24-40 hours. In coronavirus too I am confident our medicine will be very effective," he said. Also Read: Coronavirus cases confirmed in 4 continents The doctor said he is willing to help the state and the central government as well as China if required. "If the Centre and state government require then I am ready with medicine. Also, if China wants my contribution I am ready to fly immediately to Wuhan with my medicine which can cure Coronavirus," he stated. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijayabaskar said that the state is "well prepared and is taking all precautionary and preventive steps" to tackle any possible infections. "So far, no case has been identified in the state as well as the country. I appeal to the public to not panic," he added. Coronaviruses (nCoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

Can cure coronavirus with Ayurveda, claims Tamil Nadu doctor

&nbsp;A group of Pakistani students stuck in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-deadly-virus-continues-to-spread-outside-china-276966">epicentre of the coronavirus</a>, has requested the Imran Khan government to make efforts to rescue them from the Hubei province of China, according to a media report.

Wuhan has been under virtual lockdown for days, with transport suspended and citizens told to stay home as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-virus-hit-ghost-town-stranded-thai-student-waits-for-help-276962">death toll from the viral epidemic</a> that originated in the city soared to 106 and the confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by the outbreak stand at 4,515.

Hafsah Tayab, one of the students stuck in the city of Wuhan,&nbsp;confirmed that other countries are planning to get their citizens out of the city through aeroplanes.

"Embassies of other countries (excluding Pakistan) are rescuing their citizens. There are over 500 Pakistani students in Wuhan. If even one of them gets affected, the others will be in danger," she was quoted as saying by the report on Monday.

"There is a shortage of essentials and if this situation persists, we will run out of food very soon," Tayab said in a video message uploaded on social media, adding that she and her fellow students have been confined to the city.

New infections are being reported as many countries step up efforts to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan. The US, Germany and France are among several countries planning to take such measures.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wuhan-mayor-vows-to-take-any-responsibility-for-city-lockdown-to-bring-epidemic-under-control-276963">Wuhan Mayor vows to take any responsibility for city lockdown to bring epidemic under control</a>

"We plead that the authorities take notice of our situation on a humanitarian basis and do something about it. We will be grateful to you all our lives," another student can be heard saying in the video. According to a student from the Wuhan University of Science and Technology, there are about 200 Pakistani students in the institute, and a total of 2,000 in other universities of the city.

"A few days ago, Pakistani students stuck in Wuhan were very scared. However, the Pakistani embassy in Beijing has made efforts to provide us with what we need," Tayab was quoted as saying by the Geo News.

"The Pakistani authorities have assured us that they will get us out of the city like other countries," Tayab added.

The Foreign Office (FO) has confirmed that efforts are being made to help out the students.

"The officials are in constant touch with Chinese authorities to make necessary arrangements for Pakistanis struck in affected areas, and a special briefing for all the embassies in Beijing has been scheduled today," Foreign Office Spokesperson Aaisha Forooqui said.

A group of Pakistani students stuck in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus, has requested the Imran Khan government to make efforts to rescue them from the Hubei province of China, according to a media report.

A group of Pakistani students stuck in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus, has requested the Imran Khan government to make efforts to rescue them from the Hubei province of China, according to a media report. Wuhan has been under virtual lockdown for days, with transport suspended and citizens told to stay home as the death toll from the viral epidemic that originated in the city soared to 106 and the confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by the outbreak stand at 4,515. Hafsah Tayab, one of the students stuck in the city of Wuhan, confirmed that other countries are planning to get their citizens out of the city through aeroplanes. "Embassies of other countries (excluding Pakistan) are rescuing their citizens. There are over 500 Pakistani students in Wuhan. If even one of them gets affected, the others will be in danger," she was quoted as saying by the report on Monday. "There is a shortage of essentials and if this situation persists, we will run out of food very soon," Tayab said in a video message uploaded on social media, adding that she and her fellow students have been confined to the city. New infections are being reported as many countries step up efforts to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan. The US, Germany and France are among several countries planning to take such measures. Also Read: Wuhan Mayor vows to take any responsibility for city lockdown to bring epidemic under control "We plead that the authorities take notice of our situation on a humanitarian basis and do something about it. We will be grateful to you all our lives," another student can be heard saying in the video. According to a student from the Wuhan University of Science and Technology, there are about 200 Pakistani students in the institute, and a total of 2,000 in other universities of the city. "A few days ago, Pakistani students stuck in Wuhan were very scared. However, the Pakistani embassy in Beijing has made efforts to provide us with what we need," Tayab was quoted as saying by the Geo News. "The Pakistani authorities have assured us that they will get us out of the city like other countries," Tayab added. The Foreign Office (FO) has confirmed that efforts are being made to help out the students. "The officials are in constant touch with Chinese authorities to make necessary arrangements for Pakistanis struck in affected areas, and a special briefing for all the embassies in Beijing has been scheduled today," Foreign Office Spokesperson Aaisha Forooqui said.

Pakistan students stuck in China's Wuhan request government for their immediate evacuation

Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed to convene a high-level inter-ministerial meeting to discuss preventive measures against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-wuhan-mayor-predicts-1000-more-infected-with-virus-276704">deadly coronavirus</a> and formulate a comprehensive strategy to tackle the threat.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-says-china-virus-outbreak-will-hit-its-economy-this-year-276798">deadly novel virus</a>, which causes pneumonia-like illness, has already killed 106 people and infected more than 4,515 others in China.

The high-level meeting would be chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Zafar Mirza, according to the Prime Minister's office.

Khan directed that the outcome of the meeting along with firm recommendations shall be furnished to his office within one week, as per reports.

His office stated that due to the presence of a large number of Chinese citizens in Pakistan and frequent travel between the two countries, the spread of coronavirus in Pakistan cannot be ruled out if necessary precautionary measures are not put in place.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/beyond-china-tracking-deadly-coronavirus-outbreak-276564">Beyond China: Tracking deadly coronavirus outbreak</a>

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing, in a video statement, said that Chinese and Pakistani governments are working closely and 500 Pakistani citizens in Wuhan city of Hubei province are safe and being looked after.

"So far three suspicious cases in the Chinese community have been reported in Pakistan, but none of them has been confirmed. We have confidence and determination that we will overcome this difficult time and will return to normal life very soon," Yao said.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad International Airport management has sought two more "virus detection scanners".

An eight-member health department team has been monitoring the passengers arriving from Beijing. All the passengers are passed through the virus detection scanners and also checked by thermal guns.

The coronavirus, officially known as 2019-nCoV, was first reported in Hubei province's capital city Wuhan and has spread throughout China and around the world including the US, Australia and South Korea.

There are 41 incoming flights from China to Pakistan every week, mostly taking away and bringing the Chinese. Thousands of Chinese nationals who are working on projects in various cities in Pakistan as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor regularly travel between the two countries, raising fears they could spread the disease.

The coronavirus has caused alarm because of its similarity to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China in 2002-2003.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed to convene a high-level inter-ministerial meeting to discuss preventive measures against the deadly coronavirus and formulate a comprehensive strategy to tackle the threat.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed to convene a high-level inter-ministerial meeting to discuss preventive measures against the deadly coronavirus and formulate a comprehensive strategy to tackle the threat. The deadly novel virus, which causes pneumonia-like illness, has already killed 106 people and infected more than 4,515 others in China. The high-level meeting would be chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Zafar Mirza, according to the Prime Minister's office. Khan directed that the outcome of the meeting along with firm recommendations shall be furnished to his office within one week, as per reports. His office stated that due to the presence of a large number of Chinese citizens in Pakistan and frequent travel between the two countries, the spread of coronavirus in Pakistan cannot be ruled out if necessary precautionary measures are not put in place. Also Read: Beyond China: Tracking deadly coronavirus outbreak Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing, in a video statement, said that Chinese and Pakistani governments are working closely and 500 Pakistani citizens in Wuhan city of Hubei province are safe and being looked after. "So far three suspicious cases in the Chinese community have been reported in Pakistan, but none of them has been confirmed. We have confidence and determination that we will overcome this difficult time and will return to normal life very soon," Yao said. Meanwhile, the Islamabad International Airport management has sought two more "virus detection scanners". An eight-member health department team has been monitoring the passengers arriving from Beijing. All the passengers are passed through the virus detection scanners and also checked by thermal guns. The coronavirus, officially known as 2019-nCoV, was first reported in Hubei province's capital city Wuhan and has spread throughout China and around the world including the US, Australia and South Korea. There are 41 incoming flights from China to Pakistan every week, mostly taking away and bringing the Chinese. Thousands of Chinese nationals who are working on projects in various cities in Pakistan as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor regularly travel between the two countries, raising fears they could spread the disease. The coronavirus has caused alarm because of its similarity to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China in 2002-2003.

Pakistan to convene high-level meet to discuss preventive measures against coronavirus

Indian shares on Tuesday gave up early gains to settle lower for a second straight day, as worries persisted about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nifty-sensex-close-higher-banking-stocks-shine-276382">economic impact</a> of the coronavirus outbreak.

The death toll from the virus crossed 100, with millions stranded in China during the biggest holiday of the year and expectations that the travel restrictions will hurt economic activity.

The Nifty closed down 0.52 per cent at 12,055.80, while the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/equity-indices-edge-up-infosys-profit-jumps-by-4-pc-on-good-q3-results-273855">Sensex </a>lost 0.46 per cent to settle at 40,966.86. Metal stocks fell again on Tuesday on fears about the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the metals supply chain. China is the largest steel producer and consumer in the world.

<img alt="A broker reacts while trading at his computer terminal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9501bb08-ee85-48a5-b5f2-b6abff1db1d5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-28T165434.462.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;A broker reacts while trading at his computer terminal at a stock brokerage firm in Mumbai (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/equity-indices-flat-auto-and-financial-majors-gain-marginally-277006">Equity indices flat, auto and financial majors gain marginally</a>

The Nifty metals index hit a more than 1-month low before ending down 2.39 per cent. Mining group Vedanta was at the bottom of the Nifty 50 with a 4.5 per cent decline. Tata Steel Ltd fell 3.5 per cent, while JSW Steel shed 2.9 per cent. 
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd fell 2.1 per cent after its December-quarter profit missed analysts' estimates. 
&nbsp;

Indian shares on Tuesday gave up early gains to settle lower for a second straight day, as worries persisted about the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

Indian shares on Tuesday gave up early gains to settle lower for a second straight day, as worries persisted about the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak. The death toll from the virus crossed 100, with millions stranded in China during the biggest holiday of the year and expectations that the travel restrictions will hurt economic activity. The Nifty closed down 0.52 per cent at 12,055.80, while the Sensex lost 0.46 per cent to settle at 40,966.86. Metal stocks fell again on Tuesday on fears about the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the metals supply chain. China is the largest steel producer and consumer in the world. [ A broker reacts while trading at his computer terminal at a stock brokerage firm in Mumbai (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Also Read: Equity indices flat, auto and financial majors gain marginally The Nifty metals index hit a more than 1-month low before ending down 2.39 per cent. Mining group Vedanta was at the bottom of the Nifty 50 with a 4.5 per cent decline. Tata Steel Ltd fell 3.5 per cent, while JSW Steel shed 2.9 per cent. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd fell 2.1 per cent after its December-quarter profit missed analysts' estimates.

Nifty, Sensex fall for second day as China virus fears persist

Equity benchmark indices were flat during early hours on Tuesday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/european-stocks-sink-as-virus-sparks-investor-panic-276892">investors globally grappled</a> to assess the economic impact of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/equities-and-oil-tank-plunge-as-deadly-coronavirus-triggers-panic-276900">China`s new coronavirus</a>. At 10:15 am, the BSE S&amp;P Sensex was up by 21 points to 41,174 while the Nifty 50 edged lower by 3 points at 12,116.

Sectoral indices at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-snaps-3-day-losing-run-as-banking-energy-stocks-gain-lt-rises-3-276160">National Stock Exchange</a> were mixed with Nifty IT, FMCG and metal in the red. Among stocks, HDFC gained by 2.8 per cent to Rs 2,463 per share after reporting a four-fold jump in its Q3 net profit at Rs 8.372 crore due to the one-time gain from the merger of Bandhan Bank with Gruh Finance.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-logs-second-worst-day-in-four-months-as-china-virus-fears-spread-276891">Sensex logs second worst day in four months as China virus fears spread</a>

The other prominent gainers were Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Hero MotoCorp, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra and UPL. However, Power Grid Corporation, Nestle India, Vedanta, JSW Steel and Coal India were in the negative terrain. Meanwhile, Asian stocks extended a global selloff as China took more drastic steps to combat a deadly coronavirus.

As the death toll reached 106 in China, some health experts questioned whether Beijing can contain the virus which has spread to more than 10 countries.MSCI`s broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan slumped by 1 per cent in early trading. Japan`s Nikkei was 0.9 per cent down while South Korea`s Kospi index skidded by 3 per cent.

Equity benchmark indices were flat during early hours on Tuesday as investors globally grappled to assess the economic impact of China`s new coronavirus. At 10:15 am, the BSE S&P Sensex was up by 21 points to 41,174 while the Nifty 50 edged lower by 3 points at 12,116.

Equity benchmark indices were flat during early hours on Tuesday as investors globally grappled to assess the economic impact of China`s new coronavirus. At 10:15 am, the BSE S&P Sensex was up by 21 points to 41,174 while the Nifty 50 edged lower by 3 points at 12,116. Sectoral indices at the National Stock Exchange were mixed with Nifty IT, FMCG and metal in the red. Among stocks, HDFC gained by 2.8 per cent to Rs 2,463 per share after reporting a four-fold jump in its Q3 net profit at Rs 8.372 crore due to the one-time gain from the merger of Bandhan Bank with Gruh Finance. Also Read: Sensex logs second worst day in four months as China virus fears spread The other prominent gainers were Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Hero MotoCorp, Mahindra & Mahindra and UPL. However, Power Grid Corporation, Nestle India, Vedanta, JSW Steel and Coal India were in the negative terrain. Meanwhile, Asian stocks extended a global selloff as China took more drastic steps to combat a deadly coronavirus. As the death toll reached 106 in China, some health experts questioned whether Beijing can contain the virus which has spread to more than 10 countries.MSCI`s broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan slumped by 1 per cent in early trading. Japan`s Nikkei was 0.9 per cent down while South Korea`s Kospi index skidded by 3 per cent.

Equity indices flat, auto and financial majors gain marginally

China banned wildlife trade nationwide in markets, supermarkets, restaurants, and e-commerce platforms due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-coronavirus-dos-and-donts-symptoms-276479">coronavirus outbreak</a>, the country's market watchdog, agricultural ministry, and forestry bureau said in a joint statement.

Any places that breed wildlife should be isolated, and the transportation of wildlife should be banned, said the statement. The ban will take effect from Sunday.

The virus which has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chinas-new-year-tv-show-pays-tearful-tribute-to-coronavirus-fighters-urges-victory-276483">infected more than 2,000 people</a> globally and killed 56 people in China has been traced to a seafood market in Wuhan that was illegally selling wildlife.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-virus-death-toll-rises-to-56-total-cases-near-2000-276577">Coronavirus virus death toll rises to 56, total cases near 2,000</a>

<img alt="the transmission ability of the coronavirus is getting stronger" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bcf7e61e-9833-42f6-b2fb-ec32fc68516c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2897%29.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Members of the media have their temperature checked before attending a news conference&nbsp;about the outbreak of the new coronavirus&nbsp;(Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Meanwhile, China's coastal city of Shantou in Guangdong province, will not ban cars, ships and people from entering the city but will strengthen disease controls such as disinfection efforts, local state media STRTV reported, reversing an earlier government statement.

Shantou, which is more than 800 km (500 miles) from Wuhan city in central China, had also said earlier it would suspend the operation of buses, taxis and ferries from 2 p.m. on Sunday.

China banned wildlife trade nationwide in markets, supermarkets, restaurants, and e-commerce platforms due to the coronavirus outbreak, the country's market watchdog, agricultural ministry, and forestry bureau said in a joint statement.

China banned wildlife trade nationwide in markets, supermarkets, restaurants, and e-commerce platforms due to the coronavirus outbreak, the country's market watchdog, agricultural ministry, and forestry bureau said in a joint statement. Any places that breed wildlife should be isolated, and the transportation of wildlife should be banned, said the statement. The ban will take effect from Sunday. The virus which has infected more than 2,000 people globally and killed 56 people in China has been traced to a seafood market in Wuhan that was illegally selling wildlife. Also Read: Coronavirus virus death toll rises to 56, total cases near 2,000 [ Members of the media have their temperature checked before attending a news conference about the outbreak of the new coronavirus (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Meanwhile, China's coastal city of Shantou in Guangdong province, will not ban cars, ships and people from entering the city but will strengthen disease controls such as disinfection efforts, local state media STRTV reported, reversing an earlier government statement. Shantou, which is more than 800 km (500 miles) from Wuhan city in central China, had also said earlier it would suspend the operation of buses, taxis and ferries from 2 p.m. on Sunday.

China warns that the ability of the virus to spread is getting stronger

North Korea will ban foreign tourists to protect itself against a new SARS-like virus that has claimed at least nine lives in China and sickened hundreds, a major tour operator said.

Several nations including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hopeful-for-restarting-diplomacy-with-north-korea-but-stands-ready-pentagon-chief-mark-esper-269415">US </a>have stepped up checks on airport passengers to detect the coronavirus, which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, but a ban on tourists would be a first.

The virus has caused alarm in China and abroad because of its genetic similarities to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003.

The vast majority of foreign tourists to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/top-chinese-north-korean-generals-met-to-boost-military-ties-243797">North Korea</a> are Chinese, and their numbers have swelled significantly in the last year as relations between Beijing and Pyongyang have warmed, generating vital foreign currency for the isolated country.

But as of Wednesday, North Korea will "temporarily close its borders to all foreign tourists as a precaution to the coronavirus", Chinese-based specialist operator Young Pioneer Tours said in a statement. Exact details had yet to be confirmed, it added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-backs-north-korea-amid-deadlocked-nuclear-talks-247322">China backs North Korea amid deadlocked nuclear talks</a>

Koryo Tours, the market leader for Western visitors, said it had been "informed that action was being considered" and was expecting more information Wednesday.

<img alt="North korea flag" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2604349f-f9ae-4f0b-b750-0f08bc539478" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2839%29_2.jpg" /> 
[ Flag of North Korea (Courtesy: Zee News Network) ]

Pyongyang has taken similar action in the past -- it closed its borders to foreign tourists for more than four months from October 2014 in a bid to keep out the Ebola virus, even though no cases had been reported in Asia.

It enforced a 21-day quarantine period on anyone entering the country, including foreign diplomats and businesspeople.

Pyongyang's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper did not mention any North Korean action over the virus Wednesday but reported on the outbreak in China, saying it had "spread rapidly" and that authorities in its giant neighbour were taking "corresponding measures".

The North has poor medical infrastructure and a chronic shortage of medicines.

When South Korea suffered from the world's largest outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, in summer 2015, the North reportedly prohibited its diplomats and workers overseas from returning to their homeland for months to prevent the spread of the virus.

Pyongyang also suspended foreign tours for three months due to fears over SARS in 2003. 
&nbsp;

North Korea will ban foreign tourists to protect itself against a new SARS-like virus that has claimed at least nine lives in China and sickened hundreds, a major tour operator said.

North Korea will ban foreign tourists to protect itself against a new SARS-like virus that has claimed at least nine lives in China and sickened hundreds, a major tour operator said. Several nations including the US have stepped up checks on airport passengers to detect the coronavirus, which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, but a ban on tourists would be a first. The virus has caused alarm in China and abroad because of its genetic similarities to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003. The vast majority of foreign tourists to North Korea are Chinese, and their numbers have swelled significantly in the last year as relations between Beijing and Pyongyang have warmed, generating vital foreign currency for the isolated country. But as of Wednesday, North Korea will "temporarily close its borders to all foreign tourists as a precaution to the coronavirus", Chinese-based specialist operator Young Pioneer Tours said in a statement. Exact details had yet to be confirmed, it added. Also Read: China backs North Korea amid deadlocked nuclear talks Koryo Tours, the market leader for Western visitors, said it had been "informed that action was being considered" and was expecting more information Wednesday. [ Flag of North Korea (Courtesy: Zee News Network) ] Pyongyang has taken similar action in the past -- it closed its borders to foreign tourists for more than four months from October 2014 in a bid to keep out the Ebola virus, even though no cases had been reported in Asia. It enforced a 21-day quarantine period on anyone entering the country, including foreign diplomats and businesspeople. Pyongyang's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper did not mention any North Korean action over the virus Wednesday but reported on the outbreak in China, saying it had "spread rapidly" and that authorities in its giant neighbour were taking "corresponding measures". The North has poor medical infrastructure and a chronic shortage of medicines. When South Korea suffered from the world's largest outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, in summer 2015, the North reportedly prohibited its diplomats and workers overseas from returning to their homeland for months to prevent the spread of the virus. Pyongyang also suspended foreign tours for three months due to fears over SARS in 2003.

Foreign tourists to be banned from entering North Korea due to virus outbreak

Goldman Sachs said a potential drop in oil demand from top energy consumer China due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-mayor-asks-citizens-not-to-travel-outside-as-chinas-coronavirus-spreads-275911">outbreak of a new coronavirus</a> could hurt crude prices by about $3 per barrel, countering concerns about Middle East supply disruptions.

The outbreak began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in Hubei and has spread to the rest of the country, with 440 confirmed cases and nine deaths so far. It has also spread to the United States, Thailand, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asia-shares-feel-a-chill-as-china-virus-risks-mount-275735">Asian shares dip as China virus spreads</a>

The new virus, which health officials have said can be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-coronavirus-viral-outbreak-forces-india-to-strengthen-airport-safety-laws-275899">passed from person to person</a>, has worried financial markets as investors recalled the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2002-2003, also a coronavirus outbreak that started in China and killed nearly 800 people worldwide.

<img alt="Chinese Stock Market" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ae8db9dc-366b-4603-9a5d-51f703234b09" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2857%29_0.jpg" /> 
[ Chinese Stock Market (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

"Translating the estimated SARS demand impact into 2020 volumes points to a potential 260,000 barrels per day negative shock to global oil demand on average," Goldman said in a note dated Jan. 21. The estimate includes a 170,000 barrels per day loss of jet fuel demand, it added.

The bank expects jet fuel markets, including cracks, regrade and Asian differentials, to be hit the most if the outbreak leads to a decline in regional air travel.

While a supply response from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries could limit any fundamental impact from such a demand shock, the initial uncertainty could lead to a larger oil price sell-off, Goldman added.

Brent crude prices are currently just below $65 a barrel, while U.S. oil is at about $58 a barrel.

Goldman Sachs said a potential drop in oil demand from top energy consumer China due to the outbreak of a new coronavirus could hurt crude prices by about $3 per barrel, countering concerns about Middle East supply disruptions.

Goldman Sachs said a potential drop in oil demand from top energy consumer China due to the outbreak of a new coronavirus could hurt crude prices by about $3 per barrel, countering concerns about Middle East supply disruptions. The outbreak began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in Hubei and has spread to the rest of the country, with 440 confirmed cases and nine deaths so far. It has also spread to the United States, Thailand, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. Also Read: Asian shares dip as China virus spreads The new virus, which health officials have said can be passed from person to person, has worried financial markets as investors recalled the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2002-2003, also a coronavirus outbreak that started in China and killed nearly 800 people worldwide. [ Chinese Stock Market (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "Translating the estimated SARS demand impact into 2020 volumes points to a potential 260,000 barrels per day negative shock to global oil demand on average," Goldman said in a note dated Jan. 21. The estimate includes a 170,000 barrels per day loss of jet fuel demand, it added. The bank expects jet fuel markets, including cracks, regrade and Asian differentials, to be hit the most if the outbreak leads to a decline in regional air travel. While a supply response from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries could limit any fundamental impact from such a demand shock, the initial uncertainty could lead to a larger oil price sell-off, Goldman added. Brent crude prices are currently just below $65 a barrel, while U.S. oil is at about $58 a barrel.

China virus could hit oil prices by $3 per barrel: Goldman

Taiwan on Tuesday reported its first confirmed case of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-spreads-beyond-china-human-to-human-transmission-confirmed-275691">new SARS-like coronavirus</a> as the government warned the public against travelling to Chinese city where it emerged.&nbsp;

The patient is a Taiwanese woman in her fifties, living in Wuhan, who returned to the island on Monday with symptoms including fever, coughing and a sore throat.

Asian countries have ramped up measures to block the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-four-people-killed-due-to-deadly-coronavirus-275596">spread of the new virus</a> as the death toll in China rose to six and the number of cases jumped to almost 300 since it first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-confirms-person-to-person-spread-of-the-new-virus-as-fourth-death-reported-275590">China confirms person-to-person spread of the new virus as fourth death reported</a>

The Taiwan patient reported her symptoms to quarantine officials on arrival at Taoyuan airport and was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment, said the island's Centers for Disease Control (CDC).&nbsp;

The woman told officials that she had not visited any local markets or had contact with birds or wild animals while in Wuhan.&nbsp;

Authorities are monitoring some 46 passengers and crew from the same flight, the agency said.&nbsp;

The CDC raised its alert on Wuhan to the highest level, urging the public against travelling to the city unless necessary.&nbsp;

"We ask the public not to panic as the individual was taken to hospital directly from the airport and did not step into the community," it said in a statement, adding that it reported the case to the World Health Organization and China authorities.

The coronavirus has spread to Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

Taiwan on Tuesday reported its first confirmed case of the new SARS-like coronavirus as the government warned the public against travelling to Chinese city where it emerged.

Taiwan on Tuesday reported its first confirmed case of the new SARS-like coronavirus as the government warned the public against travelling to Chinese city where it emerged. The patient is a Taiwanese woman in her fifties, living in Wuhan, who returned to the island on Monday with symptoms including fever, coughing and a sore throat. Asian countries have ramped up measures to block the spread of the new virus as the death toll in China rose to six and the number of cases jumped to almost 300 since it first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. Also Read: China confirms person-to-person spread of the new virus as fourth death reported The Taiwan patient reported her symptoms to quarantine officials on arrival at Taoyuan airport and was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment, said the island's Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The woman told officials that she had not visited any local markets or had contact with birds or wild animals while in Wuhan. Authorities are monitoring some 46 passengers and crew from the same flight, the agency said. The CDC raised its alert on Wuhan to the highest level, urging the public against travelling to the city unless necessary. "We ask the public not to panic as the individual was taken to hospital directly from the airport and did not step into the community," it said in a statement, adding that it reported the case to the World Health Organization and China authorities. The coronavirus has spread to Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

Taiwan reports first case of new SARS-like virus

Gold prices rose to a two-week high on Tuesday as the spread of a new virus in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-rises-to-one-week-peak-amid-trade-anxiety-254957">China stoked fears</a> of a wider epidemic, sparking a sudden bout of risk aversion and sell-off in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-lower-as-investors-book-decade-end-profits-271229">Asian stocks</a>.

Spot gold prices touched their highest since Jan. 8 at $1,568.35 and were up 0.1 per cent&nbsp;to $1,563.01 per ounce by 0730 GMT. US&nbsp;gold futures were 0.3 per cent&nbsp;higher at $1,564.10.

<img alt="Customers select gold bracelets at Caibai Jewelry store in Beijing" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ca286a0-6aeb-4700-b332-f262b5b8f3c6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2831%29_0.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Customers select gold bracelets at Caibai Jewelry store in Beijing (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Asian shares slipped as the new coronavirus has spread to more Chinese cities and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-prices-steady-as-us-china-trade-deal-doubts-linger-263135">concerns mounted</a> it could spread further with many traveling for the Lunar New Year holidays.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-climbs-to-three-month-high-poised-for-best-year-since-2010-271231">Gold climbs to three-month high, poised for best year since 2010</a>

Gold prices were driven by "the rapid spread of the virus from Wuhan, China, which has caused panic", said Margaret Yang Yan, a market analyst at CMC Markets.

"Chinese New Year holidays are going to worsen the situation as people are bound to travel in China. The fear of outbreak is going to drive up demand for gold for a couple more days," she added.

China will start celebrating the Lunar New Year this weekend. The yen also gained on concerns of a wider outbreak, which has prompted the World Health Organisation to convene an emergency meeting to assess the situation.

Gold prices rose to a two-week high on Tuesday as the spread of a new virus in China stoked fears of a wider epidemic, sparking a sudden bout of risk aversion and sell-off in Asian stocks.

Gold prices rose to a two-week high on Tuesday as the spread of a new virus in China stoked fears of a wider epidemic, sparking a sudden bout of risk aversion and sell-off in Asian stocks. Spot gold prices touched their highest since Jan. 8 at $1,568.35 and were up 0.1 per cent to $1,563.01 per ounce by 0730 GMT. US gold futures were 0.3 per cent higher at $1,564.10. [ Customers select gold bracelets at Caibai Jewelry store in Beijing (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Asian shares slipped as the new coronavirus has spread to more Chinese cities and concerns mounted it could spread further with many traveling for the Lunar New Year holidays. Also Read: Gold climbs to three-month high, poised for best year since 2010 Gold prices were driven by "the rapid spread of the virus from Wuhan, China, which has caused panic", said Margaret Yang Yan, a market analyst at CMC Markets. "Chinese New Year holidays are going to worsen the situation as people are bound to travel in China. The fear of outbreak is going to drive up demand for gold for a couple more days," she added. China will start celebrating the Lunar New Year this weekend. The yen also gained on concerns of a wider outbreak, which has prompted the World Health Organisation to convene an emergency meeting to assess the situation.

Gold prices climb to two week high as China flu scare spurs safe haven bids