China's efforts to control the deadly outbreak of a new coronavirus "are working", Beijing's top diplomat said Thursday, attributing an easing in new cases to his country's "forceful action" against the illness.

Speaking in Laos before talks with peers from the 10 Southeast Asian (ASEAN) countries, Wang Yi said the outbreak was "controllable and curable" despite the global panic it has seeded.

"China is not only protecting its own people but also the rest of the world," he told the summit in Vientiane, referencing a recent sharp drop in new cases of the virus inside China, where it has killed more than 2,100 people.

The hastily-convened summit with ASEAN neighbours comes as a region dependent on the flow of Chinese goods and tourists faces a steep bill following restrictions on movement from China.

A similar meeting was held in 2003 following the outbreak of SARS.

Originating in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the new coronavirus -- known as COVID-19 -- has infected more than 74,000 people inside China.

The government has locked down tens of millions of people in several virus-hit cities, extended Lunar New Year holidays and pulled flights in a scramble to contain the virus.

Still the health scare has cascaded across Southeast Asia, with cases recorded in the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam have restricted flights from mainland China and suspended visa-free arrivals as health screening ramps up at entry points.

Thailand, which has imposed no such restrictions, reported a 90 per cent slump in arrivals from the mainland this month, a gut punch to an already beleaguered tourist sector which makes up nearly a fifth of the economy.

Thailand anticipates a loss of more than $8 billion by year's end from the tourist tail-off.

'Temporary' impact

But China's Wang said the drop-off would be "temporary".

"The outbreak may have taken a toll on cooperation between China and ASEAN but such impacts can be overcome and made-up for ... the long-term trajectory will remain intact," he said during a press conference after the meeting.

"Fear is more threatening than the virus, and confidence is more precious than gold," he added.

China sees ASEAN as its backyard and has ramped up economic, diplomatic and cultural influence over recent years with billions of dollars of investment, tourist outflows and a bigger presence at regional summits.

There are fears prolonged disruption from the virus could slow work on the massive China-backed "Belt and Road" infrastructure schemes which criss-cross ASEAN.

But Wang laughed off concerns Thursday, telling AFP there "won't be any negative impacts" on various projects dotting the region.

"In contrast, it will strengthen our collaboration and unity, and push forward the Belt and Road initiative together," he told AFP.

Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin Jr thanked China for its "unprecedented domestic measures and quick action" -- apparently referring to the lockdowns of several large cities as the virus spread.

But he recognised the "massively detrimental" economic impact of the disease, which has constricted global trade and tourism vital to many Southeast Asian economies.

China's efforts to control the deadly outbreak of a new coronavirus "are working", Beijing's top diplomat said Thursday, attributing an easing in new cases to his country's "forceful action" against the illness.

China's efforts to control the deadly outbreak of a new coronavirus "are working", Beijing's top diplomat said Thursday, attributing an easing in new cases to his country's "forceful action" against the illness. Speaking in Laos before talks with peers from the 10 Southeast Asian (ASEAN) countries, Wang Yi said the outbreak was "controllable and curable" despite the global panic it has seeded. "China is not only protecting its own people but also the rest of the world," he told the summit in Vientiane, referencing a recent sharp drop in new cases of the virus inside China, where it has killed more than 2,100 people. The hastily-convened summit with ASEAN neighbours comes as a region dependent on the flow of Chinese goods and tourists faces a steep bill following restrictions on movement from China. A similar meeting was held in 2003 following the outbreak of SARS. Originating in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the new coronavirus -- known as COVID-19 -- has infected more than 74,000 people inside China. The government has locked down tens of millions of people in several virus-hit cities, extended Lunar New Year holidays and pulled flights in a scramble to contain the virus. Still the health scare has cascaded across Southeast Asia, with cases recorded in the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam have restricted flights from mainland China and suspended visa-free arrivals as health screening ramps up at entry points. Thailand, which has imposed no such restrictions, reported a 90 per cent slump in arrivals from the mainland this month, a gut punch to an already beleaguered tourist sector which makes up nearly a fifth of the economy. Thailand anticipates a loss of more than $8 billion by year's end from the tourist tail-off. 'Temporary' impact But China's Wang said the drop-off would be "temporary". "The outbreak may have taken a toll on cooperation between China and ASEAN but such impacts can be overcome and made-up for ... the long-term trajectory will remain intact," he said during a press conference after the meeting. "Fear is more threatening than the virus, and confidence is more precious than gold," he added. China sees ASEAN as its backyard and has ramped up economic, diplomatic and cultural influence over recent years with billions of dollars of investment, tourist outflows and a bigger presence at regional summits. There are fears prolonged disruption from the virus could slow work on the massive China-backed "Belt and Road" infrastructure schemes which criss-cross ASEAN. But Wang laughed off concerns Thursday, telling AFP there "won't be any negative impacts" on various projects dotting the region. "In contrast, it will strengthen our collaboration and unity, and push forward the Belt and Road initiative together," he told AFP. Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin Jr thanked China for its "unprecedented domestic measures and quick action" -- apparently referring to the lockdowns of several large cities as the virus spread. But he recognised the "massively detrimental" economic impact of the disease, which has constricted global trade and tourism vital to many Southeast Asian economies.

Upbeat Chinese Foreign Minister says virus control efforts 'are working'

Hundreds of Pakistani students have been struck in Wuhan which is the epicentre of the deadly coronavirus outbreak. However, Pakistan has refused to evacuate them. Parents have been appealing to the Pakistani government to get their children back home. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Pakistan refused to evacuate students from Wuhan, Students speak through WION

Two elderly former passengers from the coronavirus-stricken Diamond Princess died on Thursday, Japanese authorities said, as fears mounted for those who have left the ship after testing negative for the virus.

The news of the first deaths from the ship came as a further 13 positive tests were revealed, taking the total cases from the vessel to 634 -- easily the biggest coronavirus cluster outside mainland China, where the outbreak began.

The man and woman, both Japanese and in their 80s, were taken off the cruise ship last week and died in hospital.

The man had pre-existing bronchial asthma and a history of angina treatment, the health ministry said in a statement, but the woman had no known conditions before the coronavirus infection.

The direct cause of her death was pneumonia.

"I pray for their souls and offer condolences to their bereaved families," Health Minister Katsunobu Kato told MPs.

"The two were sent to medical facilities when they showed symptoms. I believe that they received the best possible treatment."

On Wednesday, 443 passengers disembarked after testing negative for COVID-19 and not showing symptoms during a 14-day quarantine period. The removal of all passengers was expected to take at least three days.

Nearly 250 more passengers left the ship on Thursday, packing into yellow buses and leaving for stations and airports to head home.

But questions are increasingly being asked as to why former Diamond Princess passengers are able to roam freely around Japan's famously crowded cities, even if they have tested negative.

"Is it really safe to get off?" screamed a headline in the Nikkan Sports tabloid.

The paper quoted one passenger who said he was tested on February 15, but left only four days later.

"I thought I could be infected during the four days. I thought 'Is it really OK'?"

Quarantine 'improved'

The Diamond Princess was quarantined on February 5 when a passenger who left in Hong Kong tested positive for the virus.

Passengers were confined to cabins except for brief trips on deck wearing masks and gloves, when they were told to keep their distance from others.

But a specialist in infectious diseases at Kobe University rocked the boat with a video slamming "completely chaotic" quarantine procedures onboard -- rare criticism from a Japanese official.

"The cruise ship was completely inadequate in terms of infection control," said Kentaro Iwata in videos he has since deleted, saying "there is no need to discuss this further".

The videos were viewed more than a million times in Japanese and hundreds of thousands of times in English.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Iwata said he had heard from a colleague on board that quarantine procedures had improved.

"I think that because of the improvement, the risk of secondary infection has been reduced for the passengers. It remains for the crews," he said.

However, he recommended that all those disembarking the ship should be monitored for at least 14 days and should avoid contact with others.

'Working desperately hard'

Japanese authorities have defended their procedures, stressing that risky and safe areas were strictly divided and there was a station installed for safely removing contaminated gear.

"We've been doing our best in the circumstances," Kato told MPs on Thursday morning.

"I want you to understand that not only our officials at the health ministry but also Self-Defense Forces officials and medical officials are working desperately hard."

The government also released a document from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), which pointed to "clear evidence that substantial transmission of COVID-19 had been occurring prior to the implementation of quarantine on Diamond Princess."

"Quarantine intervention was effective in reducing transmission among passengers," the report concluded.

The NIID also noted the unique situation faced by Japanese authorities.

"Due to the nature of the ship, individual isolation of all those aboard was not possible. Sharing of cabins was necessary, and some crew had to continue to perform essential duties for the functioning of the vessel."

The 1,045 crew members on board are expected to endure a further 14-day quarantine after the last passenger has disembarked.

Several countries have evacuated their citizens from the ship and insisted they undergo a further 14-day quarantine when they arrive on home soil.

Outside the Diamond Princess, Japan has seen at least 86 cases.

Two elderly former passengers from the coronavirus-stricken Diamond Princess died on Thursday, Japanese authorities said, as fears mounted for those who have left the ship after testing negative for the virus.

Two elderly former passengers from the coronavirus-stricken Diamond Princess died on Thursday, Japanese authorities said, as fears mounted for those who have left the ship after testing negative for the virus. The news of the first deaths from the ship came as a further 13 positive tests were revealed, taking the total cases from the vessel to 634 -- easily the biggest coronavirus cluster outside mainland China, where the outbreak began. The man and woman, both Japanese and in their 80s, were taken off the cruise ship last week and died in hospital. The man had pre-existing bronchial asthma and a history of angina treatment, the health ministry said in a statement, but the woman had no known conditions before the coronavirus infection. The direct cause of her death was pneumonia. "I pray for their souls and offer condolences to their bereaved families," Health Minister Katsunobu Kato told MPs. "The two were sent to medical facilities when they showed symptoms. I believe that they received the best possible treatment." On Wednesday, 443 passengers disembarked after testing negative for COVID-19 and not showing symptoms during a 14-day quarantine period. The removal of all passengers was expected to take at least three days. Nearly 250 more passengers left the ship on Thursday, packing into yellow buses and leaving for stations and airports to head home. But questions are increasingly being asked as to why former Diamond Princess passengers are able to roam freely around Japan's famously crowded cities, even if they have tested negative. "Is it really safe to get off?" screamed a headline in the Nikkan Sports tabloid. The paper quoted one passenger who said he was tested on February 15, but left only four days later. "I thought I could be infected during the four days. I thought 'Is it really OK'?" Quarantine 'improved' The Diamond Princess was quarantined on February 5 when a passenger who left in Hong Kong tested positive for the virus. Passengers were confined to cabins except for brief trips on deck wearing masks and gloves, when they were told to keep their distance from others. But a specialist in infectious diseases at Kobe University rocked the boat with a video slamming "completely chaotic" quarantine procedures onboard -- rare criticism from a Japanese official. "The cruise ship was completely inadequate in terms of infection control," said Kentaro Iwata in videos he has since deleted, saying "there is no need to discuss this further". The videos were viewed more than a million times in Japanese and hundreds of thousands of times in English. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Iwata said he had heard from a colleague on board that quarantine procedures had improved. "I think that because of the improvement, the risk of secondary infection has been reduced for the passengers. It remains for the crews," he said. However, he recommended that all those disembarking the ship should be monitored for at least 14 days and should avoid contact with others. 'Working desperately hard' Japanese authorities have defended their procedures, stressing that risky and safe areas were strictly divided and there was a station installed for safely removing contaminated gear. "We've been doing our best in the circumstances," Kato told MPs on Thursday morning. "I want you to understand that not only our officials at the health ministry but also Self-Defense Forces officials and medical officials are working desperately hard." The government also released a document from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), which pointed to "clear evidence that substantial transmission of COVID-19 had been occurring prior to the implementation of quarantine on Diamond Princess." "Quarantine intervention was effective in reducing transmission among passengers," the report concluded. The NIID also noted the unique situation faced by Japanese authorities. "Due to the nature of the ship, individual isolation of all those aboard was not possible. Sharing of cabins was necessary, and some crew had to continue to perform essential duties for the functioning of the vessel." The 1,045 crew members on board are expected to endure a further 14-day quarantine after the last passenger has disembarked. Several countries have evacuated their citizens from the ship and insisted they undergo a further 14-day quarantine when they arrive on home soil. Outside the Diamond Princess, Japan has seen at least 86 cases.

Two former passengers of Japan virus cruise ship die

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">coronavirus </a>epidemic that has paralysed the Chinese economy may have a silver lining for the environment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">China</a>'s carbon emissions have dropped by least 100 million metric tonnes over the past two weeks, according to a study published on Wednesday by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) in Finland.

That is nearly six per cent of global emissions during the same period last year.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">Coronavirus outbreak: China's Hubei province reports 108 more deaths; 2 dead in Iran</a>

The rapid spread of the novel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;has&nbsp;killed over 2,000&nbsp;and infected more than 74,000 people across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">China</a>.

It has led to a drop in demand for coal and oil, resulting in the emissions slump,&nbsp;the study published&nbsp;on the British-based Carbon Brief website said.

Over the past two weeks, daily power generation at coal power plants was at a four-year low compared with the same period last year, while steel production has sunk to a five-year low, researchers found.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">China </a>is the world's biggest importer and consumer of oil, but production at refineries in Shandong province&nbsp;the country's petroleum hub&nbsp;fell to the lowest level since autumn 2015, the report said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-poses-risks-to-fragile-recovery-in-global-economy-imf-281671">Coronavirus poses risks to fragile recovery in global economy: IMF</a>

"Measures to contain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">coronavirus </a>have resulted in reductions of 15 per cent to 40 per cent in output across key industrial sectors," the report said.

Economic activity in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-poses-risks-to-fragile-recovery-in-global-economy-imf-281671">China </a>usually picks up after the Lunar New Year holiday, which began on January 25.

"Measures to contain&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;have resulted in reductions of 15 per cent to 40 per cent in output across key industrial sectors," the report said.

"This is likely to have wiped out a quarter or more of the country's carbon dioxide&nbsp;emissions over the past two weeks, the period when activity would normally have resumed after the Chinese New Year holiday."

But environmentalists have warned that the reduction is temporary and that a government stimulus if directed at ramping up production among heavy polluters could reverse the environmental gains.

"After the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;calms down, it is quite likely we will observe a round of so-called 'retaliatory pollutions' factories maximising production to compensate for their losses during the shutdown period," said Li Shuo, a policy adviser for Greenpeace&nbsp;China.

"This is a tested and proven pattern."

Meanwhile, China's nitrogen dioxide emissions, a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion in vehicles and power plants fell 36 per cent in the week following the Lunar New Year holidays, compared with the same period a year earlier, according to another study by CREA that used satellite data.

The coronavirus epidemic that has paralysed the Chinese economy may have a silver lining for the environment. China's carbon emissions have dropped by least 100 million metric tonnes over the past two weeks, according to a study published on Wednesday by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) in Finland.

The coronavirus epidemic that has paralysed the Chinese economy may have a silver lining for the environment. China's carbon emissions have dropped by least 100 million metric tonnes over the past two weeks, according to a study published on Wednesday by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) in Finland. That is nearly six per cent of global emissions during the same period last year. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: China's Hubei province reports 108 more deaths; 2 dead in Iran The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus has killed over 2,000 and infected more than 74,000 people across China. It has led to a drop in demand for coal and oil, resulting in the emissions slump, the study published on the British-based Carbon Brief website said. Over the past two weeks, daily power generation at coal power plants was at a four-year low compared with the same period last year, while steel production has sunk to a five-year low, researchers found. China is the world's biggest importer and consumer of oil, but production at refineries in Shandong province the country's petroleum hub fell to the lowest level since autumn 2015, the report said. Also read: Coronavirus poses risks to fragile recovery in global economy: IMF "Measures to contain coronavirus have resulted in reductions of 15 per cent to 40 per cent in output across key industrial sectors," the report said. Economic activity in China usually picks up after the Lunar New Year holiday, which began on January 25. "Measures to contain coronavirus have resulted in reductions of 15 per cent to 40 per cent in output across key industrial sectors," the report said. "This is likely to have wiped out a quarter or more of the country's carbon dioxide emissions over the past two weeks, the period when activity would normally have resumed after the Chinese New Year holiday." But environmentalists have warned that the reduction is temporary and that a government stimulus if directed at ramping up production among heavy polluters could reverse the environmental gains. "After the coronavirus calms down, it is quite likely we will observe a round of so-called 'retaliatory pollutions' factories maximising production to compensate for their losses during the shutdown period," said Li Shuo, a policy adviser for Greenpeace China. "This is a tested and proven pattern." Meanwhile, China's nitrogen dioxide emissions, a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion in vehicles and power plants fell 36 per cent in the week following the Lunar New Year holidays, compared with the same period a year earlier, according to another study by CREA that used satellite data.

COVID-19 slashes China carbon emissions: Study

In China, it is the biggest drop in almost a month. Number of new cases dropped from 1,693 on Wednesday. China is confident of winning the fight against this deadly virus. Chinese government thanked the International community for there support.

Coronavirus: China records biggest drop in new COVID-19 cases

The deadly coronavirus outbreak may be a silver lining for the environment this as a study says the lockdown in China has significantly dropped down the country's carbon emissions.

Coronavirus Outbreak: A silver lining for environment?

The coronavirus epidemic has already disrupted<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-up-on-slowing-pace-of-coronavirus-venezuela-sanctions-281596"> economic growth in China </a>and a further spread to other countries could derail a "highly fragile" projected recovery in the global economy in 2020, the International Monetary Fund warned on Wednesday.

In a note for G20 finance ministers and central bankers, the global lender mapped out many risks facing the global economy, including the disease and a renewed spike in US-China trade tensions, as well as climate-related disasters.

Watch:&nbsp;Coronavirus - Tourists Disappear from Chinatown, business down

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IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the outbreak was a stark reminder of how unforeseen events could threaten a fragile recovery, and urged G20 policymakers to work to reduce other uncertainties linked to trade, climate change and inequality.

"Uncertainty is becoming the new normal," Georgieva wrote in a blog posted on the IMF website. "While some uncertainties — like disease — are out of our control, we should not create new uncertainties where we can avoid it."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/puma-adidas-fear-impacts-of-covid-19-on-china-business-281590">Also read: Puma, Adidas fear impacts of COVID-19 on China business</a>

Finance ministers and central bankers from the top 20 advanced industrialized economies will gather in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this week, still uncertain about the impact of the coronavirus, known as COVID-19.

Despite the outbreak, the IMF said it was sticking to its January forecast for 3.3% growth in the global economy this year, up from 2.9% in 2019. It represents a downward revision of 0.1 percentage points from its forecast in October.

It said the recovery would be shallow and could be derailed by re-escalation of trade tensions or a further spread of the disease, which had already disrupted production in China and could affect other countries through tourism, supply chain linkages and commodity prices.

China has said it could still meet its economic growth target for 2020 despite the epidemic. Georgieva said the IMF expected only a small reduction in China's gross domestic product growth unless a protracted outbreak worsens the slowdown.

Even in the best-case scenarios, the projected rate of global growth was modest, she said, urging G20 policymakers to act to reduce trade tensions, mitigate climate change and tackle persistent inequality.

Cyber attacks, an escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East or a breakdown in trade talks between China and the United States could impede the short-term global recovery, the IMF said. Climate-related disasters, protectionism and social and political unrest triggered by persistent inequality posed further economic risks.

In her blog, Georgieva said a Phase 1 trade deal between the United States and China eliminated some negative consequences of trade tensions, reducing the drag on global GDP by 0.2% in 2020, or about one quarter of the total impact.

But it left many tariffs in place and contained managed trade arrangements that could distort trade and investment while costing the global economy many billions of dollars, she said.

She also cited new IMF estimates that a typical climate-related natural disaster reduced growth by an average of 0.4 percentage points in the affected country the year it ocurred.

To respond, policymakers should focus on diversifying energy sources and investing in resilient infrastructure.

Georgieva said it was also critical to address persistently high income and wealth inequalities that she said could foment distrust in government contribute to social unrest.

Ministers could act this week by focusing on raising living standards and creating better-paying jobs through investments in high-quality education, research and digitalization, she said.

The coronavirus epidemic has already disrupted economic growth in China and a further spread to other countries could derail a "highly fragile" projected recovery in the global economy in 2020, the International Monetary Fund warned on Wednesday.

The coronavirus epidemic has already disrupted economic growth in China and a further spread to other countries could derail a "highly fragile" projected recovery in the global economy in 2020, the International Monetary Fund warned on Wednesday. In a note for G20 finance ministers and central bankers, the global lender mapped out many risks facing the global economy, including the disease and a renewed spike in US-China trade tensions, as well as climate-related disasters. Watch: Coronavirus - Tourists Disappear from Chinatown, business down × IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the outbreak was a stark reminder of how unforeseen events could threaten a fragile recovery, and urged G20 policymakers to work to reduce other uncertainties linked to trade, climate change and inequality. "Uncertainty is becoming the new normal," Georgieva wrote in a blog posted on the IMF website. "While some uncertainties — like disease — are out of our control, we should not create new uncertainties where we can avoid it." Also read: Puma, Adidas fear impacts of COVID-19 on China business Finance ministers and central bankers from the top 20 advanced industrialized economies will gather in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this week, still uncertain about the impact of the coronavirus, known as COVID-19. Despite the outbreak, the IMF said it was sticking to its January forecast for 3.3% growth in the global economy this year, up from 2.9% in 2019. It represents a downward revision of 0.1 percentage points from its forecast in October. It said the recovery would be shallow and could be derailed by re-escalation of trade tensions or a further spread of the disease, which had already disrupted production in China and could affect other countries through tourism, supply chain linkages and commodity prices. China has said it could still meet its economic growth target for 2020 despite the epidemic. Georgieva said the IMF expected only a small reduction in China's gross domestic product growth unless a protracted outbreak worsens the slowdown. Even in the best-case scenarios, the projected rate of global growth was modest, she said, urging G20 policymakers to act to reduce trade tensions, mitigate climate change and tackle persistent inequality. Cyber attacks, an escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East or a breakdown in trade talks between China and the United States could impede the short-term global recovery, the IMF said. Climate-related disasters, protectionism and social and political unrest triggered by persistent inequality posed further economic risks. In her blog, Georgieva said a Phase 1 trade deal between the United States and China eliminated some negative consequences of trade tensions, reducing the drag on global GDP by 0.2% in 2020, or about one quarter of the total impact. But it left many tariffs in place and contained managed trade arrangements that could distort trade and investment while costing the global economy many billions of dollars, she said. She also cited new IMF estimates that a typical climate-related natural disaster reduced growth by an average of 0.4 percentage points in the affected country the year it ocurred. To respond, policymakers should focus on diversifying energy sources and investing in resilient infrastructure. Georgieva said it was also critical to address persistently high income and wealth inequalities that she said could foment distrust in government contribute to social unrest. Ministers could act this week by focusing on raising living standards and creating better-paying jobs through investments in high-quality education, research and digitalization, she said.

Coronavirus poses risks to fragile recovery in global economy: IMF

All 406 persons quarantined at the Chhawla ITBP camp in Delhi as a precautionary measure against COVID-19 have been sent home, reports said.

The last batch of quarantined persons was seen off on Wednesday morning after medical reports confirmed their negative status vis-a-vis coronavirus infection last week.

Seven Maldivians and seven children were among these 406 persons shifted to the west Delhi quarantine facility of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) after they were evacuated from China`s Wuhan -- the epicentre of the deadly coronavirus -- on February 1 and 2.

The final batch comprising a family of six was sent to the Indira Gandhi International Airport at 9 am on Wednesday from Chhawla, ITBP Spokesperson Vivek Pandey was quoted as saying.

A total of 42 inmates left for their respective hometowns on Tuesday while 358 others left the ITBP facility on Monday, Pandey said.

All 406 persons quarantined at the Chhawla ITBP camp in Delhi as a precautionary measure against COVID-19 have been sent home, reports said. The last batch of quarantined persons was seen off on Wednesday morning after medical reports confirmed their negative status vis-a-vis coronavirus infection last week.

All 406 persons quarantined at the Chhawla ITBP camp in Delhi as a precautionary measure against COVID-19 have been sent home, reports said. The last batch of quarantined persons was seen off on Wednesday morning after medical reports confirmed their negative status vis-a-vis coronavirus infection last week. Seven Maldivians and seven children were among these 406 persons shifted to the west Delhi quarantine facility of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) after they were evacuated from China`s Wuhan -- the epicentre of the deadly coronavirus -- on February 1 and 2. The final batch comprising a family of six was sent to the Indira Gandhi International Airport at 9 am on Wednesday from Chhawla, ITBP Spokesperson Vivek Pandey was quoted as saying. A total of 42 inmates left for their respective hometowns on Tuesday while 358 others left the ITBP facility on Monday, Pandey said.

Coronavirus: All 406 inmates at ITBP's Delhi camp sent home

Samsung Electronics has launched smartphone delivery services for customers to test its new products, as the spread of the coronavirus has prompted the tech giant to cancel promotional events and brace for weak store sales.

Samsung Electronics has launched smartphone delivery services for customers to test its new products, as the spread of the coronavirus has prompted the tech giant to cancel promotional events and brace for weak store sales. The move highlights efforts made by the global smartphone industry, one of the tech sectors most hurt by the virus outbreak in China, to minimise the impact on business. Analysts say the virus may slash demand for smartphones by half in the first quarter in China, the world's biggest market for the devices. Also Read: Apple prepares for Coronavirus fallout, Samsung fears it may affect earnings Apple Inc warned on Monday it was unlikely to meet a sales target set just three weeks ago, while Xiaomi Corp had to live-stream its smartphone launch event last week because of nationwide restrictions on travel and large gatherings. Samsung, which unveiled a new foldable smartphone and a trio of its flagship Galaxy S20 models last week, is also curtailing brick-and-mortar marketing. The South Korean smartphone maker has decided to sharply cut the number of in-store "experimental zones," where consumers can try out the latest phones, and skip promotional events such as "Galaxy fan parties" for the latest device over worries about the spread of the virus, dubbed SARS-Cov-2. [ The logo of Samsung Electronics is seen at its office building in Seoul, South Korea (Courtesy: Reuters) ] There will only be nine such zones for the Galaxy S20, compared with the 130 it had for Galaxy Note 10 series in South Korea, according to Samsung's website. Samsung customers who want to try out the Galaxy S20 can have one delivered to their door and can use it for up to 24 hours. A delivery worker will reportedly pick it up after that. "We are introducing a new service, as coronavirus-related issues could result in less in-store experience," one of the people said, adding that the service is expected to be available only in some parts of South Korea.

Samsung offers phone delivery service for test use to ride out COVID-19 impact

A drop in airline flights from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">China </a>and Hong Kong due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">coronavirus </a>is increasing demand for private jets as wealthy passengers try to get out, executives say, but travel bans and nervous crew have kept that from translating to more business.

Australia-based Darin Voyles, of Paramount Business Jets, said the firm had seen a ''considerable uptick'' in requests, but the majority can't be filled as they can't get the crew or planes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">Coronavirus toll leaps past 1850 with 93 new deaths in China's Hubei province</a>

"Many simply do not want to send their aircraft and crews into mainland <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">China</a>. Aside from the risk of exposure for the crews, the operational and business concern is that when they return from mainland <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">China </a>they will essentially be unable to work for two weeks as they will have to go into quarantine immediately.''

Singapore-based MyJet Asia said it has seen an increase of 80 per cent -90 per cent in the last month.&nbsp;

"A lot of people went away for Chinese New Year and are now struggling to get back to China," said Logan Ravishkansar, chief executive of MyJet Asia. Many have asked to be flown back to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

"But we are massively restricted on where we can fly to, while the airlines are not letting us charter their planes despite the money," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-countries-suspend-flights-to-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-132-277368">Several countries suspend flights to China</a>

Other travellers are desperate to get out of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-toll-leaps-past-1868-with-93-new-deaths-in-chinas-hubei-province-281239">China</a>.

A government client from South America asked PrivateFly, a global booking service for charter flights, ''to set up four flights out of Wuhan for hundreds of passengers,'' according to its chief executive Adam Twidell.

The UK-based firm said it has had plenty of other inquiries from private individuals and groups.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-countries-suspend-flights-to-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-132-277368">COVID-19</a> outbreak, which has killed more than 1,850 people in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-countries-suspend-flights-to-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-132-277368">China</a>, has led premium Asian airlines like Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd and Singapore Airlines Ltd &nbsp;to drastically cuts their flight schedules.

UK-based consultancy Ascend by Cirium said the number of flights scheduled to operate to, from and within <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-countries-suspend-flights-to-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-132-277368">China </a>had dropped by 34 per cent&nbsp;from January 23 through February 11.

Those cuts have left stranded passengers to rely on government-led evacuations.&nbsp;

For those who can afford it, there are private jet charters carrying smaller groups and promising less risk of exposure to the virus.

Strict quarantine requirements, travel bans on Chinese citizens and concerns for crew safety have left only a limited pool of private jet operators willing to fly to China.

A drop in airline flights from China and Hong Kong due to the coronavirus is increasing demand for private jets as wealthy passengers try to get out, executives say, but travel bans and nervous crew have kept that from translating to more business.

A drop in airline flights from China and Hong Kong due to the coronavirus is increasing demand for private jets as wealthy passengers try to get out, executives say, but travel bans and nervous crew have kept that from translating to more business. Australia-based Darin Voyles, of Paramount Business Jets, said the firm had seen a ''considerable uptick'' in requests, but the majority can't be filled as they can't get the crew or planes. Also read: Coronavirus toll leaps past 1850 with 93 new deaths in China's Hubei province "Many simply do not want to send their aircraft and crews into mainland China. Aside from the risk of exposure for the crews, the operational and business concern is that when they return from mainland China they will essentially be unable to work for two weeks as they will have to go into quarantine immediately.'' Singapore-based MyJet Asia said it has seen an increase of 80 per cent -90 per cent in the last month. "A lot of people went away for Chinese New Year and are now struggling to get back to China," said Logan Ravishkansar, chief executive of MyJet Asia. Many have asked to be flown back to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. "But we are massively restricted on where we can fly to, while the airlines are not letting us charter their planes despite the money," he added. Also read: Several countries suspend flights to China Other travellers are desperate to get out of China. A government client from South America asked PrivateFly, a global booking service for charter flights, ''to set up four flights out of Wuhan for hundreds of passengers,'' according to its chief executive Adam Twidell. The UK-based firm said it has had plenty of other inquiries from private individuals and groups. The COVID-19 outbreak, which has killed more than 1,850 people in China, has led premium Asian airlines like Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd and Singapore Airlines Ltd to drastically cuts their flight schedules. UK-based consultancy Ascend by Cirium said the number of flights scheduled to operate to, from and within China had dropped by 34 per cent from January 23 through February 11. Those cuts have left stranded passengers to rely on government-led evacuations. For those who can afford it, there are private jet charters carrying smaller groups and promising less risk of exposure to the virus. Strict quarantine requirements, travel bans on Chinese citizens and concerns for crew safety have left only a limited pool of private jet operators willing to fly to China.

Demand for private jets surges due to coronavirus scare

IMF says covid-19 could damage the global economy. they also say its full impact will depend on how quickly it is contained.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Covid-19 creates panic in hong kong

The Union health ministry has constituted central teams of experts for the examination of villages bordering Nepal for novel coronavirus infection.

Villages bordering Nepal in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim and West Bengal will be inspected by central teams for community-level Information Education Communication (IEC) activities for Coronavirus in regard to the novel coronavirus, an order by the health ministry dated February 15 said.

Five separate teams of doctors from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Safdarjung Hospital, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital among others have been set up.

"The teams will visit the bordering districts of the states allotted to them. The regional director (Ministry of Health) will coordinate with the respective state health departments for the visit of the team to the bordering villages," the order read.

India has so far reported three confirmed cases of the virus, all in Kerala.

One of the three medical students, who had tested positive for novel coronavirus infection and were treated at a hospital in Kerala, has been discharged after recovery, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had said on Thursday.

About the other two, he said subsequent tests indicated a significant reduction in "viral load".

The health ministry has asked people to refrain from travelling to China in view of the coronavirus outbreak and said travellers on return could be quarantined.

The Union health ministry has constituted central teams of experts for the examination of villages bordering Nepal for novel coronavirus infection. Villages bordering Nepal in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim and West Bengal will be inspected by central teams for community-level Information Education Communication (IEC) activities for Coronavirus in regard to the novel coronavirus, an order by the health ministry dated February 15 said.

The Union health ministry has constituted central teams of experts for the examination of villages bordering Nepal for novel coronavirus infection. Villages bordering Nepal in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim and West Bengal will be inspected by central teams for community-level Information Education Communication (IEC) activities for Coronavirus in regard to the novel coronavirus, an order by the health ministry dated February 15 said. Five separate teams of doctors from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Safdarjung Hospital, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital among others have been set up. "The teams will visit the bordering districts of the states allotted to them. The regional director (Ministry of Health) will coordinate with the respective state health departments for the visit of the team to the bordering villages," the order read. India has so far reported three confirmed cases of the virus, all in Kerala. One of the three medical students, who had tested positive for novel coronavirus infection and were treated at a hospital in Kerala, has been discharged after recovery, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had said on Thursday. About the other two, he said subsequent tests indicated a significant reduction in "viral load". The health ministry has asked people to refrain from travelling to China in view of the coronavirus outbreak and said travellers on return could be quarantined.

Government sets up teams to inspect villages bordering Nepal for COVID-19

Countries around the world have issued travel and health advisories to citizens travelling by air to different parts of the world to combat coronavirus.

Most airlines with their flights to China or halts in China has been cancelled. However, since airports around the world have become hotbeds for transmission of the coronavirus, strict instructions have been issued by governments to ensure the safety of the passengers.

India has advised its citizens to refrain from travelling to China and added that anyone with a travel history in China since January 15, 2020 could be quarantined.

India is also doing everything to control the possible transmission of the virus in the country. E-visa facility for Chinese passport holders has been temporarily suspended while e-visa already issued to Chinese nationals will not be valid temporarily.&nbsp;

The United States has issued a red level emergency notification from level 3 which is reconsidering travel to level 4 which is a do not travel notification.

The US has also banned entry to foreign nationals who travelled to China in the last 14 days. The advisory says the citizens returning to the US Who have been in Hubei province in the last 14 days will be quarantined for two weeks. Citizens returning to the US from the rest of Mainland China in the last 14 days will also undergo a health screening and self-quarantine.

The advisory says US citizens currently in China must consider departing using commercial means.&nbsp;

The UK has also issued a strict travel advisory for its citizens travelling to and from China and other parts of South Asia.&nbsp;

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has restricted all travel to Hubei province due to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak. The FCO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Mainland China. Foreign nationals who have travelled to China in the last 2 weeks will also not get entry to the UK.&nbsp;

British nationals who travelled to Hubei since January will be quarantined, it said.

Some British airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, have announced a suspension of flights to and from Mainland China.

The travellers have also been advised to practise&nbsp;extreme caution while travelling to Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines.

The government of Canada has recommended Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to china and avoid all travel to Hubei province.

Travellers returning to Canada from areas affected by a coronavirus, particularly from Hubei province, will be quarantined or self quarantined for 14 days, it said.

Canadians also have to monitor their health and avoid contact with people for 14 days after their return from Mainland China, it said.

Countries around the world have issued travel and health advisories to citizens travelling by air to different parts of the world to combat coronavirus. Most airlines with their flights to China or halts in China has been cancelled.

Countries around the world have issued travel and health advisories to citizens travelling by air to different parts of the world to combat coronavirus. Most airlines with their flights to China or halts in China has been cancelled. However, since airports around the world have become hotbeds for transmission of the coronavirus, strict instructions have been issued by governments to ensure the safety of the passengers. India has advised its citizens to refrain from travelling to China and added that anyone with a travel history in China since January 15, 2020 could be quarantined. India is also doing everything to control the possible transmission of the virus in the country. E-visa facility for Chinese passport holders has been temporarily suspended while e-visa already issued to Chinese nationals will not be valid temporarily. The United States has issued a red level emergency notification from level 3 which is reconsidering travel to level 4 which is a do not travel notification. The US has also banned entry to foreign nationals who travelled to China in the last 14 days. The advisory says the citizens returning to the US Who have been in Hubei province in the last 14 days will be quarantined for two weeks. Citizens returning to the US from the rest of Mainland China in the last 14 days will also undergo a health screening and self-quarantine. The advisory says US citizens currently in China must consider departing using commercial means. The UK has also issued a strict travel advisory for its citizens travelling to and from China and other parts of South Asia. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has restricted all travel to Hubei province due to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak. The FCO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Mainland China. Foreign nationals who have travelled to China in the last 2 weeks will also not get entry to the UK. British nationals who travelled to Hubei since January will be quarantined, it said. Some British airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, have announced a suspension of flights to and from Mainland China. The travellers have also been advised to practise extreme caution while travelling to Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. The government of Canada has recommended Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to china and avoid all travel to Hubei province. Travellers returning to Canada from areas affected by a coronavirus, particularly from Hubei province, will be quarantined or self quarantined for 14 days, it said. Canadians also have to monitor their health and avoid contact with people for 14 days after their return from Mainland China, it said.

COVID-19: Countries issue travel and health advisories to citizens

143 new deaths have been reported across China due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours, raising the toll to 1,523 due to deadly virus even as more than 60,000 infected cases reported in China.

All but four of the 143 new deaths were in Hubei province.

China's National Health Commission also reported 2,641 new cases of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-quarantines-returning-residents-as-china-struggles-to-pick-up-economy-280760">COVID-19</a>, with the vast majority in hard-hit central Hubei province.

In an unprecedented effort to contain the virus, Chinese authorities have placed some 56 million people in Hubei under quarantine, virtually sealing off the province from the rest of the country.

Watch |&nbsp;India faces a spike in demand for face masks

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Meanwhile, People returning to the Chinese capital Beijing from extended holidays on Friday were ordered to undergo a 14-day self-quarantine to help prevent the spread of the virus, as hard-hit Hubei province reported more than 2,400 new cases.

According to reports, people failing to obey would be punished but it was not immediately clear how that would be enforced, or whether the restrictions would apply to non-residents of Beijing or foreigners arriving from abroad.

More medical workers and supplies from many parts of the country are arriving in Wuhan to support the local people in the fight against novel coronavirus.

The civil aviation administration of China organised 13 planes from six <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-grips-chinas-capital-despite-reduced-emissions-from-coronavirus-economic-slowdown-280690">Chinese civil aviation companies</a> to transport nearly 2,000 medical workers and large quantities of medical supplies to Wuhan on Friday.

Soldiers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) stationed in Hubei are also busy transporting supplies and have conducted their largest transport mission on Friday, dispatching 249 people and 106 army vehicles to deliver 285 tons of supplies for daily use to 69 outlets.

Meanwhile, Egypt has now confirmed the first coronavirus case in Africa.

Egyptian authorities have said that the patient been placed in quarantined isolation in hospital.

Earlier this month, Egypt suspended all flights on its national carrier to China.

143 new deaths have been reported across China due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours, raising the toll to 1,523 due to deadly virus even as more than 60,000 infected cases reported in China.

143 new deaths have been reported across China due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours, raising the toll to 1,523 due to deadly virus even as more than 60,000 infected cases reported in China. All but four of the 143 new deaths were in Hubei province. China's National Health Commission also reported 2,641 new cases of the COVID-19, with the vast majority in hard-hit central Hubei province. In an unprecedented effort to contain the virus, Chinese authorities have placed some 56 million people in Hubei under quarantine, virtually sealing off the province from the rest of the country. Watch | India faces a spike in demand for face masks × Meanwhile, People returning to the Chinese capital Beijing from extended holidays on Friday were ordered to undergo a 14-day self-quarantine to help prevent the spread of the virus, as hard-hit Hubei province reported more than 2,400 new cases. According to reports, people failing to obey would be punished but it was not immediately clear how that would be enforced, or whether the restrictions would apply to non-residents of Beijing or foreigners arriving from abroad. More medical workers and supplies from many parts of the country are arriving in Wuhan to support the local people in the fight against novel coronavirus. The civil aviation administration of China organised 13 planes from six Chinese civil aviation companies to transport nearly 2,000 medical workers and large quantities of medical supplies to Wuhan on Friday. Soldiers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) stationed in Hubei are also busy transporting supplies and have conducted their largest transport mission on Friday, dispatching 249 people and 106 army vehicles to deliver 285 tons of supplies for daily use to 69 outlets. Meanwhile, Egypt has now confirmed the first coronavirus case in Africa. Egyptian authorities have said that the patient been placed in quarantined isolation in hospital. Earlier this month, Egypt suspended all flights on its national carrier to China.

COVID-19: 143 new deaths reported in China as toll rises to 1,523

A young barber in Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), has recently been offering free haircut services to medical workers in the city to contribute to the fight against the virus.

Young barber offers free haircut service to medical workers in Wuhan

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Coronavirus Outbreak: Covid-19 creates panic in hong kong

Coronavirus Outbreak: Covid-19 creates panic in hong kong

Coronavirus Outbreak: Covid-19 creates panic in hong kong

Coronavirus Outbreak: Covid-19 creates panic in hong kong

Coronavirus Outbreak: Covid-19 creates panic in hong kong

Government sets up teams to inspect villages bordering Nepal for COVID-19

COVID-19: Countries issue travel and health advisories to citizens

COVID-19: 143 new deaths reported in China as toll rises to 1,523

Young barber offers free haircut service to medical workers in Wuhan