People around the world are changing their habits at work, home and at the place of&nbsp;worship as well to reduce the risk of contracting the new coronavirus and prevent it from spreading any further.

They are refusing handshakes, and are avoiding hugging. Instead, they are looking for alternatives such as&nbsp;fist bumps&nbsp;or&nbsp;a hand gesture.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1500-new-cases-of-coronavirus-outside-of-china-who-283848">1,500 new cases of coronavirus outside of China: WHO</a>

In Beijing, the capital of the country where the outbreak began, red hoardings tell people not to shake hands but to join their own hands together in a sign of greeting.

In Iran, where 66 people have been killed by the virus,&nbsp;the footshake is becoming famous as the new handshake.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-team-arrives-as-death-toll-in-coronavirus-climbs-to-66-in-iran-283841">UN team arrives as death toll in coronavirus climbs to 66 in Iran</a>

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard urged Australians to kiss with caution and suggested a pat on the back instead of a handshake.

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Newly adopted greetings for Corona instead of a handshake <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/corona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#corona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Manchester?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Manchester</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirusUpdate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirusUpdate</a> <a href="https://t.co/1sjYz8y3TK">pic.twitter.com/1sjYz8y3TK</a>
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In France, newspapers are&nbsp;advising people&nbsp;on to replace kissing on the cheek and handshaking with&nbsp;looking into a person's eyes can suffice as a greeting.

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Check out the new anti-corona handshake ! <a href="https://t.co/n27AYrUgcK">pic.twitter.com/n27AYrUgcK</a>
— Clive Sutton (@clivesutton) <a href="https://twitter.com/clivesutton/status/1234105456957808640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The United Arab Emirates, as well as Qatar, are advising citizens to stop the traditional "nose to nose" greeting.

The country also suggested&nbsp;that people shouldn't shake hands or kiss. Greet each other "by waving only", it said.

Coronavirus has killed more than 3,000&nbsp;&nbsp;and infected more than 89,000 globally.

&nbsp;

People around the world are changing their habits at work, home and at the place of worship as well to reduce the risk of contracting the new coronavirus and prevent it from spreading any further.

People around the world are changing their habits at work, home and at the place of worship as well to reduce the risk of contracting the new coronavirus and prevent it from spreading any further. They are refusing handshakes, and are avoiding hugging. Instead, they are looking for alternatives such as fist bumps or a hand gesture. Also read: 1,500 new cases of coronavirus outside of China: WHO In Beijing, the capital of the country where the outbreak began, red hoardings tell people not to shake hands but to join their own hands together in a sign of greeting. In Iran, where 66 people have been killed by the virus, the footshake is becoming famous as the new handshake. Also read: UN team arrives as death toll in coronavirus climbs to 66 in Iran New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard urged Australians to kiss with caution and suggested a pat on the back instead of a handshake. Newly adopted greetings for Corona instead of a handshake #corona #Manchester #CoronaVirusUpdate pic.twitter.com/1sjYz8y3TK — VIMTO 🍷 (@visitorsin) March 1, 2020 × In France, newspapers are advising people on to replace kissing on the cheek and handshaking with looking into a person's eyes can suffice as a greeting. Check out the new anti-corona handshake ! pic.twitter.com/n27AYrUgcK — Clive Sutton (@clivesutton) March 1, 2020 × The United Arab Emirates, as well as Qatar, are advising citizens to stop the traditional "nose to nose" greeting. The country also suggested that people shouldn't shake hands or kiss. Greet each other "by waving only", it said. Coronavirus has killed more than 3,000 and infected more than 89,000 globally.

Handshake? No thanks! Coronavirus changes global habits

Europe's worst affected country by COVID-19 outbreak

Around 61 countries across the globe are grappling with coronavirus outbreak at the moment and China has reported 125 new infected cases, which is the lowest the virus hit country has recorded in six weeks. Watch report:

Covid-19 death toll leaps to over 3,125 globally

In the latest coming in on the Coronavirus in India, a third new suspected case has been reported. An Italian national in the Indian state of Rajasthan has been tested positive of the virus. watch report:

Two new Covid-19 cases reported in India, Italian national suspect in Rajasthan

The head of the religious sect has apologised to the nation for the spread of coronavirus in South Korea. Lee Man-hee, the leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, got on his knees and bowed at a news conference. About 60% of the country's more than 4,000 confirmed cases are sect members. Deaths nationwide now stand at 28. Watch report:

South Korea church leader apologises for coronavirus spread

WION has confirmation that the man infected with coronavirus in New Delhi is the father of a child studying in one of the school's in Noida. the family held a get together recently where school students and many parents were in attendance as well. In an order to contain the virus The Indian Health Ministry has quarantined everyone present in that get-together and is waiting for their sample results. Watch report:

Coronavirus Outbreak: Visas and E-visas for 4 nation suspended

Government authorities on Tuesday confirmed a new case of coronavirus in New Delhi. An individual, who dined at La Piazza restaurant at Hyatt Regency in Delhi on February 28, has been diagnosed with Covid-19, news agency ANI reported quoting government sources.

Government authorities on Tuesday confirmed a new case of coronavirus in New Delhi. An individual, who dined at La Piazza restaurant at Hyatt Regency in Delhi on February 28, has been diagnosed with Covid-19, news agency ANI reported quoting government sources. All colleagues who were present at restaurant on February 28 have been asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. The restaurant has also started to conduct daily temperature checks for all colleagues and contractors when they enter and exit the building, the report added. Meanwhile, a private school in Noida has been shut after it was reported that one of the parents of a student tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. Also read: UN team arrives as death toll in coronavirus climbs to 66 in Iran Health authorities are conducting necessary medical checks and the school management has postponed all the exams except boards. According to WION sources, the person from Delhi who has been detected with the coronavirus yesterday is a child’s father from the Noida school. He was present in a kid’s birthday party in Noida in which several children and parents from that school were also present. Whoever was present at the party is being checked for infection.

Man dined at luxury hotel in Delhi tests positive for Covid-19

With at least 3125 deaths worldwide, the coronavirus outbreak is only intensifying by the day. At a time like this more and more questions are arising over travel due to virus and likely transmission.

31 people die in China in last 24 hours

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson addresses media over Coivd-19, a global contagion. Reportedly, the United Kingdom has 39 cases of Coronavirus. Boris says 'We are fully prepared to tackle this disease'

UK PM Boris Johnson addresses media over Covid-19 outbreak

The International Olympic Committee (IOC)&nbsp;said Tuesday it was busy with preparations for a "successful" Summer Games in Tokyo in less than five months and at a time when the coronavirus outbreak is widening.

IOC president Thomas Bach, speaking at the opening of the Olympic body's two-day executive board meeting in Lausanne, said: "We are preparing for a successful Olympic Games, Tokyo 2020."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-face-big-communications-job-as-virus-jitters-hit-tokyo-olympics-280676">IOC face 'big communications job' as virus jitters hit Tokyo Olympics</a>

Many sporting events around the world have either been cancelled or postponed in the wake of the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

More than 3,100 people have died and over 90,000 have been infected in more than 60 countries worldwide.

The vast majority of cases are in China, but South Korea, Italy and Iran have emerged as the countries with the most cases outside the epicentre.

The virus has infected at least 230 people across Japan and been linked to five deaths.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympic-ceo-calls-coronavirus-concern-irresponsible-rumours-280473">Tokyo Olympics CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours'</a>

"We will have to prepare many of the final decisions that we will have to take in June," Bach said in reference to a first pre-Games executive board meeting between June 15-17, also in Lausanne.

"We will have to make some proposals for the session in Tokyo."

The IOC board is also set to meet on July 18-19 in Tokyo, with the Olympics running from July 24-August 9.

The IOC will on Tuesday discuss the coronavirus crisis, and on Wednesday hold a video call between the Tokyo 2020 organising committee and John Coates, the Australian chairman of the IOC's coordination commission for the first summer Olympics in Japan since 1964.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said Tuesday it was busy with preparations for a "successful" Summer Games in Tokyo in less than five months and at a time when the coronavirus outbreak is widening.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said Tuesday it was busy with preparations for a "successful" Summer Games in Tokyo in less than five months and at a time when the coronavirus outbreak is widening. IOC president Thomas Bach, speaking at the opening of the Olympic body's two-day executive board meeting in Lausanne, said: "We are preparing for a successful Olympic Games, Tokyo 2020." Also Read: IOC face 'big communications job' as virus jitters hit Tokyo Olympics Many sporting events around the world have either been cancelled or postponed in the wake of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. More than 3,100 people have died and over 90,000 have been infected in more than 60 countries worldwide. The vast majority of cases are in China, but South Korea, Italy and Iran have emerged as the countries with the most cases outside the epicentre. The virus has infected at least 230 people across Japan and been linked to five deaths. Also Read: Tokyo Olympics CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours' "We will have to prepare many of the final decisions that we will have to take in June," Bach said in reference to a first pre-Games executive board meeting between June 15-17, also in Lausanne. "We will have to make some proposals for the session in Tokyo." The IOC board is also set to meet on July 18-19 in Tokyo, with the Olympics running from July 24-August 9. The IOC will on Tuesday discuss the coronavirus crisis, and on Wednesday hold a video call between the Tokyo 2020 organising committee and John Coates, the Australian chairman of the IOC's coordination commission for the first summer Olympics in Japan since 1964.

Preparing for 'successful' Tokyo Olympics 2020, says IOC chief

In a tweet, PM Modi shared basic protective measures and said that these small yet important steps can help in ensuring self-protection.

Coronavirus Outbreak: No need to panic, tweets PM Modi

The Karnataka Health Department has initiated extensive measures after one techie from the city tested positive for the deadly Covid-19. The 24-yr-old techie, who was employed in Bengaluru, had travelled to Dubai on February 16 and worked with colleagues from Hong Kong. He then returned to Bengaluru on February 19 when he underwent thermal screening at the airport but was said have not displayed symptoms at that point in time.&nbsp;

The techie then stayed in Bengaluru till February 21 after which he headed to Hyderabad in a bus. In Hyderabad, he displayed symptoms of the virus that did not subside and he was eventually shifted to the state-run Gandhi Hospital in the city. With the techie now testing positive for Covid-19, the health department in Karnataka have the task of identifying all those who came in primary contact with the patient. Primary contact for Covid-19 is anyone who has come within 1metre proximity of the patient for a period of at least 15 minutes.&nbsp;

Those who are being screened now in Bengaluru include 25 employees in the office of the patient who has been isolated in their homes and has been placed under observation. The apartment building in the city where the patient resides has 92 homes. All residents of the building are being screened by the health department officials. Also, 23 individuals from Bengaluru had travelled in the bus to Hyderabad with the patient, who are currently being identified, contacted and screened. 20 other bus passengers are residents of Telangana, whose details have been shared with the said state government. Apart from these, passengers and crew of the aircraft in which the patient travelled are also being reached out for screening. In all, the health department of Karnataka has so far reached out to 50-60% of the primary contacts and are in the process of screening them.&nbsp;

Karnataka currently has 2 labs where tests are being conducted and results were given out in a matter of 24 hours. The two labs are in National Institute of Virology at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases and Bangalore Medical College. 630 government hospital beds and 1600 private hospital beds across the state of Karnataka have been reserved for Covid-19 patients.&nbsp;

'The isolation wards should be well lit. There should be cross ventilation and a constant flow of fresh air. The distance between the beds in isolation wards should be a minimum of 1 metre' said Dr Nagaraj, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases which has 15 of these beds.&nbsp;

Screening is being conducted in airports and seaports along the long coast of Karnataka for possible cases of Covid-19.&nbsp;

While close to 40,000 passengers have been screened in Bengaluru airport so far, 20,000 passengers have been screened in Mangalore airport.&nbsp;

The airport medical staff have been reinforced with additional staff from the health department to help effectively screen the passengers.&nbsp;

'The health department has also held talks with travel associations, tourist operators association and IT companies association on precautionary measures that need to be taken. They have been issued an advisory.' said Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Health Commissioner, Karnataka.

The Karnataka Health Department has initiated extensive measures after one techie from the city tested positive for the deadly Covid-19. The 24-yr-old techie, who was employed in Bengaluru, had travelled to Dubai on February 16 and worked with colleagues from Hong Kong.

The Karnataka Health Department has initiated extensive measures after one techie from the city tested positive for the deadly Covid-19. The 24-yr-old techie, who was employed in Bengaluru, had travelled to Dubai on February 16 and worked with colleagues from Hong Kong. He then returned to Bengaluru on February 19 when he underwent thermal screening at the airport but was said have not displayed symptoms at that point in time. The techie then stayed in Bengaluru till February 21 after which he headed to Hyderabad in a bus. In Hyderabad, he displayed symptoms of the virus that did not subside and he was eventually shifted to the state-run Gandhi Hospital in the city. With the techie now testing positive for Covid-19, the health department in Karnataka have the task of identifying all those who came in primary contact with the patient. Primary contact for Covid-19 is anyone who has come within 1metre proximity of the patient for a period of at least 15 minutes. Those who are being screened now in Bengaluru include 25 employees in the office of the patient who has been isolated in their homes and has been placed under observation. The apartment building in the city where the patient resides has 92 homes. All residents of the building are being screened by the health department officials. Also, 23 individuals from Bengaluru had travelled in the bus to Hyderabad with the patient, who are currently being identified, contacted and screened. 20 other bus passengers are residents of Telangana, whose details have been shared with the said state government. Apart from these, passengers and crew of the aircraft in which the patient travelled are also being reached out for screening. In all, the health department of Karnataka has so far reached out to 50-60% of the primary contacts and are in the process of screening them. Karnataka currently has 2 labs where tests are being conducted and results were given out in a matter of 24 hours. The two labs are in National Institute of Virology at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases and Bangalore Medical College. 630 government hospital beds and 1600 private hospital beds across the state of Karnataka have been reserved for Covid-19 patients. 'The isolation wards should be well lit. There should be cross ventilation and a constant flow of fresh air. The distance between the beds in isolation wards should be a minimum of 1 metre' said Dr Nagaraj, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases which has 15 of these beds. Screening is being conducted in airports and seaports along the long coast of Karnataka for possible cases of Covid-19. While close to 40,000 passengers have been screened in Bengaluru airport so far, 20,000 passengers have been screened in Mangalore airport. The airport medical staff have been reinforced with additional staff from the health department to help effectively screen the passengers. 'The health department has also held talks with travel associations, tourist operators association and IT companies association on precautionary measures that need to be taken. They have been issued an advisory.' said Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Health Commissioner, Karnataka.

Karnataka on alert as Bengaluru techie tests positive for Covid-19

South Korea is now the biggest hotspot outside Mainland China. the country has now reported 476 new cases, bringing the total number to 4212 and has recorded 26 deaths. In the capital Seoul, the Mayor urged the cities 10 million residents to work from home and to avoid crowded places. Watch WION's ground report:

WION Ground Report: South Korea worst hit outside China, 2600 deaths, 4200+ cases

New Delhi comes under Covid-19 radar, Noida school shut

In just 48 hours a group of scientists completed the DNA sequencing of the deadly coronavirus that has already claimed over 3125 lives globally. the experiment was a joint effort by Adolful Leutes Insitute in partnership with Tropical Medical Institute, University of Sao Paulo Medical School and the Oxford University in the UK.

Brazil completes Covid-19 DNA sequencing to help in developing vaccines

With at least 3125 deaths worldwide, the coronavirus outbreak is only intensifying by the day. At a time like this more and more questions are arising over travel due to virus and likely transmission. WION is answering some of your questions:

Covid-19 frequently asked questions, WION answers

Tech giants Google and Twitter have asked their employees to work from home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Most of the employees of Goggle's European headquarters in Dublin have been asked to work from home on Tuesday after one of its staff members reported flu-like symptoms.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/handshake-no-thanks-coronavirus-changes-global-habits-283893">Handshake? No thanks: coronavirus changes global habits</a>

A Google employee had tested positive for the virus in Zurich last week.

Other tech companies such as Twitter and Coinbase followed suit.

In a blog post, Twitter said it was mandatory for staff in Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea to work remotely.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1500-new-cases-of-coronavirus-outside-of-china-who-283848">1,500 new cases of coronavirus outside of China: WHO</a>

The social media giant said it was "strongly encouraging" all of its 5,000 employees around the world to not come into work.

It had prohibited all non-essential business travel and events for its workers.

Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has also asked its employees to work from home who consider themselves susceptible to the flu.

Coronavirus has killed more than 3,000 &nbsp;and infected more than 89,000 globally.

Tech giants Google and Twitter have asked their employees to work from home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Most of the employees of Goggle's European headquarters in Dublin have been asked to work from home on Tuesday after one of its staff members reported flu-like symptoms.

Tech giants Google and Twitter have asked their employees to work from home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Most of the employees of Goggle's European headquarters in Dublin have been asked to work from home on Tuesday after one of its staff members reported flu-like symptoms. Also read: Handshake? No thanks: coronavirus changes global habits A Google employee had tested positive for the virus in Zurich last week. Other tech companies such as Twitter and Coinbase followed suit. In a blog post, Twitter said it was mandatory for staff in Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea to work remotely. Also read: 1,500 new cases of coronavirus outside of China: WHO The social media giant said it was "strongly encouraging" all of its 5,000 employees around the world to not come into work. It had prohibited all non-essential business travel and events for its workers. Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has also asked its employees to work from home who consider themselves susceptible to the flu. Coronavirus has killed more than 3,000 and infected more than 89,000 globally.

'Work from home': Google and Twitter order their staff amid coronavirus concerns

Imagine a day when you cannot step out of your house to purchase basic amenities. For those living in China, this is reality as the lethal coronavirus continues to claim lives and spread the infection across the borders. Watch report.

How is Beijing coping with Coronavirus

Netanyahu is battling for his political survival. A leader who has been unchallenged for more than a decade appears to have met his match. This third election in the country is also different because it is taking place under the shadow of the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Watch report: '

Israel in elections overshadowed by Covid-19

Death toll from the novel coronavirus outbreak has surged to over 3000 across the world. At the moment around 88000 people are infected by the deadly Wuhan virus globally. Mainland China has reported 42 new deaths. Watch report:

China reports 42 new deaths from coronavirus

The leader of a South Korean sect linked to more than half the country's 4,000-plus coronavirus cases apologised Monday for the spread of the disease.

WION Fineprint: South korean leader apologises over Coronavirus spread

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

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

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

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

Novel coronavirus infects more than 88,000 worldwide | WION News | World News The virus, formally known as Covid-19, has infected more than 88,400 people since the outbreak began last December in Wuhan, China.

Novel coronavirus infects more than 88,000 worldwide

COVID-19: Confirmed coronavirus cases in Italy jump 50% in 24 hours | WION News | World News Italian health authorities announced on Sunday that the total number of individuals confirmed to have the coronavirus expanded to 1,694, a 50% jump from the day before.

COVID-19: Confirmed coronavirus cases in Italy jump 50% in 24 hours

Health officials in Washington state said Sunday night that a second person had died from the coronavirus.

Second coronavirus death in U.S. reported in Seattle area | WION News | World News

Will Covid-19 be another global pandemic? WION News | World News The death toll from the global coronavirus outbreak has surged to over 3000 across the world and at the moment close to 88,000 people are infected globally

Will Covid-19 be another global pandemic?

World reels under Covid-19; Global Coronavirus death toll surpasses 3000 The death toll from the global coronavirus outbreak has surged to over 3000 across the world and at the moment close to 88,000 people are infected globally.

World reels under Covid-19; Global Coronavirus death toll surpasses 3000

Prosecutors are deciding whether to investigate the founder and top leaders of Shincheonji church of Jesus, whose members account for nearly 60 per cent of the country’s more than 3,500 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, on murder and other charges.

Seoul officials asked for the inquiry, accusing the church’s leaders of contributing to South Korea's rising death toll, now at 18, by failing to provide an accurate list of church members and by interfering with the government’s efforts to fight the outbreak.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-close-to-88000-people-infected-more-than-3000-dead-globally-283606">Coronavirus: Close to 88,000 people infected, more than 3,000 dead globally</a>

The leader of the&nbsp;secretive South Korean sect linked to more than half the country's 4,000-plus coronavirus cases apologised on Monday for the spread of the disease.

"I would like to offer my sincere apology to the people," said Lee, his voice breaking.

"Although it was not intentional, many people have been infected," the 88-year-old said, twice getting to his knees to bow before reporters in Gapyeong, his head to the floor.&nbsp;

"I seek the forgiveness of the people."

"I am very thankful to the government for its efforts," he added. "I also seek forgiveness from&nbsp;the government."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-weighs-on-south-korea-february-trade-ministry-says-worse-to-come-283540">Coronavirus weighs on South Korea February trade; ministry says worse to come</a>

The plea for forgiveness for Shincheonji's head Lee Man-hee came after Seoul city authorities filed a murder complaint against him for failing to cooperate in containing the epidemic.&nbsp;

Seoul's city government has asked prosecutors to press charges including homicide against Lee and 11 other leaders after the sect was accused of submitting false lists of its members to authorities.

For its part, the sect insisted that it&nbsp;was "actively cooperating with the government" and its members face social stigma and discrimination if their beliefs become publicly known, dissuading some from responding to official inquiries.

Prosecutors are deciding whether to investigate the founder and top leaders of Shincheonji church of Jesus, whose members account for nearly 60 per cent of the country’s more than 3,500 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, on murder and other charges.

Prosecutors are deciding whether to investigate the founder and top leaders of Shincheonji church of Jesus, whose members account for nearly 60 per cent of the country’s more than 3,500 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, on murder and other charges. Seoul officials asked for the inquiry, accusing the church’s leaders of contributing to South Korea's rising death toll, now at 18, by failing to provide an accurate list of church members and by interfering with the government’s efforts to fight the outbreak. Also read: Coronavirus: Close to 88,000 people infected, more than 3,000 dead globally The leader of the secretive South Korean sect linked to more than half the country's 4,000-plus coronavirus cases apologised on Monday for the spread of the disease. "I would like to offer my sincere apology to the people," said Lee, his voice breaking. "Although it was not intentional, many people have been infected," the 88-year-old said, twice getting to his knees to bow before reporters in Gapyeong, his head to the floor. "I seek the forgiveness of the people." "I am very thankful to the government for its efforts," he added. "I also seek forgiveness from the government." Also read: Coronavirus weighs on South Korea February trade; ministry says worse to come The plea for forgiveness for Shincheonji's head Lee Man-hee came after Seoul city authorities filed a murder complaint against him for failing to cooperate in containing the epidemic. Seoul's city government has asked prosecutors to press charges including homicide against Lee and 11 other leaders after the sect was accused of submitting false lists of its members to authorities. For its part, the sect insisted that it was "actively cooperating with the government" and its members face social stigma and discrimination if their beliefs become publicly known, dissuading some from responding to official inquiries.

Coronavirus: South Korean sect leader apologises; faces murder charge

Two confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported today from India. One of the patient is from New Delhi while the other one is from Telangana, the ministry of health and family welfare said. It said that both the patients are stable and are being closely monitored.

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