Online sales of antiviral flu medicines reportedly skyrocketed in China&nbsp;over 100-fold from a year ago as reports emerged that citizens hoarded antiviral flu drugs, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday (March 15).&nbsp;

The report mentioned that the analytics tracking site Liandanlu showed that the sales volume of the medicine, which is sold under the generic name oseltamivir, surged to about 533,100 units in the first 13 days of March on the China-based e-commerce platforms Taobao and Tmall. Bloomberg also reported that the daily average volume jumped 129-fold from a year ago.&nbsp;

Wang Ruizhe, who is a Shanghai-based healthcare analyst, told Bloomberg: "People are more likely to panic following the massive Covid outbreak earlier. That combined with a relatively low stock of the antiviral led to a temporary supply-demand mismatch and price hikes."&nbsp;

Ruizhe added: "It seems some people are hoarding the antiviral this time. The spread of flu among children is fanning anxiety among parents. The impact of the earlier Covid wave may have also fueled concern."&nbsp;

WATCH&nbsp;| Gravitas: India is building a naval base on Great Nicobar Island&nbsp;

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Such news about the stockpiling of medicines is not new, as when the COVID-19 cases were spreading in China, people hunted for fever medicines and virus test kits to save to contingencies.&nbsp;

People rushed to buy ibuprofen, cold medicines and Covid testing kits amid reports of shortages when China relaxed its most severe pandemic policies last year.&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned that the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said the flu cases in China have been rising with the positivity rate being 42 per cent in the week beginning March 5, up from 25 per cent a week earlier.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, China reopened its borders to foreign tourists for the first time since the pandemic. News agencies mentioned that businesses in Shanghai said they are looking forward to welcoming tourists back after the three-year absence.

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Online sales of antiviral flu medicines reportedly skyrocketed in China over 100-fold from a year ago as reports emerged that citizens hoarded antiviral flu drugs, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday (March 15).

Online sales of antiviral flu medicines reportedly skyrocketed in China over 100-fold from a year ago as reports emerged that citizens hoarded antiviral flu drugs, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday (March 15). The report mentioned that the analytics tracking site Liandanlu showed that the sales volume of the medicine, which is sold under the generic name oseltamivir, surged to about 533,100 units in the first 13 days of March on the China-based e-commerce platforms Taobao and Tmall. Bloomberg also reported that the daily average volume jumped 129-fold from a year ago. Wang Ruizhe, who is a Shanghai-based healthcare analyst, told Bloomberg: "People are more likely to panic following the massive Covid outbreak earlier. That combined with a relatively low stock of the antiviral led to a temporary supply-demand mismatch and price hikes." Ruizhe added: "It seems some people are hoarding the antiviral this time. The spread of flu among children is fanning anxiety among parents. The impact of the earlier Covid wave may have also fueled concern." WATCH | Gravitas: India is building a naval base on Great Nicobar Island × Such news about the stockpiling of medicines is not new, as when the COVID-19 cases were spreading in China, people hunted for fever medicines and virus test kits to save to contingencies. People rushed to buy ibuprofen, cold medicines and Covid testing kits amid reports of shortages when China relaxed its most severe pandemic policies last year. Reports have mentioned that the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said the flu cases in China have been rising with the positivity rate being 42 per cent in the week beginning March 5, up from 25 per cent a week earlier. Meanwhile, China reopened its borders to foreign tourists for the first time since the pandemic. News agencies mentioned that businesses in Shanghai said they are looking forward to welcoming tourists back after the three-year absence. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Online sales of antiviral flu medicines skyrocketed in China

A man in Andhra Pradesh hanged himself on Thursday after he feared that he had contracted deadly<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/high-so2-levels-reported-around-wuhan-and-chongqing-the-world-suspects-chinese-officials-of-burning-coronavirus-corpses-280050"> coronavirus</a> that has already killed over 1000 people in China.&nbsp;

According to reports, the 50-year-old farmer was disturbed after reading several reports about the deadly virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-against-time-china-battles-coronavirus-as-death-toll-crosses-1000-108-deaths-in-last-24-hours-280135">Also read: China battles coronavirus as death toll crosses 1,000; 108 deaths in last 24 hours</a>

He was suffering from urinary tract infection (UTI), and mistook the symptoms of UTI same as the deadly coronavirus'.&nbsp;

Despite doctors assuring him that his infection was not caused by coronavirus, the farmer isolated himself and asked people to stay away from him. He also locked his family inside the house before hanging himself from a tree.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-journalist-reported-missing-list-of-whistleblowers-vanishing-grows-as-fast-as-coronavirus-280077">Also read:&nbsp;Chinese journalist reported missing; list of whistleblowers vanishing grows as fast as coronavirus</a>

In India, three cases of coronavirus have been confirmed so far. All three have been reported in the state of Kerala.

Authorities have placed thermal scanners and hand-held thermal detectors at 21 airports. Most cities are tracking down returnees from China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-coronavirus-has-unveiled-chinas-ugliest-face-280074">Also read: Coronavirus has unveiled China's ugliest face</a>

In the national capital, 10 people have been isolated due to suspicion.

A man in Andhra Pradesh hanged himself on Thursday after he feared that he had contracted deadly coronavirus that has already killed over 1000 people in China. According to reports, the 50-year-old farmer was disturbed after reading several reports about the deadly virus.

A man in Andhra Pradesh hanged himself on Thursday after he feared that he had contracted deadly coronavirus that has already killed over 1000 people in China. According to reports, the 50-year-old farmer was disturbed after reading several reports about the deadly virus. Also read: China battles coronavirus as death toll crosses 1,000; 108 deaths in last 24 hours He was suffering from urinary tract infection (UTI), and mistook the symptoms of UTI same as the deadly coronavirus'. Despite doctors assuring him that his infection was not caused by coronavirus, the farmer isolated himself and asked people to stay away from him. He also locked his family inside the house before hanging himself from a tree. Also read: Chinese journalist reported missing; list of whistleblowers vanishing grows as fast as coronavirus In India, three cases of coronavirus have been confirmed so far. All three have been reported in the state of Kerala. Authorities have placed thermal scanners and hand-held thermal detectors at 21 airports. Most cities are tracking down returnees from China. Also read: Coronavirus has unveiled China's ugliest face In the national capital, 10 people have been isolated due to suspicion.

Andhra Pradesh: Farmer hangs himself over coronavirus scare

The Wuhan coronavirus is almost as big as the Sars outbreak. The WHO is being accused of dragging its feet. China faces the charge of covering up the extend of the outbreak. On WION Edit, Palki S Upadhyay asks - Who's to blame for the Wuhan virus outbreak?

WION Edit: Who's to blame for coronavirus outbreak

WION is the only Indian news network that is bringing you updates about the deadly virus outbreak in China - straight from its origins. In this report, WION's Palki S Upadhyay with Patrick Fok and Grace Lee get you the latest updates.

Gravitas: China's deadly virus: WION gets you a ground report

China on Friday slammed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-two-people-tested-positive-in-britain-277816">United States</a> after it issued an advisory to its citizens warning against travelling to the Asian country, where the deadly coronavirus has killed over 200 citizens.

Sharply criticising the US, China said, "Certain US officials' words and actions are neither factual nor appropriate."

"Just as the WHO recommended against travel restrictions, the US rushed to go in the opposite way. Certainly not a gesture of goodwill," China's foreign affairs ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said in a statement.

"It's truly&nbsp;mean," Chunying added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-us-others-nations-tighten-curbs-on-travel-to-china-as-virus-toll-hits-213-277797">Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: US, others nations tighten curbs on travel to China as virus toll hits 213</a>

World Health Organisation declared coronavirus a global health emergency, as the death toll in China, where the outbreak first appeared, rose to 213 today. While the number of confirmed cases has risen beyond 9,800.

There have been no deaths outside China, although 131 cases have been reported in 23 other countries and regions.

The United States and other countries tightened travel curbs on Friday and businesses said they were facing supply problems because of the coronavirus in China, a day after the World Health Organisation declared a global health emergency.

Besides US, Japan and Singapore also advised its citizens to avoid China if the visit is not necessary.

Italy's government also stopped all air traffic with China after announcing its first cases, in two Chinese tourists.

Amid the epidemic, the countries have started evacuating citizens from China.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently angered China after he called the ruling Communist Party "the central threat of our times".

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

China on Friday slammed the United States after it issued an advisory to its citizens warning against travelling to the Asian country, where the deadly coronavirus has killed over 200 citizens.

China on Friday slammed the United States after it issued an advisory to its citizens warning against travelling to the Asian country, where the deadly coronavirus has killed over 200 citizens. Sharply criticising the US, China said, "Certain US officials' words and actions are neither factual nor appropriate." "Just as the WHO recommended against travel restrictions, the US rushed to go in the opposite way. Certainly not a gesture of goodwill," China's foreign affairs ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said in a statement. "It's truly mean," Chunying added. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: US, others nations tighten curbs on travel to China as virus toll hits 213 World Health Organisation declared coronavirus a global health emergency, as the death toll in China, where the outbreak first appeared, rose to 213 today. While the number of confirmed cases has risen beyond 9,800. There have been no deaths outside China, although 131 cases have been reported in 23 other countries and regions. The United States and other countries tightened travel curbs on Friday and businesses said they were facing supply problems because of the coronavirus in China, a day after the World Health Organisation declared a global health emergency. Besides US, Japan and Singapore also advised its citizens to avoid China if the visit is not necessary. Italy's government also stopped all air traffic with China after announcing its first cases, in two Chinese tourists. Amid the epidemic, the countries have started evacuating citizens from China. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently angered China after he called the ruling Communist Party "the central threat of our times". (With inputs from agencies)

'It's truly mean': China slams US for travel warning over coronavirus outbreak

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday addressed media on the coronavirus outbreak. Kumar held the press conference shortly after India confirmed the first positive case of coronavirus in the country in Kerala earlier in the day.&nbsp;

Kumar reaffirmed India's preparedness to tackle the virus. He said that the government is in contact with Indians in China and is trying to evacuate those in the Hubei province.&nbsp;

China is yet to respond to India's request, New Delhi awaits Beijing's approval, Kumar added.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-in-india-kerala-reports-first-confirmed-case-277500">First confirmed case of coronavirus in India, Kerala student tested positive</a>

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Spox of Chinese Embassy in India, Counselor Ji Rong: Chinese side pays close attention to the report of the emergence of one confirmed case of pneumonia caused by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> in India &amp; will cooperate with the Indian side to jointly strengthen the epidemic prevention &amp; control. <a href="https://t.co/qkHdOZZXOU">https://t.co/qkHdOZZXOU</a>
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"The government of India has been conducting a regular review of the situation arising due to the outbreak of coronavirus in China. We have requested to operate two aircraft to China to back Indian nationals from Hubei province. We are waiting for formal approval from the Chinese side," Kumar said.&nbsp;

Kumar also confirmed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's state visit to India from February 8 to 11.&nbsp;

"He will arrive on 7th February. 8th February will be main engagement day where he will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Kumar told media.&nbsp;

After his official engagement in Delhi, the Sri Lankan PM will travel to Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodhgaya and Tirupati, Kumar said.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/health-ministry-reviews-states-preparedness-for-prevention-management-of-novel-coronavirus-277412">Health Ministry reviews states' preparedness for prevention, management of novel coronavirus</a>

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MEA: Govt of India has been conducting regular review of situation arising due to the outbreak of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> in China. We have requested to operate two aircraft to China to back Indian nationals from Hubei province. We are waiting for formal approval from the Chinese side. <a href="https://t.co/hxKCzCTeD2">pic.twitter.com/hxKCzCTeD2</a>
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Meanwhile, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, Counselor Ji Rong, has said that China is paying close attention to the report of the emergence of one confirmed case of pneumonia caused by coronavirus in India and that Beijing is ready to cooperate with India side to jointly strengthen the epidemic prevention and control, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Chinese Embassy in India has maintained close communication with the Indian government, timely briefed on the development of the epidemic and China’s efforts in epidemic prevention and control," Rong said.&nbsp;

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Indian health officials on Thursday confirmed the first positive case of coronavirus in Kerala.&nbsp;

The patient was a student of Wuhan University in China, India's government said in a statement. The patient is stable and in isolation at a hospital, the statement added.

"The patient has tested positive for Novel Coronavirus and is in isolation in the hospital. The patient is stable and is being closely monitored," a PIB statement said.

Meanwhile, All three patients of suspected coronavirus cases reported at Delhi-based RML hospital have been discharged on Thursday after being tested negative, Smriti Tiwari, spokesperson of the RML Hospital informed.&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday addressed media on the coronavirus outbreak. Kumar held the press conference shortly after India confirmed the first positive case of coronavirus in the country in Kerala earlier in the day.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday addressed media on the coronavirus outbreak. Kumar held the press conference shortly after India confirmed the first positive case of coronavirus in the country in Kerala earlier in the day. Kumar reaffirmed India's preparedness to tackle the virus. He said that the government is in contact with Indians in China and is trying to evacuate those in the Hubei province. China is yet to respond to India's request, New Delhi awaits Beijing's approval, Kumar added. Also read: First confirmed case of coronavirus in India, Kerala student tested positive Spox of Chinese Embassy in India, Counselor Ji Rong: Chinese side pays close attention to the report of the emergence of one confirmed case of pneumonia caused by #coronavirus in India & will cooperate with the Indian side to jointly strengthen the epidemic prevention & control. https://t.co/qkHdOZZXOU — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2020 × "The government of India has been conducting a regular review of the situation arising due to the outbreak of coronavirus in China. We have requested to operate two aircraft to China to back Indian nationals from Hubei province. We are waiting for formal approval from the Chinese side," Kumar said. Kumar also confirmed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's state visit to India from February 8 to 11. "He will arrive on 7th February. 8th February will be main engagement day where he will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Kumar told media. After his official engagement in Delhi, the Sri Lankan PM will travel to Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodhgaya and Tirupati, Kumar said. Also read: Health Ministry reviews states' preparedness for prevention, management of novel coronavirus MEA: Govt of India has been conducting regular review of situation arising due to the outbreak of #coronavirus in China. We have requested to operate two aircraft to China to back Indian nationals from Hubei province. We are waiting for formal approval from the Chinese side. pic.twitter.com/hxKCzCTeD2 — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2020 × Meanwhile, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, Counselor Ji Rong, has said that China is paying close attention to the report of the emergence of one confirmed case of pneumonia caused by coronavirus in India and that Beijing is ready to cooperate with India side to jointly strengthen the epidemic prevention and control, news agency ANI reported. "Chinese Embassy in India has maintained close communication with the Indian government, timely briefed on the development of the epidemic and China’s efforts in epidemic prevention and control," Rong said. × Indian health officials on Thursday confirmed the first positive case of coronavirus in Kerala. The patient was a student of Wuhan University in China, India's government said in a statement. The patient is stable and in isolation at a hospital, the statement added. "The patient has tested positive for Novel Coronavirus and is in isolation in the hospital. The patient is stable and is being closely monitored," a PIB statement said. Meanwhile, All three patients of suspected coronavirus cases reported at Delhi-based RML hospital have been discharged on Thursday after being tested negative, Smriti Tiwari, spokesperson of the RML Hospital informed.

India is ready to tackle coronavirus, maintaining close contact with Indians in China: MEA 

The only two Indian carriers that fly to China -- IndiGo and Air India-- on Wednesday announced suspension of most of their flights to the country which is battling a coronavirus outbreak, joining other airlines based in Asia, North America and Europe which have restricted operations to the region, as the deadly virus spread to at least 17 countries.

India has requested China for permission to operate two flights to bring back its nationals from Hubei Province, the epicentre of the outbreak, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The Indian Embassy in Beijing on Wednesday circulated registration forms and consent notes for the Indians in Wuhan and Hubei province to be filled by them.

A fresh travel advisory asking people to refrain from travelling to China has been issued by the Centre which has ramped up screening across airports, ports and borders.

No case of the deadly virus has been reported in India, though hundreds remain in observation in many states including as many as 806 in Kerala, according to officials.

India's largest airline IndiGo said it has suspended its flights on Bengaluru-Hong Kong route from February 1 and on the Delhi-Chengdu route from February 1 to 20. Similarly, state-run Air India is suspending its flights on Delhi-Shanghai route from January 31 to February 14.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-debuts-in-india-possible-cases-registered-nationwide-infected-thai-national-dead-in-kolkata-277047">Coronavirus scare in India - Possible cases registered nationwide, infected Thai national dead in Kolkata</a>

IndiGo will, for now, continue to operate the Kolkata-Guangzhou flight which it is "monitoring on a daily basis".

The crew of the two airlines working on flights connecting India with South-East Asian countries have been asked to wear N95 masks on the ground and take other precautions like not visiting public places.

British Airways, Indonesia's Lion Air Group, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines and Air Canada are among the carriers that have reportedly suspended or restricted flights to China, with many citing reductions in demand due to coronavirus outbreak.

The disease which emerged in Wuhan, capital of China's Hubei Province, has spread to at least 17 countries, with the United Arab Emirates announcing on Wednesday its first case of the new coronavirus in a family from Wuhan.

The death toll from the disease in China has mounted to 132 with about 6,000 confirmed infections.

The Union Health Ministry has asked people to use 24x7 helpline (011-23978046) for queries related to respiratory infection.

"In the view of the spurt of cases being reported in China and travel-related cases appearing in many countries...All non-essential travel to China to be avoided," it said.

As part of the preparedness, India has also increased the number of airports from seven to 21 where thermal screening of passengers is being done for possible exposure to the deadly nCoV.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-student-from-wuhan-in-ujjain-hospital-isolation-ward-for-possible-coronavirus-infection-277194">Indian student from Wuhan in Ujjain hospital isolation ward for possible coronavirus infection</a>

These include airports at Gaya, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Varanasi, Goa, Bhubaneswar and Lucknow besides the seven designated airports identified earlier.

The health ministry also has established four more laboratories apart from the NIV-Pune for testing samples. These labs have been made functional at Alleppey, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

Special Secretary in the Union Health ministry Sanjeeva Kumar chaired a video conference with health secretaries of states where the 21 identified airports are located along with the Airport Health Organization Officers (APHOs) to review their preparedness for prevention and management of novel coronavirus.

He also interacted with health secretaries of the states, including those bordering Nepal (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim), an official statement said.

The immigration and other staff members at the airports have been sensitized and dedicated ambulances are placed at the airports. Deployment of medical and para-medical staff is also being done for round-the-clock service, it said.

Meanwhile, India is placed at the 23rd place among "high-risk" countries where the disease can spread, according to a study based on the number of air travellers predicted to arrive in the countries from the worst affected cities in China.

Researchers from the University of Southampton in the UK compiled a list of cities and countries they believe are at high risk from the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) 
The most "at risk" countries or regions worldwide are Thailand (1), Japan (2), and Hong Kong (3). The US is 6th on the list, Australia 10th and the UK 17th.

Novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a large family of viruses that causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to acute respiratory syndromes. The virus, which has killed 132 people and affected at least 6,000 others in China, is a novel strain not seen before.

The AYUSH Ministry has also issued an advisory recommending that homoeopathic and Unani medicine could be effective in the prevention of novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection.

It also mentioned some Ayurvedic practices which can help recess the symptoms of the respiratory tract in possible coronavirus infected cases.

"The Ministry of AYUSH is issuing the advisory as a preventive measure and not claiming to be a treatment advice for the nCoV infection. The Research Councils under Ministry of AYUSH are involved in various public health activities and provide lifestyle advocacies time to time for the general public," the ministry said in a statement.

The only two Indian carriers that fly to China -- IndiGo and Air India-- on Wednesday announced suspension of most of their flights to the country which is battling a coronavirus outbreak, joining other airlines based in Asia, North America and Europe which have restricted operations to the region, as the deadly virus spread to at least 17 countries.

The only two Indian carriers that fly to China -- IndiGo and Air India-- on Wednesday announced suspension of most of their flights to the country which is battling a coronavirus outbreak, joining other airlines based in Asia, North America and Europe which have restricted operations to the region, as the deadly virus spread to at least 17 countries. India has requested China for permission to operate two flights to bring back its nationals from Hubei Province, the epicentre of the outbreak, the Ministry of External Affairs said. The Indian Embassy in Beijing on Wednesday circulated registration forms and consent notes for the Indians in Wuhan and Hubei province to be filled by them. A fresh travel advisory asking people to refrain from travelling to China has been issued by the Centre which has ramped up screening across airports, ports and borders. No case of the deadly virus has been reported in India, though hundreds remain in observation in many states including as many as 806 in Kerala, according to officials. India's largest airline IndiGo said it has suspended its flights on Bengaluru-Hong Kong route from February 1 and on the Delhi-Chengdu route from February 1 to 20. Similarly, state-run Air India is suspending its flights on Delhi-Shanghai route from January 31 to February 14. Also read: Coronavirus scare in India - Possible cases registered nationwide, infected Thai national dead in Kolkata IndiGo will, for now, continue to operate the Kolkata-Guangzhou flight which it is "monitoring on a daily basis". The crew of the two airlines working on flights connecting India with South-East Asian countries have been asked to wear N95 masks on the ground and take other precautions like not visiting public places. British Airways, Indonesia's Lion Air Group, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines and Air Canada are among the carriers that have reportedly suspended or restricted flights to China, with many citing reductions in demand due to coronavirus outbreak. The disease which emerged in Wuhan, capital of China's Hubei Province, has spread to at least 17 countries, with the United Arab Emirates announcing on Wednesday its first case of the new coronavirus in a family from Wuhan. The death toll from the disease in China has mounted to 132 with about 6,000 confirmed infections. The Union Health Ministry has asked people to use 24x7 helpline (011-23978046) for queries related to respiratory infection. "In the view of the spurt of cases being reported in China and travel-related cases appearing in many countries...All non-essential travel to China to be avoided," it said. As part of the preparedness, India has also increased the number of airports from seven to 21 where thermal screening of passengers is being done for possible exposure to the deadly nCoV. Also read: Indian student from Wuhan in Ujjain hospital isolation ward for possible coronavirus infection These include airports at Gaya, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Varanasi, Goa, Bhubaneswar and Lucknow besides the seven designated airports identified earlier. The health ministry also has established four more laboratories apart from the NIV-Pune for testing samples. These labs have been made functional at Alleppey, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Special Secretary in the Union Health ministry Sanjeeva Kumar chaired a video conference with health secretaries of states where the 21 identified airports are located along with the Airport Health Organization Officers (APHOs) to review their preparedness for prevention and management of novel coronavirus. He also interacted with health secretaries of the states, including those bordering Nepal (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim), an official statement said. The immigration and other staff members at the airports have been sensitized and dedicated ambulances are placed at the airports. Deployment of medical and para-medical staff is also being done for round-the-clock service, it said. Meanwhile, India is placed at the 23rd place among "high-risk" countries where the disease can spread, according to a study based on the number of air travellers predicted to arrive in the countries from the worst affected cities in China. Researchers from the University of Southampton in the UK compiled a list of cities and countries they believe are at high risk from the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) The most "at risk" countries or regions worldwide are Thailand (1), Japan (2), and Hong Kong (3). The US is 6th on the list, Australia 10th and the UK 17th. Novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a large family of viruses that causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to acute respiratory syndromes. The virus, which has killed 132 people and affected at least 6,000 others in China, is a novel strain not seen before. The AYUSH Ministry has also issued an advisory recommending that homoeopathic and Unani medicine could be effective in the prevention of novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection. It also mentioned some Ayurvedic practices which can help recess the symptoms of the respiratory tract in possible coronavirus infected cases. "The Ministry of AYUSH is issuing the advisory as a preventive measure and not claiming to be a treatment advice for the nCoV infection. The Research Councils under Ministry of AYUSH are involved in various public health activities and provide lifestyle advocacies time to time for the general public," the ministry said in a statement.

Coronavirus outbreak: IndiGo, Air India suspend most China-bound flights; no case in India yet

Australian scientists have claimed to have developed a lab grown version of the new deadly virus from a patient's sample. Dr. Mike Catton from The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity said the development will enable scientists to accurately investigate and diagnose the coronavirus.

Australian scientist claims lab version of virus

A drug store in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../coronavirus-outbreak-global-health-scares-and- its-impact-on-world-economy-277136">Beijing</a> will be fined 3 million yuan ($434,530) for hiking the price of face masks by almost six times the online price amid the coronavirus outbreak, the Beijing municipal market regulator said on Wednesday.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinese-media-official-post-fake-image-of-newly-constructed-hospital-277077">Coronavirus outbreak: Chinese media, official post fake image of newly constructed hospital</a>

The regulator has issued a notice of administrative penalty to Beijing Jimin Kangtai Pharmacy for sharply raising the price of N95 masks, it said in a statement on its website.

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Jimin Kangtai raised the price of 3M brand masks to 850 yuan per box, while the price of the same type of masks sold online was 143 yuan per box, state television said.

The Beijing municipal regulator has stepped up supervision on prices of epidemic protective equipment and punished illegal activities such as hoarding or fabricating information about price hikes. It has investigated 31 cases of price violation since January&nbsp;23, it said.

A drug store in Beijing will be fined 3 million yuan ($434,530) for hiking the price of face masks by almost six times the online price amid the coronavirus outbreak, the Beijing municipal market regulator said on Wednesday.

A drug store in Beijing will be fined 3 million yuan ($434,530) for hiking the price of face masks by almost six times the online price amid the coronavirus outbreak, the Beijing municipal market regulator said on Wednesday. Also read- Coronavirus outbreak: Chinese media, official post fake image of newly constructed hospital The regulator has issued a notice of administrative penalty to Beijing Jimin Kangtai Pharmacy for sharply raising the price of N95 masks, it said in a statement on its website. × Jimin Kangtai raised the price of 3M brand masks to 850 yuan per box, while the price of the same type of masks sold online was 143 yuan per box, state television said. The Beijing municipal regulator has stepped up supervision on prices of epidemic protective equipment and punished illegal activities such as hoarding or fabricating information about price hikes. It has investigated 31 cases of price violation since January 23, it said.

Coronavirus outbreak: Beijing drug store fined $434,530 for hiking price of masks

China is confident of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-japan-vow-to-fly-out-citizens-from-chinas-wuhan-as-coronavirus-spreads-276874">winning the battle against "demon" coronavirus</a>, country's President Xi Jinping said during a meet with the head of the World Health Organisation.

"The epidemic is a demon, and we cannot let this demon hide," Xi said adding that China is waging a battle against the "demon".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinese-media-official-post-fake-image-of-newly-constructed-hospital-277077">Chinese media, official post fake image of newly constructed hospital</a>

Xi also pledged transparency in the government's effort to contain the deadly virus.

"The Chinese government has always adopted an open, transparent and responsible attitude to the timely release of information on the epidemic to domestic and foreign countries."

Xi also said that he believes the WHO and the international community will give a "calm, objective and rational" assessment of the virus.

During the meet, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Xi discussed ways to protect Chinese and foreigners in areas affected by the coronavirus and "possible alternatives" to evacuations.

Watch: Coronavirus cases confirmed in 4 continents

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Concerns continue to mount in China as the death toll due to the coronavirus crossed 100 after China's National Health Commission reported more deaths due to the disease.

Tuesday's toll of 106 dead was up from 81 the day before. The number of total confirmed cases in China surged to 4,515 as of Monday from 2,835 the previous day, the National Health Commission said.

Though cases of the virus have been confirmed in other countries, with Germany and Sri Lanka are the latest.

However, no fatalities have been reported outside China.

Wuhan, a city of 11 million, where the virus emerged late last year, is now under effective lockdown.

Tens of millions of others in Hubei live under some form of travel curbs set up to try to stifle the virus.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

China is confident of winning the battle against "demon" coronavirus, country's President Xi Jinping said during a meet with the head of the World Health Organisation.

China is confident of winning the battle against "demon" coronavirus, country's President Xi Jinping said during a meet with the head of the World Health Organisation. "The epidemic is a demon, and we cannot let this demon hide," Xi said adding that China is waging a battle against the "demon". Also read: Chinese media, official post fake image of newly constructed hospital Xi also pledged transparency in the government's effort to contain the deadly virus. "The Chinese government has always adopted an open, transparent and responsible attitude to the timely release of information on the epidemic to domestic and foreign countries." Xi also said that he believes the WHO and the international community will give a "calm, objective and rational" assessment of the virus. During the meet, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Xi discussed ways to protect Chinese and foreigners in areas affected by the coronavirus and "possible alternatives" to evacuations. Watch: Coronavirus cases confirmed in 4 continents Video Embed Code: × Concerns continue to mount in China as the death toll due to the coronavirus crossed 100 after China's National Health Commission reported more deaths due to the disease. Tuesday's toll of 106 dead was up from 81 the day before. The number of total confirmed cases in China surged to 4,515 as of Monday from 2,835 the previous day, the National Health Commission said. Though cases of the virus have been confirmed in other countries, with Germany and Sri Lanka are the latest. However, no fatalities have been reported outside China. Wuhan, a city of 11 million, where the virus emerged late last year, is now under effective lockdown. Tens of millions of others in Hubei live under some form of travel curbs set up to try to stifle the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

China confident of winning battle against 'demon' coronavirus: Xi Jinping tells WHO