With people reluctant to touch knobs and door handles in public places fearing to catch the novel coronavirus, hands-free door handles were being tested in a Finnish supermarket on Monday (April 20).

New hands-free door handles tested in Finnish supermarket

The two ducks resting on the plinth of a statue in front of Paris's Musee D'Orsay had struck out boldly from their usual habitat: to get there from the River Seine involves waddling across a four-lane highway.

What lockdown? Birds go out in Paris with humans in confinement

When pedicab operator Sarah Grant and French Quarter street violinist Anna Roznowska realized about five weeks ago their livelihoods and lifestyles were threatened by New Orleans stay-at-home orders caused by the novel coronavirus, they were initially at a loss.

New Orleans violinist and pedicab operator take show on the road to lift spirits

Maria Cecilia Osorio and Alfonso Ardila met just a month ago, in a shelter for people made homeless during Colombia's nationwide coronavirus lockdown. The pair now share space in a tent at the shelter and are looking ahead to the end of quarantine, scheduled for May 11.

The bridesmaids wore masks: Colombian couple meets, marries in coronavirus shelter

A sea lion performed its usual routine to empty crowds on Tuesday (April 21) in its pool at the Palmyre Zoo in western France, which has closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Seals, monkeys perform to empty crowds at French zoo amid virus crisis

A hospital in Chile has installed a thermal imaging system that automatically screens its employees' temperatures in order to identify those that are running a fever and potentially infected with the new coronavirus.

Chilean hospital installs thermal cameras to screen for fever amid coronavirus fears

A Haitian clothing manufacturer has switched from making pants for export to face masks and medical gear for local use in order to help the country battle the coronavirus pandemic.

Haitian clothing maker churns out face masks full time to battle coronavirus

Looking after an orphaned baby rhino is hard work: you feed them bottled milk at all hours, comfort them through constant fear and bereavement and endure long nights of screaming for the absent mother they witnessed being shot dead by poachers.

South Africans volunteer to keep rhino orphanage going during lockdown

Over 100,000 tulips were chopped at a Japanese park in Chiba prefecture to avoid visitors congregating at the park amid the coronavirus state of emergency declared by the government.

Japanese park cuts 100,000 tulips to avoid people gathering amid coronavirus crisis

Georgia's National Ballet, the former Soviet country's famous folk dance ensemble, started giving lessons online after the group's popular dance schools closed their doors due to the coronavirus.

Dance at home: Georgian national ballet moves lessons online

The Wild Life Sydney Zoo at Darling Harbour may be closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but that doesn't mean a slowdown of work for curatorial supervisor and zookeeper, Renee Howell.

Australian zookeeper copes with changes on the job during coronavirus

Staff at Sewerby Hall and Gardens Zoo helped Humboldt penguin Rosie celebrate her 30th birthday in lockdown on Monday (April 20).

Rosie the Humboldt penguin celebrates 30th birthday

With coronavirus cases on the rise in the Philippines, many people, especially customer-facing workers, are arming themselves with masks and disinfectant sprays to combat the deadly virus.

What's in your bag? A peek into coronavirus preparations of Filipinos

Four new studies have emerged even as scientists are trying to better understand the virus that has wreaked havoc across the world.

Study 1: Dead body to human transmission possible

Thailand has reported the first case of COVID-19 transmission from a dead patient to a health worker as medical examiner died after catching the infection from a dead body.

This raises concerns over the risk faced by those working in morgues and funeral homes. Published in the journal of forensic and legal medicine by Won Sriwijitalai of the RVT medical centre in Thailand and Viroj Wiwanitkit of China’s Hainan medical university, the report says infection control and universal precautions are necessary. And that forensic professionals have to wear protective devices including a protective suit, gloves, goggles, cap and mask.

Disinfection procedures used in operation rooms might be applied in pathology and forensic units as well. It is still not known how long the virus survives in a dead body.

Study 2: Coronavirus can survive in warm temperatures

Heat does not kill or deactivate the coronavirus. Several theories to this effect were in circulation earlier. Giving rise to optimism that the warmer summer months might bring some respite. But a French research paper now reports that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can survive long exposure to high temperatures.

Professor Remi Charrel and colleagues from southern France's Aix-Marseille University found that after the novel coronavirus was heated to 60 degrees celsius for an entire hour. It still had some surviving strains that can replicate afterwards.

Study 3: Does air conditioning help spread the coronavirus?

A Chinese study has found that the direction of air conditioning is a key factor for droplet transmission. The research was led by Jianyun lu of the Guangzhou Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. It studied 10 coronavirus cases from three families who dined at the same restaurant in Southern China.

Suggesting that the direction of airflow from air conditioning ventilation helped droplet transmission between them. The study advises restaurants to increase the space between tables and improve ventilation to reduce the risk of infection.

Study 4: Social distancing may be required until 2022

Over half of humanity is locked down. Governments in many parts of the world are extending restrictions. How long will this last?

Turns out, one-time lockdowns might not be enough to clamp down on the coronavirus.

In fact, scientists at Harvard University say repeated periods of social distancing might be required until 2022. The study published in the journal science assumes that COVID-19 will become seasonal.

Four new studies have emerged even as scientists are trying to better understand the virus that has wreaked havoc across the world. Study 1: Dead body to human transmission possible Thailand has reported the first case of COVID-19 transmission from a dead patient to a health worker as medical examiner died after catching the infection from a dead body.

Four new studies have emerged even as scientists are trying to better understand the virus that has wreaked havoc across the world. Study 1: Dead body to human transmission possible Thailand has reported the first case of COVID-19 transmission from a dead patient to a health worker as medical examiner died after catching the infection from a dead body. This raises concerns over the risk faced by those working in morgues and funeral homes. Published in the journal of forensic and legal medicine by Won Sriwijitalai of the RVT medical centre in Thailand and Viroj Wiwanitkit of China’s Hainan medical university, the report says infection control and universal precautions are necessary. And that forensic professionals have to wear protective devices including a protective suit, gloves, goggles, cap and mask. Disinfection procedures used in operation rooms might be applied in pathology and forensic units as well. It is still not known how long the virus survives in a dead body. Study 2: Coronavirus can survive in warm temperatures Heat does not kill or deactivate the coronavirus. Several theories to this effect were in circulation earlier. Giving rise to optimism that the warmer summer months might bring some respite. But a French research paper now reports that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can survive long exposure to high temperatures. Professor Remi Charrel and colleagues from southern France's Aix-Marseille University found that after the novel coronavirus was heated to 60 degrees celsius for an entire hour. It still had some surviving strains that can replicate afterwards. Study 3: Does air conditioning help spread the coronavirus? A Chinese study has found that the direction of air conditioning is a key factor for droplet transmission. The research was led by Jianyun lu of the Guangzhou Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. It studied 10 coronavirus cases from three families who dined at the same restaurant in Southern China. Suggesting that the direction of airflow from air conditioning ventilation helped droplet transmission between them. The study advises restaurants to increase the space between tables and improve ventilation to reduce the risk of infection. Study 4: Social distancing may be required until 2022 Over half of humanity is locked down. Governments in many parts of the world are extending restrictions. How long will this last? Turns out, one-time lockdowns might not be enough to clamp down on the coronavirus. In fact, scientists at Harvard University say repeated periods of social distancing might be required until 2022. The study published in the journal science assumes that COVID-19 will become seasonal.

Four studies shed light on novel coronavirus and its impact

In Thailand's western province of Kanchanaburi, Taweechai Elephant Camp is struggling to feed its elephants since the country declared a state of emergency last month, forcing it to close the gates.

Hungry and out of jobs: Thailand's elephants suffer as coronavirus outbreak hits tourism

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar while speaking in Rajya Sabha (Upper House), briefs house about the evacuation process of Indians form Iran and the steps India is taking to tackle the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus.

India's FM S. Jaishankar addresses Rajya Sabha over evacuation of Indians from Iran

With the novel coronavirus quickly spreading worldwide all the countries should avoid cover-up mentality and establish a coordinator response team and find a balance between personal liberty and restrictive measures to tackle the challenges. Our next report tells you more:

Cover-up mentality proved to be the worst factor in China, Coronavirus

As odds of the global recession rises the government and central banks around the world are racing to restore the economic damage from the spread of the novel coronavirus. The death toll has already landed hard on the jittery financial markets. Watch report:

Global stocks plunge on coronavirus fears

A group of masked men raise their voices to make themselves understood as they play cards out on the street in San Fiorano, close to a chemist. Taking precautions against coronavirus has become second nature in this small town closed off to the outside world, but the men simply can't stay behind closed doors anymore.

Lockdown: Playing Superman and cards to while away time in quarantine

Children in Vladivostok, Russia have recently created drawings to show their support for the Chinese medical workers and patients who are fighting the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Russian children draw for Chinese doctors, patients in COVID-19 fight

Iraq on Monday confirmed its first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-markets-crash-as-coronavirus-alarm-spreads-globally-282430" target="_blank">novel coronavirus case</a>&nbsp;in an elderly Iranian national in the southern shrine city of Najaf, according to health officials.

Iraq, a country with a dilapidated healthcare system, often hosts pilgrims and religious students from Iran, where 12&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protests-ali-al-sistani-warns-foreign-actors-against-interfering-in-anti-government-protests-259329" target="_blank">people have died</a>&nbsp;of the novel coronavirus since an outbreak there was first reported last week.

Iraq had blocked travel to and from the Islamic republic days before announcing a seminary student in Najaf was the country's first confirmed case.

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-death-toll-surges-to-2-469-282273" target="_blank">Coronavirus death toll surges to 2, 469</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-death-toll-surges-to-2-469-282273/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Najaf's provincial health authority said the Iranian national had entered "before the ban was declared" in a statement on Monday. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-triple-in-south-korea-with-556-infected-nationwide-282187" target="_blank">deaths from the COVID-19 virus</a>&nbsp;in Iran were the first in the Middle East and the country's toll is now the highest outside mainland China, the epidemic's epicentre.&nbsp;

Chinese nationals have been barred from entering Iraq, despite its hosting several Chinese oil companies.&nbsp;Iraq also closed the only border crossing with Kuwait at Safwan, south of Basra, late Sunday evening, after Kuwait confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-2-dead-79-infected-in-italy-as-country-resorts-to-punitive-measures-to-contain-outbreak-282178" target="_blank">multiple COVID-19 cases</a>.

Concern has spread over social media networks in Iraq, with users expressing fears that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-raises-alert-to-highest-level-as-coronavirus-cases-jump-282208" target="_blank">country cannot accommodate a coronavirus outbreak</a>. Many hospitals in the country are poorly equipped or in disrepair and there are less than 10 doctors for every 10,000 people, the World Health Organization says.

The novel coronavirus has spread to more than 25 countries since it emerged in December and is causing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-confirms-two-more-deaths-among-13-new-coronavirus-cases-282011" target="_blank">mounting alarm due to new outbreaks</a>&nbsp;in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. This week it reached Iran, Lebanon, Israel, Bahrain and Kuwait in the Middle East, with cases previously confirmed in the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

Iraq on Monday confirmed its first novel coronavirus case in an elderly Iranian national in the southern shrine city of Najaf, according to health officials. Iraq, a country with a dilapidated healthcare system, often hosts pilgrims and religious students from Iran, where 12 people have died of the novel coronavirus since an outbreak there was first reported last week.

Iraq on Monday confirmed its first novel coronavirus case in an elderly Iranian national in the southern shrine city of Najaf, according to health officials. Iraq, a country with a dilapidated healthcare system, often hosts pilgrims and religious students from Iran, where 12 people have died of the novel coronavirus since an outbreak there was first reported last week. Iraq had blocked travel to and from the Islamic republic days before announcing a seminary student in Najaf was the country's first confirmed case. Watch: Coronavirus death toll surges to 2, 469 Najaf's provincial health authority said the Iranian national had entered "before the ban was declared" in a statement on Monday. The deaths from the COVID-19 virus in Iran were the first in the Middle East and the country's toll is now the highest outside mainland China, the epidemic's epicentre. Chinese nationals have been barred from entering Iraq, despite its hosting several Chinese oil companies. Iraq also closed the only border crossing with Kuwait at Safwan, south of Basra, late Sunday evening, after Kuwait confirmed multiple COVID-19 cases. Concern has spread over social media networks in Iraq, with users expressing fears that the country cannot accommodate a coronavirus outbreak. Many hospitals in the country are poorly equipped or in disrepair and there are less than 10 doctors for every 10,000 people, the World Health Organization says. The novel coronavirus has spread to more than 25 countries since it emerged in December and is causing mounting alarm due to new outbreaks in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. This week it reached Iran, Lebanon, Israel, Bahrain and Kuwait in the Middle East, with cases previously confirmed in the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

Iraq confirms first novel coronavirus case

A sales-tax hike and a devastating typhoon plunged Japan's economy into its biggest contraction in five years in the final quarter of 2019. Now, the novel Coronavirus outbreak is threatening a return to development.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Japan's GDP falls by 6.3%, registers worst slump in last 5 yrs

Beijing flower shop owner Cai Xiaoman wraps bouquets while wearing a face mask and gloves, and throws something extra into the arrangement before it is sent off for delivery - a small bottle of hand sanitiser.

Beijing flower shop adds hand sanitiser to Valentine's Day bouquets

Some 3,000 students gathered on Friday (February 14) in Thailand's Ayutthaya province to send Valentine hearts to China, as the country faces an ongoing coronavirus epidemic.

Thai students, elephants send jumbo Valentines to virus-hit Wuhan

A Chinese steamed bun shop in Beijing is using a piece of wooden board to deliver its buns to customers amid the coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday (February 12).

Chinese steamed bun shop revives its business with a delivery board

The number of deaths due to China's coronavirus epidemic jumped to 722, surpassing the toll from the SARS outbreak on the mainland and Hong Kong almost two decades ago. More than 34,500 confirmed infections reported across the country.

Tencent denies showing real nCoV death toll, says media reports doctored

The Huoshenshan Hospital -- one of the two emergency hospitals newly built in Wuhan City of central China's Hubei Province to tackle the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak -- has been in orderly operation of treating patients since its entry into service on February 3 after intensive construction of merely more than a week.

Newly built emergency hospital in orderly operation of treating novel coronavirus patients

The death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak has now surpassed that of the severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, epidemic nearly two decades ago, as the number of fatalities reaches 900

Coronavirus deaths exceeds that of SARS

More than 900 people have now died in mainland China from the coronavirus that emerged in the central city of Wuhan at the end of last year with the World Health Organization (WHO) deploying a team to the country to investigate the outbreak. More than 80 Chinese city governments have launched some form of quarantine measures.

Inside Wuhan's Quarantine Centres | WION-CGTN Exclusive report from Wuhan | nCoV report

Its a race against time for the doctors and nurses treating the patients infected by the coronavirus. This story is about the heroes who are fighting the battle against this disease.

Gravitas: The health professionals that are battling coronavirus

The Wuhan virus outbreak couldn't come at a worse time for China. The disease could pull down a slowing Chinese economy. Even the global economy will feel the pinch. Palki S Upadhyay assess the economic impact of this outbreak.

Gravitas: China virus outbreak could hurt global economy

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