Taiwan&nbsp;authorities have accused Chinese internet trolls of sowing panic over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-china-feeding-world-health-organisation-wrong-information-about-virus-cases-on-island-279116">coronavirus </a>outbreak, with much of the disinformation falsely implying the island has an out of control epidemic.

Police say they are investigating a surge of stories spreading online and through social media claiming President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-china-feeding-world-health-organisation-wrong-information-about-virus-cases-on-island-279116">Tsai Ing-wen</a>'s government was trying to cover up an outbreak.

"We suspect that mainland Chinese Internet trolls are making up and spreading the false messages based on the content and the phrases,"&nbsp;Taiwan's Investigation Bureau said in a statement late Wednesday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-china-feeding-world-health-organisation-wrong-information-about-virus-cases-on-island-279116">Taiwan says China feeding World Health Organisation wrong information about virus cases on island</a>

"The intent is to cause misunderstanding among the public and to sow panic to seriously jeopardise our social stability," it added.

Tsai, who won a landslide second term in January and is loathed by Beijing, took to Facebook to warn people against believing rumours.&nbsp;

While she did not mention China by name, she hinted at linguistic clues suggesting much of the misinformation was being written outside of&nbsp;Taiwan.&nbsp;

"Some of the rumours even contain phrases not used in&nbsp;Taiwan," she wrote.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-severity-shrinks-in-china-as-global-tally-continues-to-rise-282983">Coronavirus: Severity shrinks in China as global tally continues to rise</a>

One key language difference is that&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;uses traditional Chinese characters, not the simplified versions used on the mainland.

Despite its cultural links and close proximity to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-severity-shrinks-in-china-as-global-tally-continues-to-rise-282983">China</a>,&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;moved swiftly against the outbreak, quickly restricting and then banning arrivals from the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau.&nbsp;

It currently has 32 confirmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-severity-shrinks-in-china-as-global-tally-continues-to-rise-282983">COVID-19</a> cases, with one death.&nbsp;

The coronavirus outbreak has only added to tensions between&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-china-feeding-world-health-organisation-wrong-information-about-virus-cases-on-island-279116">Taiwan</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-severity-shrinks-in-china-as-global-tally-continues-to-rise-282983">China</a>.&nbsp;

Beijing regards the self-ruled democracy as its own territory and has kept it frozen out of international bodies including the World Health Organization.

And the island has long been a target for Chinese nationalist internet trolls seeking to undermine public faith in Tsai's government.&nbsp;

Analysts say trolls have got better in recent years at deploying traditional Chinese and Taiwanese phrasing.&nbsp;

But much of the current misinformation on the virus appears to be more rudimentary.&nbsp;

Examples of misinformation given by the Investigation Bureau was one false social media message claiming to be written by the child of a ruling party councillor saying Taipei "dares not disclose over 500 infections and 200 deaths".

Another false message alleged that the administration of "Governor Tsai," a term used by mainland Chinese to refer to the president, was covering up the cremation of bodies, the bureau said.&nbsp;

Taiwan's FactCheck Centre, an independent organisation that debunks misinformation said there has been a surge in false posts deploying simplified characters or common phrases used in mainland China.&nbsp;

"New variants of such disinformation keeping coming out to spread falsehoods in an attempt to create panic," the centre wrote.&nbsp;

"We urge readers not to forward these messages but to verify and discredit them."

Taiwan authorities have accused Chinese internet trolls of sowing panic over the coronavirus outbreak, with much of the disinformation falsely implying the island has an out of control epidemic.

Taiwan authorities have accused Chinese internet trolls of sowing panic over the coronavirus outbreak, with much of the disinformation falsely implying the island has an out of control epidemic. Police say they are investigating a surge of stories spreading online and through social media claiming President Tsai Ing-wen's government was trying to cover up an outbreak. "We suspect that mainland Chinese Internet trolls are making up and spreading the false messages based on the content and the phrases," Taiwan's Investigation Bureau said in a statement late Wednesday. Also read: Taiwan says China feeding World Health Organisation wrong information about virus cases on island "The intent is to cause misunderstanding among the public and to sow panic to seriously jeopardise our social stability," it added. Tsai, who won a landslide second term in January and is loathed by Beijing, took to Facebook to warn people against believing rumours. While she did not mention China by name, she hinted at linguistic clues suggesting much of the misinformation was being written outside of Taiwan. "Some of the rumours even contain phrases not used in Taiwan," she wrote. Also read: Coronavirus: Severity shrinks in China as global tally continues to rise One key language difference is that Taiwan uses traditional Chinese characters, not the simplified versions used on the mainland. Despite its cultural links and close proximity to China, Taiwan moved swiftly against the outbreak, quickly restricting and then banning arrivals from the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau. It currently has 32 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with one death. The coronavirus outbreak has only added to tensions between Taiwan and China. Beijing regards the self-ruled democracy as its own territory and has kept it frozen out of international bodies including the World Health Organization. And the island has long been a target for Chinese nationalist internet trolls seeking to undermine public faith in Tsai's government. Analysts say trolls have got better in recent years at deploying traditional Chinese and Taiwanese phrasing. But much of the current misinformation on the virus appears to be more rudimentary. Examples of misinformation given by the Investigation Bureau was one false social media message claiming to be written by the child of a ruling party councillor saying Taipei "dares not disclose over 500 infections and 200 deaths". Another false message alleged that the administration of "Governor Tsai," a term used by mainland Chinese to refer to the president, was covering up the cremation of bodies, the bureau said. Taiwan's FactCheck Centre, an independent organisation that debunks misinformation said there has been a surge in false posts deploying simplified characters or common phrases used in mainland China. "New variants of such disinformation keeping coming out to spread falsehoods in an attempt to create panic," the centre wrote. "We urge readers not to forward these messages but to verify and discredit them."

Taiwan accuses Chinese trolls of sowing virus panic

Italy, Iran and South Korea have emerged as a new hotbed of coronavirus outside China. Nearly three months after the spread of coronavirus, the reported cases of the coronavirus has now spiked to over 81,000 worldwide. New cases in China are declining while the rest of the world is reeling under the outbreak.

Coronavirus Outbreak: South Korea reports more than 1,595 cases

Denmark&nbsp;reported its first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-severity-shrinks-in-china-as-global-tally-continues-to-rise-282983">coronavirus </a>case Thursday, a man who had returned from a skiing holiday in northern Italy which has become a hotspot for the disease.

"The man who came back from a skiing trip with his wife and son on February 24 has been suffering since then from a cough and a temperature,"&nbsp;Denmark's public health agency said in a statement.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-severity-shrinks-in-china-as-global-tally-continues-to-rise-282983">Coronavirus: Severity shrinks in China as global tally continues to rise</a>

"The man tested positive, but the results of his wife and son are negative," it said.

The man is relatively well and has returned to his home, where he remains in isolation with his family, it added.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-confirms-latin-americas-first-coronavirus-case-us-reports-57-cases-282954">Brazil confirms Latin America's first coronavirus case; US reports 57 cases</a>

According to public TV station TV2, the man is one of its employees.

On Wednesday, a second death was reported in France while, Brazil, Georgia, Norway and North Macedonia reported their first coronavirus case.&nbsp;

France is on high alert after neighbouring Italy became a hotbed of the virus, where 12 people have been killed, infecting 400 others. &nbsp;

Denmark reported its first coronavirus case Thursday, a man who had returned from a skiing holiday in northern Italy which has become a hotspot for the disease. "The man who came back from a skiing trip with his wife and son on February 24 has been suffering since then from a cough and a temperature," Denmark's public health agency said in a statement.

Denmark reported its first coronavirus case Thursday, a man who had returned from a skiing holiday in northern Italy which has become a hotspot for the disease. "The man who came back from a skiing trip with his wife and son on February 24 has been suffering since then from a cough and a temperature," Denmark's public health agency said in a statement. Also read: Coronavirus: Severity shrinks in China as global tally continues to rise "The man tested positive, but the results of his wife and son are negative," it said. The man is relatively well and has returned to his home, where he remains in isolation with his family, it added. Also read: Brazil confirms Latin America's first coronavirus case; US reports 57 cases According to public TV station TV2, the man is one of its employees. On Wednesday, a second death was reported in France while, Brazil, Georgia, Norway and North Macedonia reported their first coronavirus case. France is on high alert after neighbouring Italy became a hotbed of the virus, where 12 people have been killed, infecting 400 others.

Denmark announces first coronavirus case

India has rescued another group of Indians and foreign nationals from the coronavirus epicentre Wuhan. Evacuees have now been sent to the Indo-Tibetian border police facility in New Delhi.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Indian Health Minister briefs media on evacuation operations undertaken

Several European nations have reported their first cases of the coronavirus. The virus continues to spread from Italy, which has become a coronavirus hotbed. Italy is one of the worst coronaviruses hit country outside China.

Virus spreads from Italy to EU nations

Iranian cyberpolice on Wednesday announced the arrests of 24 people accused of online rumour-mongering about the spread of a coronavirus outbreak that has claimed 19 lives in the country.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-emerging-faster-outside-china-who-282939">Islamic republic is scrambling to contain COVID-19 </a>a week after announcing the first two deaths in Qom, a centre for Islamic studies that draws pilgrims and scholars from abroad.

Schools, universities and cultural centres have been closed, sporting events cancelled, and teams of sanitary workers deployed to disinfect buses, trains and public spaces.

International health experts have expressed concern about Iran's handling of the outbreak -- the deadliest for any country other than China.

Such worries mounted on Tuesday when the head of the taskforce combatting the virus, Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi, admitted he himself had been infected.

But health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said the situation was "improving" even as he announced four more deaths and 44 new infections, including in six previously unaffected provinces.

The head of a newly established cyberpolice unit announced the arrest of 24 people accused of online rumour-mongering about the spread of the virus.

They were handed over to the judiciary, while 118 other internet users were briefly detained and received warnings, Vahid Majid said, cited by semi-official news agency ISNA.

The arrests were carried out after the establishment of a special unit to "combat rumour-mongers regarding the 'spread of coronavirus in the country'", he was quoted as saying.

"The police are monitoring all the news published in the country's cyberspace."

Majid said the unit would take action over news, pictures or videos that "contain rumours or fake news meant to disturb the public and increase concern in society".

'Extreme fear'

President Hassan Rouhani accused Iran's arch foe the United States of trying to use propaganda about the virus to instil "fear" against the country.

The Americans "themselves are struggling with coronavirus", Rouhani said in a weekly cabinet meeting.

He added that "16,000 people have died of influenza there but they don't talk about their own (dead)".

Rouhani's remarks came a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Iran of concealing the full extent of the outbreak, saying "Tehran may have suppressed vital details".

The virus has also infected Iranian officials.

Deputy health minister Harirchi had coughed and repeatedly wiped the sweat from his brow at a joint news conference Monday with government spokesman Ali Rabiei, who is now himself awaiting the results of a coronavirus test.

Harirchi stirred controversy at the time by denying a lawmaker's claim that 50 people had died from the virus in Qom, the epicentre of Iran's outbreak.

The latest health ministry figures show the virus has spread across the country.

There were 15 new cases in the central Shiite holy city of Qom, nine in Gilan in the north, four in the Tehran, and three in Fars in southern Iran, it said.

'Slightly concerning'

The ministry added that there was one new case in each of Markazi, Kermanshah, Ardebil, Mazandaran and Semnan provinces.

Newly hit regions included southwestern Khuzestan, which had three cases.

The others were Lorestan in the west, Semnan in central Iran, the southern province of Hormozgan, and Sistan and Baluchistan as well as Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad in the southeast, which all had two cases each.

The health ministry's spokesman, Jahanpour, appeared optimistic about the situation in the worst-hit province of Qom, south of Tehran.

"Every 24 hours at least 10 per cent of those hospitalised or suspect cases are discharged with good general health," said the official.

But in Gilan, "things are slightly concerning", he added, as it has had the second-highest number of new cases, including people who had made trips to other provinces.

The health minister has repeatedly called on Iranians to refrain from travelling to other provinces, especially those infected like Gilan.

Iran is yet to quarantine any of the infected cities, including Qom, with authorities dismissing the method as outdated and ineffective.

Iranian cyberpolice on Wednesday announced the arrests of 24 people accused of online rumour-mongering about the spread of a coronavirus outbreak that has claimed 19 lives in the country.

Iranian cyberpolice on Wednesday announced the arrests of 24 people accused of online rumour-mongering about the spread of a coronavirus outbreak that has claimed 19 lives in the country. The Islamic republic is scrambling to contain COVID-19 a week after announcing the first two deaths in Qom, a centre for Islamic studies that draws pilgrims and scholars from abroad. Schools, universities and cultural centres have been closed, sporting events cancelled, and teams of sanitary workers deployed to disinfect buses, trains and public spaces. International health experts have expressed concern about Iran's handling of the outbreak -- the deadliest for any country other than China. Such worries mounted on Tuesday when the head of the taskforce combatting the virus, Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi, admitted he himself had been infected. But health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said the situation was "improving" even as he announced four more deaths and 44 new infections, including in six previously unaffected provinces. The head of a newly established cyberpolice unit announced the arrest of 24 people accused of online rumour-mongering about the spread of the virus. They were handed over to the judiciary, while 118 other internet users were briefly detained and received warnings, Vahid Majid said, cited by semi-official news agency ISNA. The arrests were carried out after the establishment of a special unit to "combat rumour-mongers regarding the 'spread of coronavirus in the country'", he was quoted as saying. "The police are monitoring all the news published in the country's cyberspace." Majid said the unit would take action over news, pictures or videos that "contain rumours or fake news meant to disturb the public and increase concern in society". 'Extreme fear' President Hassan Rouhani accused Iran's arch foe the United States of trying to use propaganda about the virus to instil "fear" against the country. The Americans "themselves are struggling with coronavirus", Rouhani said in a weekly cabinet meeting. He added that "16,000 people have died of influenza there but they don't talk about their own (dead)". Rouhani's remarks came a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Iran of concealing the full extent of the outbreak, saying "Tehran may have suppressed vital details". The virus has also infected Iranian officials. Deputy health minister Harirchi had coughed and repeatedly wiped the sweat from his brow at a joint news conference Monday with government spokesman Ali Rabiei, who is now himself awaiting the results of a coronavirus test. Harirchi stirred controversy at the time by denying a lawmaker's claim that 50 people had died from the virus in Qom, the epicentre of Iran's outbreak. The latest health ministry figures show the virus has spread across the country. There were 15 new cases in the central Shiite holy city of Qom, nine in Gilan in the north, four in the Tehran, and three in Fars in southern Iran, it said. 'Slightly concerning' The ministry added that there was one new case in each of Markazi, Kermanshah, Ardebil, Mazandaran and Semnan provinces. Newly hit regions included southwestern Khuzestan, which had three cases. The others were Lorestan in the west, Semnan in central Iran, the southern province of Hormozgan, and Sistan and Baluchistan as well as Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad in the southeast, which all had two cases each. The health ministry's spokesman, Jahanpour, appeared optimistic about the situation in the worst-hit province of Qom, south of Tehran. "Every 24 hours at least 10 per cent of those hospitalised or suspect cases are discharged with good general health," said the official. But in Gilan, "things are slightly concerning", he added, as it has had the second-highest number of new cases, including people who had made trips to other provinces. The health minister has repeatedly called on Iranians to refrain from travelling to other provinces, especially those infected like Gilan. Iran is yet to quarantine any of the infected cities, including Qom, with authorities dismissing the method as outdated and ineffective.

Cyberpolice in virus-hit Iran arrest 24 over COVID-19 rumours

The reported cases of the coronavirus have now spiked to over 80,000 worldwide. While at least 2,700 people are already killed. In this segment of WION, we bring to you ground report from China's coronavirus-hit Wuhan city.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Ground report on coronavirus from Wuhan | WION-CGTN Partnership

Several European nations have reported their first cases of the coronavirus. The virus continues to spread from Italy, which has become a coronavirus hotbed. Italy is one of the worst coronavirus hit country outside China.

Coronavirus Outbreak: European nations report their first cases

Shoppers in Italy rushed to the supermarkets to stock up with basic products amid fears of coronavirus.

WION Wallet: Coronavirus outbreak causes panic in Italy

As China has now reported 71 new deaths from the coronavirus outbreak. 598 people contracted the virus overnight out of which nine of the cases were from the Hubei province. Watch report:

508 new cases of Covid-19 reported in China

The death toll of the deadly coronavirus has reached to 2469 with more than 77,000 cases around the world. New hotbeds of COVID-19 are emerging around the world with South Korea, Iran and Italy recording a spike in infections. Watch report:

Coronavirus death toll surges to 2, 469

Deadly Coronavirus has claimed two lives in Italy in less than 24 hours with almost 79 cases reported in the European nation. A dozen towns have been put under virtual lockdown with massive travel restrictions in place.

Deadly Coronavirus has claimed two lives in Italy in less than 24 hours with almost 79 cases reported in the European nation. A dozen towns have been put under virtual lockdown with massive travel restrictions in place. Shops, offices and community centres were deserted in Codogno in Lombardy region where the 2 deaths occurred. Lombardy and Veneto represent Italy's industrial heart and jointly account for 30% of gross domestic output. Companies from Ray-Ban owner Luxottica to the country's top bank UniCredit have told workers living in the affected areas to stay home, reported news agency Reuters. Authorities postponed three Inter Milan football matches over coronavirus fears. "I've wondered myself why so many cases in Italy ... and the answer is in the rigorous and meticulous controls our country has adopted from the start," Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said at a late-night press conference. Italy's first victim was a 76-year-old woman who was found dead at her home 50 km (30 miles) south of Milan on Thursday and tested positive for the coronavirus. A 78-year-old man died of the infection in a hospital near Padua on Friday night.

Coronavirus: 2 dead, 79 infected in Italy as country resorts to punitive measures to contain outbreak 

The death toll from the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak has now reached 2,442 with more than 77,000 people infected around the world.

Coronavirus Outbreak: More than 77,000 people infected around the world

The Indian government has issued a travel advisory for citizens amid coronavirus outbreak. The Indian government has advised people to avoid non-essential travel to Singapore. The universal screening at some airports is now being planned.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Indian govt issues fresh travel advisory

As the coronavirus continues to spread there is a lot of misinformation that is doing rounds with it. The United States has blamed Russia for leading the disinformation campaign.

Coronavirus Outbreak: US blames Russia for fueling disinformation

Source have told WION, that China is deliberately delaying granting clearance to an Indian flight which will carry out evacuation operation in Wuhan.

News Alert: China delaying clearance to Indian flight for evacuation operation

Italy has reported the first European casualty from the coronavirus outbreak. 78-year old Adriano Trevisan was hospitalised 10 days ago for a completely unrelated health condition, Adriano was diagnosed with coronavirus based on preliminary tests.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Italy reports first European casualty

China's deadly coronavirus has spread across West Asia. The cumulative figure of cases outside China is now well beyond 1,200. A dramatic surge in new cases has been reported in the West Asian countries.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Coronavirus hits West Asia

South Korea is worst infected with coronavirus outside China. A dramatic surge in coronavirus cases has been reported in South Korea. The total number of infected people has reached 346 in South Korea. As per the latest reports, In China, the death toll of the coronavirus outbreak surged to 2,345 with more than 76,000 people infected.

Coronavirus Outbreak: South Korea confirms 142 new cases

As per the latest reports, In China the death toll of the coronavirus outbreak surged to 2,345 with more than 76,000 people infected.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Death toll in China rise to 2,345

Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster was scheduled to fly to China on Friday to evacuate Indian citizens, but the special flight is awaiting clearance from the Beijing.

Coronavirus Outbreak | India asks China to grant permit to Indian Jet: Sources

As per the latest reports, In China, the death toll of the coronavirus outbreak surged to 2,345 with more than 76,000 people infected.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Iran reports 5th Covid-19 related death

Coronavirus Outbreak: India accuses China of denying permission for relief flight

Hong Kong cops infected with coronavirus | Ground Report from Hong Kong

The death toll in China from the coronavirus epidemic rose to 2,233 on Friday after 115 more people died in Hubei province, the hard-hit epicentre of the outbreak.

Your Story: Masks prices skyrocket in Hong Kong

Coronavirus Outbreak: CGTN's Jiaxin Zhou reports from Wuhan | WION-CGTN Exclusive

The Chengdu Breeding and Research Base of Giant Pandas in southwest China's Sichuan Province have recently taken a video of cute giant panda and transmitted to the temporary hospital in central China's Wuhan City to satisfy their aspirations of seeing pandas and as an encouragement to the patients of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Cute panda videos cheer up coronavirus patients in Wuhan temporary hospital

As per the latest reports, the death toll of the coronavirus outbreak surged to 2,233 with more than 75,000 people infected.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Hong Kong satisfied with China's efforts to contain outbreak?

WION received two videos from Pakistani nationals in which a father and a Pakistani student are making an appeal to the Pakistan government to evacuate Pakistan nationals from China. Earlier, a Chinese diplomat on February 20 backed Pakistan's decision not to evacuate Pakistani students from Wuhan city a day after the angry parents issued an ultimatum to the country's government of holding a demonstration if they bring their children back within three days.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Pakistani nationals appeal to their government

The coronavirus outbreak has given birth to a new era. Now China has launched a worldwide offensive against any negative coverage of the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus Outbreak: China's war on foreign media

As per the latest reports, The death toll of the coronavirus outbreak surged to 2,233 with more than 75,000 people infected.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Death toll surged to 2,233

covid-19-0

Covid 19, News on Covid 19, stories on Covid 19, articles on Covid 19, Covid 19 stories at Wion, Covid 19 news, Covid 19 latest news

covid 19-0

Taiwan accuses Chinese trolls of sowing virus panic

Coronavirus Outbreak: South Korea reports more than 1,595 cases

Denmark announces first coronavirus case

Coronavirus Outbreak: Indian Health Minister briefs media on evacuation operations undertaken

Virus spreads from Italy to EU nations

Cyberpolice in virus-hit Iran arrest 24 over COVID-19 rumours

Coronavirus Outbreak: Ground report on coronavirus from Wuhan | WION-CGTN Partnership

Coronavirus Outbreak: European nations report their first cases

WION Wallet: Coronavirus outbreak causes panic in Italy

508 new cases of Covid-19 reported in China

Coronavirus death toll surges to 2, 469

Coronavirus: 2 dead, 79 infected in Italy as country resorts to punitive measures to contain outbreak

Coronavirus Outbreak: More than 77,000 people infected around the world

Coronavirus Outbreak: More than 77,000 people infected around the world

Coronavirus Outbreak: Indian govt issues fresh travel advisory

Coronavirus Outbreak: US blames Russia for fueling disinformation

News Alert: China delaying clearance to Indian flight for evacuation operation

Coronavirus Outbreak: Italy reports first European casualty

Coronavirus Outbreak: Coronavirus hits West Asia

Coronavirus Outbreak: South Korea confirms 142 new cases

Coronavirus Outbreak: Death toll in China rise to 2,345

Coronavirus Outbreak | India asks China to grant permit to Indian Jet: Sources

Coronavirus Outbreak: Iran reports 5th Covid-19 related death

Coronavirus Outbreak: India accuses China of denying permission for relief flight