President Donald Trump declared a U.S. national emergency over the quickly spreading coronavirus on Friday, opening the door to more government aid to combat a pathogen that has infected more than 138,000 people worldwide and leftover 5,000 dead.

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"The spirit and the will of our nation is unbreakable. We will defeat this threat. When America is tested, America rises to the occasion." <a href="https://t.co/67rS4XBE5J">pic.twitter.com/67rS4XBE5J</a>
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1238596989002055682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The impact of the coronavirus on everyday life deepened around the world. It was detected for the first time in several countries, with the World Health Organization (WHO) calling Europe the pandemic's current epicentre.

More schools and businesses closed, the global sporting calendar was left in tatters, and people faced greater restrictions on where they could go.

"To unleash the full power of the federal government to this effort today, I am officially declaring a national emergency to very big words," Trump said in remarks at the White House Rose Garden, adding that the U.S. situation could worsen and "the next eight weeks are critical."

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-state-of-emergency-declared-in-san-francisco-282798"> Coronavirus outbreak: State of emergency declared in San Francisco</a>

Trump, whose action makes available $50 billion in federal aid to states and localities, had faced criticism from some experts for being slow and ineffective in his response to the crisis and playing down the threat.

The latest steps came two days after Trump announced travel restrictions blocking U.S. entry for most people from continental Europe. While Britain was among the countries exempted, Trump said on Friday that might change because infections there had risen "precipitously."

The president, who was photographed last Saturday at his private Florida club with a Brazilian official who has tested positive for the coronavirus, said he himself likely would be tested "fairly soon," a reversal of his previous stance. But Trump, 73, said he did not plan to isolate himself, noting he was suffering no symptoms.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-declares-coronavirus-emergency-halts-official-visits-to-mainland-china-276488"> Coronavirus outbreak: Hong Kong declares virus emergency as 41 die in China</a>

Travel bans have hammered airlines and travel companies worldwide, while financial markets have been hit by panic selling this week.

The three major U.S. stock indexes rallied more than 9% on Friday, rebounding from Wall Street's biggest daily drop since 1987. But the indexes were still about 20% below record highs hit in mid-February.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Europe now had more reported cases and deaths than the rest of world combined, apart from China, where the coronavirus originated but where new cases have slowed to a trickle. The WHO called the death toll reaching 5,000 globally "a tragic milestone."

The WHO's top emergency expert, Mike Ryan, said social distancing was a "tried and tested method" to slow the spread of a virus but "not a panacea" that would stop transmission.

"Blanket travel measures in their own right will do nothing to protect an individual state," Ryan said.

CULTURAL LANDMARKS

More cultural landmarks were shuttered to try to stop the spread of the virus. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum and the Moulin Rouge cabaret closed their doors. The Smithsonian museums in Washington were preparing to do so on Saturday and Broadway theatres in New York went dark.

The kissing of the Blarney Stone, one of Ireland's oldest tourist traditions, was suspended.

Central banks worldwide acted to shore up money markets after cratering share prices drove a rush for cash, hitting many regional currencies and threatening a surge in short-term borrowing costs.

In China, which bore the brunt of the economic fallout from the coronavirus in the first few months of 2020, authorities late on Friday cut banks' reserve requirements for the second time this year.

The U.S. Federal Reserve followed suit with $37 billion of Treasury bond purchases, accelerating the enhanced market liquidity measures announced on Thursday.

Japan's central bank pledged to buy 200 billion yen ($1.90 billion) of five to 10 year Japanese government bonds and also inject an additional 1.5 trillion yen in two-week loans.

The European Union proposed a 37 billion euro ($41 billion)investment initiative as part of a package to cushion the bloc's economies from the coronavirus impact.

In Italy, which after China has been hardest hit by the respiratory illness, the death toll jumped by 250 to 1,266 in the last 24 hours, authorities said. The total number of cases also rose to 17,660 from a previous 15,113, despite draconian measures to restrict the movement of people.

In the northern region of Lombardy, at the heart of Italy's coronavirus epidemic, authorities asked for even stricter steps.

In hard-hit Iran, security forces will empty the streets in cities across the country, state television reported.

NEW COUNTRIES RECORD CASES

The virus continued its persistent march across the globe. Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and Guinea all confirmed their first cases, giving the disease a foothold in 18 countries on the African continent.

Kosovo, Venezuela and Kazakhstan also confirmed their first cases, and Spain declared a state of emergency.

World leaders, sports stars and actors were among the tens of thousands of people hit by the virus. Golf's crown jewel, The Masters, England's top-flight soccer Premier League, and the Boston and London marathons joined the long list of elite sporting events to be cancelled or postponed.

But sport's biggest showpiece, the Olympics, will proceed as planned, according to Tokyo organizers.

President Donald Trump declared a U.S. national emergency over the quickly spreading coronavirus on Friday, opening the door to more government aid to combat a pathogen that has infected more than 138,000 people worldwide and leftover 5,000 dead.

President Donald Trump declared a U.S. national emergency over the quickly spreading coronavirus on Friday, opening the door to more government aid to combat a pathogen that has infected more than 138,000 people worldwide and leftover 5,000 dead. "The spirit and the will of our nation is unbreakable. We will defeat this threat. When America is tested, America rises to the occasion." pic.twitter.com/67rS4XBE5J — The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 13, 2020 × The impact of the coronavirus on everyday life deepened around the world. It was detected for the first time in several countries, with the World Health Organization (WHO) calling Europe the pandemic's current epicentre. More schools and businesses closed, the global sporting calendar was left in tatters, and people faced greater restrictions on where they could go. "To unleash the full power of the federal government to this effort today, I am officially declaring a national emergency to very big words," Trump said in remarks at the White House Rose Garden, adding that the U.S. situation could worsen and "the next eight weeks are critical." Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: State of emergency declared in San Francisco Trump, whose action makes available $50 billion in federal aid to states and localities, had faced criticism from some experts for being slow and ineffective in his response to the crisis and playing down the threat. The latest steps came two days after Trump announced travel restrictions blocking U.S. entry for most people from continental Europe. While Britain was among the countries exempted, Trump said on Friday that might change because infections there had risen "precipitously." The president, who was photographed last Saturday at his private Florida club with a Brazilian official who has tested positive for the coronavirus, said he himself likely would be tested "fairly soon," a reversal of his previous stance. But Trump, 73, said he did not plan to isolate himself, noting he was suffering no symptoms. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: Hong Kong declares virus emergency as 41 die in China Travel bans have hammered airlines and travel companies worldwide, while financial markets have been hit by panic selling this week. The three major U.S. stock indexes rallied more than 9% on Friday, rebounding from Wall Street's biggest daily drop since 1987. But the indexes were still about 20% below record highs hit in mid-February. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Europe now had more reported cases and deaths than the rest of world combined, apart from China, where the coronavirus originated but where new cases have slowed to a trickle. The WHO called the death toll reaching 5,000 globally "a tragic milestone." The WHO's top emergency expert, Mike Ryan, said social distancing was a "tried and tested method" to slow the spread of a virus but "not a panacea" that would stop transmission. "Blanket travel measures in their own right will do nothing to protect an individual state," Ryan said. CULTURAL LANDMARKS More cultural landmarks were shuttered to try to stop the spread of the virus. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum and the Moulin Rouge cabaret closed their doors. The Smithsonian museums in Washington were preparing to do so on Saturday and Broadway theatres in New York went dark. The kissing of the Blarney Stone, one of Ireland's oldest tourist traditions, was suspended. Central banks worldwide acted to shore up money markets after cratering share prices drove a rush for cash, hitting many regional currencies and threatening a surge in short-term borrowing costs. In China, which bore the brunt of the economic fallout from the coronavirus in the first few months of 2020, authorities late on Friday cut banks' reserve requirements for the second time this year. The U.S. Federal Reserve followed suit with $37 billion of Treasury bond purchases, accelerating the enhanced market liquidity measures announced on Thursday. Japan's central bank pledged to buy 200 billion yen ($1.90 billion) of five to 10 year Japanese government bonds and also inject an additional 1.5 trillion yen in two-week loans. The European Union proposed a 37 billion euro ($41 billion)investment initiative as part of a package to cushion the bloc's economies from the coronavirus impact. In Italy, which after China has been hardest hit by the respiratory illness, the death toll jumped by 250 to 1,266 in the last 24 hours, authorities said. The total number of cases also rose to 17,660 from a previous 15,113, despite draconian measures to restrict the movement of people. In the northern region of Lombardy, at the heart of Italy's coronavirus epidemic, authorities asked for even stricter steps. In hard-hit Iran, security forces will empty the streets in cities across the country, state television reported. NEW COUNTRIES RECORD CASES The virus continued its persistent march across the globe. Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and Guinea all confirmed their first cases, giving the disease a foothold in 18 countries on the African continent. Kosovo, Venezuela and Kazakhstan also confirmed their first cases, and Spain declared a state of emergency. World leaders, sports stars and actors were among the tens of thousands of people hit by the virus. Golf's crown jewel, The Masters, England's top-flight soccer Premier League, and the Boston and London marathons joined the long list of elite sporting events to be cancelled or postponed. But sport's biggest showpiece, the Olympics, will proceed as planned, according to Tokyo organizers.

Coronavirus chaos spreads globally, Trump declares US emergency

President Trump is declaring a national emergency to address the coronavirus pandemic, he announced during a Rose Garden press conference on Friday afternoon.

Trump announces declaration of national emergency over coronavirus

US President Donald Trump received praise for his address on the Coronavirus outbreak. But, the camera and a hot mic caught some moments before and after the speech.

What happened, when Trump didn't know he was already LIVE!

Britain's government will ban mass gatherings from next week in an attempt to curb the coronavirus outbreak, an escalation of its crisis plan which critics had said was too relaxed.

Also read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/coronavirus-chaos-spreads-globally-trump-declares-us-emergency-286308">Coronavirus chaos spreads globally, Trump declares US emergency</a>

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has so far resisted pressure to take some of the stringent measures adopted by other European countries to slow the spread of the virus.

"Ministers are working with the chief scientific adviser and chief medical officer on our plan to stop various types of public events, including mass gatherings, beginning next week," a government source said.

Also read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/donald-trump-says-he-is-ready-to-get-tested-for-covid-19-286332">Donald Trump says he is ready to get tested for COVID-19</a>

On Friday, England's soccer Premier League suspended all matches until April 4 and other events such as the London Marathon were postponed by their organisers.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth, 93, has cancelled some public engagements for next week due to the coronavirus outbreak, Buckingham Palace said on Friday, and Johnson has postponed May's local and mayoral elections in England for a year.

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&nbsp;

The government source said the legislation would be published next week to give the government powers to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, including to stop mass gatherings and compensate organisations.

British media said the ban on mass gatherings could affect events such as the Glastonbury music festival, the Wimbledon tennis championships and the Grand National horse race.

Scotland's devolved government said on Thursday all large gatherings above 500 people should be cancelled to help emergency services to focus on the coronavirus outbreak.

Britain's government will ban mass gatherings from next week in an attempt to curb the coronavirus outbreak, an escalation of its crisis plan which critics had said was too relaxed.

Britain's government will ban mass gatherings from next week in an attempt to curb the coronavirus outbreak, an escalation of its crisis plan which critics had said was too relaxed. Also read: Coronavirus chaos spreads globally, Trump declares US emergency Prime Minister Boris Johnson has so far resisted pressure to take some of the stringent measures adopted by other European countries to slow the spread of the virus. "Ministers are working with the chief scientific adviser and chief medical officer on our plan to stop various types of public events, including mass gatherings, beginning next week," a government source said. Also read: Donald Trump says he is ready to get tested for COVID-19 On Friday, England's soccer Premier League suspended all matches until April 4 and other events such as the London Marathon were postponed by their organisers. Britain's Queen Elizabeth, 93, has cancelled some public engagements for next week due to the coronavirus outbreak, Buckingham Palace said on Friday, and Johnson has postponed May's local and mayoral elections in England for a year. × The government source said the legislation would be published next week to give the government powers to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, including to stop mass gatherings and compensate organisations. British media said the ban on mass gatherings could affect events such as the Glastonbury music festival, the Wimbledon tennis championships and the Grand National horse race. Scotland's devolved government said on Thursday all large gatherings above 500 people should be cancelled to help emergency services to focus on the coronavirus outbreak.

UK to ban mass gatherings from next week to curb coronavirus

Iran said Thursday it has asked the IMF for its first loan in decades to combat a coronavirus outbreak that has claimed 429 lives and infected more than 10,000 people.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif announced the request on Twitter, calling on the International Monetary Fund to "stand on the right side of history".

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IMF's <a href="https://twitter.com/KGeorgieva?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KGeorgieva</a> has stated that countries affected by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> will be supported via Rapid Financial Instrument. Our Central Bank requested access to this facility immediately. 
 
IMF/IMF Board should adhere to Fund's mandate, stand on right side of history &amp; act responsibly.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1238022679657164801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Zarif also called for an end to US sanctions, which he said were "undermining our efforts to fight the COVID-19 epidemic in Iran".

If Iran does get a loan from the IMF, where its arch foe the United States has a virtual veto on decisions, it would be its first since the early 1960s.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-burial-site-satellite-images-reveal-mass-graves-in-irans-qom-city-286238">Coronavirus burial site? Satellite images reveal mass graves in Iran's Qom city</a>

News of the request came as Iran reported another 75 deaths from the illness&nbsp;the highest single-day toll since the Islamic republic announced its first casualties last month.

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Iran is one of the deadliest outside China, where the disease originated.

In his appeal for an IMF loan, Zarif cited a joint statement dated March 2 in which the IMF and World Bank said they would "use our available instruments to the fullest extent possible, including emergency financing" to help countries fight the virus.

"Our central bank requested access to this facility immediately," Iran's top diplomat tweeted.

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IMF's <a href="https://twitter.com/KGeorgieva?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KGeorgieva</a> has stated that countries affected by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> will be supported via Rapid Financial Instrument. Our Central Bank requested access to this facility immediately. 
 
IMF/IMF Board should adhere to Fund's mandate, stand on right side of history &amp; act responsibly.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1238022679657164801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Zarif said the IMF and its board "should adhere to fund's mandate, stand on right side of history and act responsibly".

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-must-work-together-to-combat-coronavirus-pandemic-imf-286112">Countries must work together to combat coronavirus pandemic: IMF</a>

Iran has not received assistance from the IMF since a "standby credit" issued between 1960 and 1962, according to the fund's data.

According to the IMF's website, a Rapid Financial Instrument "is available to all member countries facing an urgent balance of payments need."

Economic impact

In an Instagram post picked up by sources, Iran's central bank governor Abdolnasser Hemmati claimed to have formally requested access to the RFI by letter on March 6.

"Given the widespread prevalence of coronavirus in our country and the need to continue to take strong measures to prevent and cure (the disease), and to address its economic impact," Iran was asking for "about $5 billion" in assistance, Hemmati wrote.

The United States is currently pursuing a policy of "maximum pressure" aimed at crippling the finances of Iran's government.

President Donald Trump launched the campaign in 2018 after unilaterally withdrawing the US from a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers and reimposing sanctions on the Islamic republic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/imfs-chief-economist-gita-gopinath-suggest-ways-to-counter-economic-impact-from-coronavirus-285440">IMF's chief economist Gita Gopinath suggest ways to counter economic impact from coronavirus</a>

In a separate tweet, Zarif slammed "restrictions" on access to medicine and equipment needed in the coronavirus fight, in a clear reference to the US sanctions.

"Iranian care personnel are courageously battling #COVID19 on frontlines," he wrote.

"Their efforts are stymied by vast shortages caused by restrictions on our people's access to medicine/equipment."

His tweet was accompanied by a document listing Iran's medical needs, including millions of face masks, gloves and coronavirus diagnostic kits.

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URGENT 
 
Iranian care personnel are courageously battling <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> on frontlines 
 
Their efforts are stymied by vast shortages caused by restrictions on our people's access to medicine/equipment 
 
Most urgent needs are outlined below 
 
Viruses don't discriminate. Nor should humankind <a href="https://t.co/GpXCbsh001">pic.twitter.com/GpXCbsh001</a>
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1238070853268537347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In theory, humanitarian items are exempt from the US sanctions, but in reality banks tend to turn down transactions involving Iran to avoid being exposed to potential litigation.

Watch:&nbsp;

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The World Health Organization on Wednesday called for Iran to be given greater assistance in its fight to bring the outbreak under control.

"Iran is doing its best... We are trying to mobilise more support for Iran," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, adding the country needed more supplies.

Iran announced its first coronavirus deaths in the Shiite holy city of Qom on February 19.

It is yet to officially impose any lockdowns but authorities have repeatedly called on people to refrain from travelling.

They have closed schools and universities and resorted to shutting hotels and other tourist accommodation to discourage movement. 
&nbsp;

Iran said Thursday it has asked the IMF for its first loan in decades to combat a coronavirus outbreak that has claimed 429 lives and infected more than 10,000 people.

Iran said Thursday it has asked the IMF for its first loan in decades to combat a coronavirus outbreak that has claimed 429 lives and infected more than 10,000 people. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif announced the request on Twitter, calling on the International Monetary Fund to "stand on the right side of history". IMF's @KGeorgieva has stated that countries affected by #COVID19 will be supported via Rapid Financial Instrument. Our Central Bank requested access to this facility immediately. IMF/IMF Board should adhere to Fund's mandate, stand on right side of history & act responsibly. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) March 12, 2020 × In a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Zarif also called for an end to US sanctions, which he said were "undermining our efforts to fight the COVID-19 epidemic in Iran". If Iran does get a loan from the IMF, where its arch foe the United States has a virtual veto on decisions, it would be its first since the early 1960s. Also read: Coronavirus burial site? Satellite images reveal mass graves in Iran's Qom city News of the request came as Iran reported another 75 deaths from the illness the highest single-day toll since the Islamic republic announced its first casualties last month. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Iran is one of the deadliest outside China, where the disease originated. In his appeal for an IMF loan, Zarif cited a joint statement dated March 2 in which the IMF and World Bank said they would "use our available instruments to the fullest extent possible, including emergency financing" to help countries fight the virus. "Our central bank requested access to this facility immediately," Iran's top diplomat tweeted. IMF's @KGeorgieva has stated that countries affected by #COVID19 will be supported via Rapid Financial Instrument. Our Central Bank requested access to this facility immediately. IMF/IMF Board should adhere to Fund's mandate, stand on right side of history & act responsibly. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) March 12, 2020 × Zarif said the IMF and its board "should adhere to fund's mandate, stand on right side of history and act responsibly". Also see: Countries must work together to combat coronavirus pandemic: IMF Iran has not received assistance from the IMF since a "standby credit" issued between 1960 and 1962, according to the fund's data. According to the IMF's website, a Rapid Financial Instrument "is available to all member countries facing an urgent balance of payments need." Economic impact In an Instagram post picked up by sources, Iran's central bank governor Abdolnasser Hemmati claimed to have formally requested access to the RFI by letter on March 6. "Given the widespread prevalence of coronavirus in our country and the need to continue to take strong measures to prevent and cure (the disease), and to address its economic impact," Iran was asking for "about $5 billion" in assistance, Hemmati wrote. The United States is currently pursuing a policy of "maximum pressure" aimed at crippling the finances of Iran's government. President Donald Trump launched the campaign in 2018 after unilaterally withdrawing the US from a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers and reimposing sanctions on the Islamic republic. Also read: IMF's chief economist Gita Gopinath suggest ways to counter economic impact from coronavirus In a separate tweet, Zarif slammed "restrictions" on access to medicine and equipment needed in the coronavirus fight, in a clear reference to the US sanctions. "Iranian care personnel are courageously battling #COVID19 on frontlines," he wrote. "Their efforts are stymied by vast shortages caused by restrictions on our people's access to medicine/equipment." His tweet was accompanied by a document listing Iran's medical needs, including millions of face masks, gloves and coronavirus diagnostic kits. URGENT Iranian care personnel are courageously battling #COVID19 on frontlines Their efforts are stymied by vast shortages caused by restrictions on our people's access to medicine/equipment Most urgent needs are outlined below Viruses don't discriminate. Nor should humankind pic.twitter.com/GpXCbsh001 — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) March 12, 2020 × In theory, humanitarian items are exempt from the US sanctions, but in reality banks tend to turn down transactions involving Iran to avoid being exposed to potential litigation. Watch: × The World Health Organization on Wednesday called for Iran to be given greater assistance in its fight to bring the outbreak under control. "Iran is doing its best... We are trying to mobilise more support for Iran," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, adding the country needed more supplies. Iran announced its first coronavirus deaths in the Shiite holy city of Qom on February 19. It is yet to officially impose any lockdowns but authorities have repeatedly called on people to refrain from travelling. They have closed schools and universities and resorted to shutting hotels and other tourist accommodation to discourage movement.

Iran asks IMF for loan to combat virus as infections pass 10,000

A Chinese government campaign to cast doubt on the origin of the coronavirus pandemic is fuelling a row with the United States, with a Beijing official promoting conspiracy theories and Washington calling it the "Wuhan virus".

The spat comes as China tries to deflect blame for the contagion and reframe itself as a country that took decisive steps to buy the world time by placing huge swathes of its population under quarantine.

With cases falling in China and soaring abroad, Beijing is now rejecting the widely held assessment that the city of Wuhan is the birthplace of the outbreak.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-can-live-in-infected-people-for-weeks-longer-than-first-thought-286046">Coronavirus can live in infected people for weeks longer than first thought</a>

Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian went a step further on Thursday, saying on Twitter that "it might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan," without providing evidence.

He doubled down on his claim on Friday by posting a link to an article from a website known for publishing conspiracy theories about the 9/11 attacks.

Censors usually vigilant against rumours have also allowed Chinese social media users to spread similar claims about the US being behind the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-governments-across-the-world-shutting-down-offices-for-disinfection-286000">Coronavirus pandemic: Governments across the world shutting down offices for disinfection</a>

A video showing a US health official saying some flu victims were posthumously diagnosed as having had COVID-19 was among the top searched items on China's Twitter-like Weibo this week, with some users saying it was evidence the virus originated in the US.

Zhao posted the clip on Twitter.

Dali Yang, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, said he believes Zhao was "tweeting in his official capacity".

Also read: <a href="wionews.com/world/covid-19-brazilian-government-aide-who-met-us-president-donald-trump-tests-positive-286050">COVID-19: Brazilian government aide who met US President Donald Trump tests positive</a>

China's intention in promoting the conspiracy theory is "to divert from domestic discontent" over the handling of the outbreak, which has killed more than 3,100 people in the country.

The push to question the origin of the disease contradicts China's own initial assessment about the source of the virus, which has now killed nearly 5,000 people worldwide.

Gao Fu, head of China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said in January "we now know the source of the virus is wild animals sold at the seafood market" in Wuhan.

Chinese authorities themselves saw Wuhan and the rest of Hubei province as a threat as they placed the region of 56 million people under strict quarantine to contain the epidemic.

But Beijing began sowing doubts in late February, when Zhong Nanshan, a respected expert affiliated with the National Health Commission, told reporters "the epidemic first appeared in China, but didn't necessarily originate in China."

Scientists, however, have long suspected that the virus jumped from an animal at the Wuhan market to a human before spreading globally.

The World Health Organization has said that while the exact path the virus took between its animal source and humans is still unclear, COVID-19 was "unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019".

Christl Donnelly, a professor of statistical epidemiology at Imperial College London, said genetic analysis of coronavirus samples collected from around the world shows a common ancestor in China,&nbsp;

"This is not in any way blaming a particular country," she told AFP.

The United States, meanwhile, has angered China by using language to directly link the virus to the country.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called it the "Wuhan virus", prompting China's foreign ministry to reject the term as "despicable" and "disrespecting science".

Despite the protests, US President Donald Trump started a televised address to his nation on Wednesday by speaking about the outbreak "that started in China".

The WHO warns against naming infectious diseases in a way that encourages discrimination against ethnic groups.

The Trump administration's emphasis on the virus' origin in China is "part of his dog-whistling politics," said Australian National University researcher Yun Jiang.

Robert O'Brien, the US national security adviser, on Wednesday insisted that the virus originated in Wuhan.

Blaming the pandemic on an initial lack of cooperation from Chinese officials and a cover-up when the outbreak first emerged, O'Brien said this had "cost the world community two months to respond" to the threat.

Beijing called his remarks "extremely immoral and also irresponsible".

China's objections have extended to criticising anyone suggesting the virus originated in the country.

Zhao said last week that journalists using the term "China virus" was "suggesting its origin without any supporting facts or evidence" and had "ulterior motives."

Jiang, the researcher, said that "by sowing doubts into people's mind about where the virus originated, they're trying to deflect part of the blame for the outbreak".

A Chinese government campaign to cast doubt on the origin of the coronavirus pandemic is fuelling a row with the United States, with a Beijing official promoting conspiracy theories and Washington calling it the "Wuhan virus".

A Chinese government campaign to cast doubt on the origin of the coronavirus pandemic is fuelling a row with the United States, with a Beijing official promoting conspiracy theories and Washington calling it the "Wuhan virus". The spat comes as China tries to deflect blame for the contagion and reframe itself as a country that took decisive steps to buy the world time by placing huge swathes of its population under quarantine. With cases falling in China and soaring abroad, Beijing is now rejecting the widely held assessment that the city of Wuhan is the birthplace of the outbreak. Also read: Coronavirus can live in infected people for weeks longer than first thought Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian went a step further on Thursday, saying on Twitter that "it might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan," without providing evidence. He doubled down on his claim on Friday by posting a link to an article from a website known for publishing conspiracy theories about the 9/11 attacks. Censors usually vigilant against rumours have also allowed Chinese social media users to spread similar claims about the US being behind the virus. Also read: Coronavirus pandemic: Governments across the world shutting down offices for disinfection A video showing a US health official saying some flu victims were posthumously diagnosed as having had COVID-19 was among the top searched items on China's Twitter-like Weibo this week, with some users saying it was evidence the virus originated in the US. Zhao posted the clip on Twitter. Dali Yang, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, said he believes Zhao was "tweeting in his official capacity". Also read: COVID-19: Brazilian government aide who met US President Donald Trump tests positive China's intention in promoting the conspiracy theory is "to divert from domestic discontent" over the handling of the outbreak, which has killed more than 3,100 people in the country. The push to question the origin of the disease contradicts China's own initial assessment about the source of the virus, which has now killed nearly 5,000 people worldwide. Gao Fu, head of China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said in January "we now know the source of the virus is wild animals sold at the seafood market" in Wuhan. Chinese authorities themselves saw Wuhan and the rest of Hubei province as a threat as they placed the region of 56 million people under strict quarantine to contain the epidemic. But Beijing began sowing doubts in late February, when Zhong Nanshan, a respected expert affiliated with the National Health Commission, told reporters "the epidemic first appeared in China, but didn't necessarily originate in China." Scientists, however, have long suspected that the virus jumped from an animal at the Wuhan market to a human before spreading globally. The World Health Organization has said that while the exact path the virus took between its animal source and humans is still unclear, COVID-19 was "unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019". Christl Donnelly, a professor of statistical epidemiology at Imperial College London, said genetic analysis of coronavirus samples collected from around the world shows a common ancestor in China, "This is not in any way blaming a particular country," she told AFP. The United States, meanwhile, has angered China by using language to directly link the virus to the country. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called it the "Wuhan virus", prompting China's foreign ministry to reject the term as "despicable" and "disrespecting science". Despite the protests, US President Donald Trump started a televised address to his nation on Wednesday by speaking about the outbreak "that started in China". The WHO warns against naming infectious diseases in a way that encourages discrimination against ethnic groups. The Trump administration's emphasis on the virus' origin in China is "part of his dog-whistling politics," said Australian National University researcher Yun Jiang. Robert O'Brien, the US national security adviser, on Wednesday insisted that the virus originated in Wuhan. Blaming the pandemic on an initial lack of cooperation from Chinese officials and a cover-up when the outbreak first emerged, O'Brien said this had "cost the world community two months to respond" to the threat. Beijing called his remarks "extremely immoral and also irresponsible". China's objections have extended to criticising anyone suggesting the virus originated in the country. Zhao said last week that journalists using the term "China virus" was "suggesting its origin without any supporting facts or evidence" and had "ulterior motives." Jiang, the researcher, said that "by sowing doubts into people's mind about where the virus originated, they're trying to deflect part of the blame for the outbreak".

Blame game for pandemic: China, US spar over origin of coronavirus

The US Department of Defense said Thursday it wants to reconsider its decision to award a multi-billion-dollar military cloud computing contract to Microsoft in a bidding process Amazon claims was tainted by politics.

A judge last month issued an order at Amazon's request temporarily blocking the US military from starting work on the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure contract, or JEDI.

In a filing late Thursday in a federal court, government attorneys asked for the matter to be "remanded," or sent back, to the Pentagon "for 120 days to reconsider certain aspects of the challenged agency decision."

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It is up to the court whether the case is remanded or proceeds.

The DoD attorneys said the move came in response to the judge stalling the awarding of the JEDI contract on the grounds Amazon Web Services (AWS) would "likely be able to show" that the department erred in evaluating its proposal.

"We are pleased that the DoD has acknowledged 'substantial and legitimate' issues that affected the JEDI award decision, and that corrective action is necessary," an AWS spokesperson said in a statement.

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"We look forward to complete, fair, and effective corrective action that fully insulates the re-evaluation from political influence and corrects the many issues affecting the initial flawed award."

Amazon argues it was shut out of the deal because of President Donald Trump's vendetta against the company and its chief executive Jeff Bezos.&nbsp;

It is seeking testimony from the president and other top officials on the reasons for awarding the $10 billion, 10-year US military cloud computing contract to Microsoft.

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"DoD wishes to reconsider its award decision in response to the other technical challenges presented by AWS," the government attorneys said in the filing.

"A remand here is in the interests of justice because it will provide the agency with an opportunity to reconsider the award decision at issue in light of AWS's allegations, this court's opinion, and any new information gathered."

The JEDI program will ultimately see all military branches sharing information in a cloud-based system boosted by artificial intelligence.&nbsp;

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An earlier court filing by Amazon detailed alleged errors that ended with Microsoft being chosen over its AWS cloud computing division, part of the technology group led by Bezos.

Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, is a frequent target of the US president, who claims the newspaper is biased against him.

Amazon was considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, with AWS dominating the cloud computing arena and the company already providing classified servers for other government agencies including the CIA.

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Amazon argued in court documents that the Pentagon's choice of Microsoft was mystifying if not for Trump's repeated "expressed determination to, in the words of the president himself, 'screw Amazon.'"

The protest filed in the US Court of Federal Claims urges that the rival JEDI bids be re-evaluated.

The US Department of Defense said Thursday it wants to reconsider its decision to award a multi-billion-dollar military cloud computing contract to Microsoft in a bidding process Amazon claims was tainted by politics.

The US Department of Defense said Thursday it wants to reconsider its decision to award a multi-billion-dollar military cloud computing contract to Microsoft in a bidding process Amazon claims was tainted by politics. A judge last month issued an order at Amazon's request temporarily blocking the US military from starting work on the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure contract, or JEDI. In a filing late Thursday in a federal court, government attorneys asked for the matter to be "remanded," or sent back, to the Pentagon "for 120 days to reconsider certain aspects of the challenged agency decision." Also read: Amazon wants Trump, Esper to testify in fight for $10 billion Pentagon contract It is up to the court whether the case is remanded or proceeds. The DoD attorneys said the move came in response to the judge stalling the awarding of the JEDI contract on the grounds Amazon Web Services (AWS) would "likely be able to show" that the department erred in evaluating its proposal. "We are pleased that the DoD has acknowledged 'substantial and legitimate' issues that affected the JEDI award decision, and that corrective action is necessary," an AWS spokesperson said in a statement. Also see: Amazon wins as US court blocks Microsoft's Pentagon cloud contract "We look forward to complete, fair, and effective corrective action that fully insulates the re-evaluation from political influence and corrects the many issues affecting the initial flawed award." Amazon argues it was shut out of the deal because of President Donald Trump's vendetta against the company and its chief executive Jeff Bezos. It is seeking testimony from the president and other top officials on the reasons for awarding the $10 billion, 10-year US military cloud computing contract to Microsoft. Also read: Tech events cancelled across the world over coronavirus concerns "DoD wishes to reconsider its award decision in response to the other technical challenges presented by AWS," the government attorneys said in the filing. "A remand here is in the interests of justice because it will provide the agency with an opportunity to reconsider the award decision at issue in light of AWS's allegations, this court's opinion, and any new information gathered." The JEDI program will ultimately see all military branches sharing information in a cloud-based system boosted by artificial intelligence. Also see: After Amazon, Walmart's Flipkart challenges India antitrust probe An earlier court filing by Amazon detailed alleged errors that ended with Microsoft being chosen over its AWS cloud computing division, part of the technology group led by Bezos. Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, is a frequent target of the US president, who claims the newspaper is biased against him. Amazon was considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, with AWS dominating the cloud computing arena and the company already providing classified servers for other government agencies including the CIA. Also read: Pentagon looks for 'defence' to Putin's 'invincible' hypersonic missiles Amazon argued in court documents that the Pentagon's choice of Microsoft was mystifying if not for Trump's repeated "expressed determination to, in the words of the president himself, 'screw Amazon.'" The protest filed in the US Court of Federal Claims urges that the rival JEDI bids be re-evaluated.

Pentagon 'wishes to reconsider' awarding JEDI contract to Microsoft

Airlines bore the brunt of a dramatic expansion of the coronavirus crisis on Thursday, as U.S. travel curbs on much of continental Europe deepened the sector's misery and piled more pressure on governments to offer emergency support.

The 30-day restrictions will badly disrupt transatlantic traffic key to the earnings of major European carriers and their U.S. airline partners, analysts warned, as the move hit travel stocks already battered by the virus outbreak.

Those routes account for 20-30% of large European operators' revenue and a majority of profit, Credit Suisse analyst Neil Glynn warned, "highlighting the damage to revenue lines for the coming weeks and potentially well into the summer."

Glynn added: "A ban on travel to the U.S. will likely mean heavier cuts" than the drastic capacity reductions already ordered as airlines scrapped flights - first to China and then to other destinations including Italy as the virus spread.

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Shares in European and U.S. airlines slumped in turn to new lows, with Delta and United Airlines down more than 13% and American Airlines 7.2% lower.

Air France-KLM was down 9.1% at 1506 GMT, with British Airways parent IAG down 10.7% and Lufthansa 11.5% lower. Troubled Norwegian Air and U.S.-dependent Icelandair both plunged more than 20%.

The U.S. curbs on travel from the 26-country Schengen Area - which excludes Britain and Ireland - are similar to restrictions on China that took effect on Feb. 1 and do not apply to U.S. residents or their immediate family.

"The ban effectively stops travel from the Schengen Area to the USA," said Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska - predicting a "more substantial" earnings impact than European carriers had suffered from the earlier China flight suspensions.

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U.S. airlines had already cut flight schedules to Italy and will take another hit from lower demand for flights from major destinations such as France and Germany.

Among them, American Airlines could be relatively spared by its alliance with British Airways (BA) and a higher share of UK traffic, while Air France-KLM partner Delta and Lufthansa ally United Airlines are likely to suffer more, analysts say.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence defended the travel curbs on Thursday after the European Union complained they had been imposed "unilaterally and without consultation".

The virus has taken root in the United States after spreading from China to Italy, South Korea, Iran and elsewhere.

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TOTAL MELTDOWN

Airlines had already been scrambling to respond to a global travel slump that looks increasingly likely to require government aid to avoid widespread insolvencies. The EU will publish new state-aid guidelines on Friday.

Germany may extend loans and other support to airlines, a government official said on Thursday. The French government also stands ready to help Air France-KLM, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said.

"There is a need for measures from many governments," said Norwegian pilots' union president Yngve Carlsen. "This could lead to a total meltdown."

Scandinavian carrier SAS is in talks with the Swedish and Danish governments about potential support measures, a company spokeswoman said.

Also see:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-could-get-bigger-in-winters-study-285720">&nbsp;Coronavirus outbreak could get bigger in winters: Study</a>

EU airlines have seized on the crisis to push back on green taxes designed to help the bloc meet climate goals - including proposals to end current tax exemptions on jet fuel.

"New fiscal burdens should be postponed until the industry is back on a sound operational and financial footing," lobby group Airlines for Europe said.

CRITICAL TIME

The latest travel clampdown could make coronavirus worse than previous aviation crises including the 9/11 attacks of 2001, UK-based consultant John Strickland said.

"It's coming at the end of the northern hemisphere winter, which is a weak period for airline finances (when) they should be sowing seeds of a strong summer season by getting the bookings in," he said.

Air France-KLM and Lufthansa said they were still studying the implications of the U.S. move for flight schedules. IAG is potentially less impacted thanks to BA's Heathrow base.

There were panicky European airport scenes as travellers scrambled to fly to the United States before the restrictions take effect late on March 13.

The fallout is also spreading fast from travel and tourism to the aerospace and other industries.

Safran, the world's third-biggest aerospace group, sees a growing threat&nbsp;

Airlines bore the brunt of a dramatic expansion of the coronavirus crisis on Thursday, as U.S. travel curbs on much of continental Europe deepened the sector's misery and piled more pressure on governments to offer emergency support.

Airlines bore the brunt of a dramatic expansion of the coronavirus crisis on Thursday, as U.S. travel curbs on much of continental Europe deepened the sector's misery and piled more pressure on governments to offer emergency support. The 30-day restrictions will badly disrupt transatlantic traffic key to the earnings of major European carriers and their U.S. airline partners, analysts warned, as the move hit travel stocks already battered by the virus outbreak. Those routes account for 20-30% of large European operators' revenue and a majority of profit, Credit Suisse analyst Neil Glynn warned, "highlighting the damage to revenue lines for the coming weeks and potentially well into the summer." Glynn added: "A ban on travel to the U.S. will likely mean heavier cuts" than the drastic capacity reductions already ordered as airlines scrapped flights - first to China and then to other destinations including Italy as the virus spread. Also read: Qatar bans arrivals from 14 countries including India over coronavirus fears Shares in European and U.S. airlines slumped in turn to new lows, with Delta and United Airlines down more than 13% and American Airlines 7.2% lower. Air France-KLM was down 9.1% at 1506 GMT, with British Airways parent IAG down 10.7% and Lufthansa 11.5% lower. Troubled Norwegian Air and U.S.-dependent Icelandair both plunged more than 20%. The U.S. curbs on travel from the 26-country Schengen Area - which excludes Britain and Ireland - are similar to restrictions on China that took effect on Feb. 1 and do not apply to U.S. residents or their immediate family. "The ban effectively stops travel from the Schengen Area to the USA," said Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska - predicting a "more substantial" earnings impact than European carriers had suffered from the earlier China flight suspensions. Also see: Trump suspends travel from Europe to US in coronavirus crisis U.S. airlines had already cut flight schedules to Italy and will take another hit from lower demand for flights from major destinations such as France and Germany. Among them, American Airlines could be relatively spared by its alliance with British Airways (BA) and a higher share of UK traffic, while Air France-KLM partner Delta and Lufthansa ally United Airlines are likely to suffer more, analysts say. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence defended the travel curbs on Thursday after the European Union complained they had been imposed "unilaterally and without consultation". The virus has taken root in the United States after spreading from China to Italy, South Korea, Iran and elsewhere. Also read: Whole of Italy under coronavirus lockdown, public gatherings banned TOTAL MELTDOWN Airlines had already been scrambling to respond to a global travel slump that looks increasingly likely to require government aid to avoid widespread insolvencies. The EU will publish new state-aid guidelines on Friday. Germany may extend loans and other support to airlines, a government official said on Thursday. The French government also stands ready to help Air France-KLM, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said. "There is a need for measures from many governments," said Norwegian pilots' union president Yngve Carlsen. "This could lead to a total meltdown." Scandinavian carrier SAS is in talks with the Swedish and Danish governments about potential support measures, a company spokeswoman said. Also see: Coronavirus outbreak could get bigger in winters: Study EU airlines have seized on the crisis to push back on green taxes designed to help the bloc meet climate goals - including proposals to end current tax exemptions on jet fuel. "New fiscal burdens should be postponed until the industry is back on a sound operational and financial footing," lobby group Airlines for Europe said. CRITICAL TIME The latest travel clampdown could make coronavirus worse than previous aviation crises including the 9/11 attacks of 2001, UK-based consultant John Strickland said. "It's coming at the end of the northern hemisphere winter, which is a weak period for airline finances (when) they should be sowing seeds of a strong summer season by getting the bookings in," he said. Air France-KLM and Lufthansa said they were still studying the implications of the U.S. move for flight schedules. IAG is potentially less impacted thanks to BA's Heathrow base. There were panicky European airport scenes as travellers scrambled to fly to the United States before the restrictions take effect late on March 13. The fallout is also spreading fast from travel and tourism to the aerospace and other industries. Safran, the world's third-biggest aerospace group, sees a growing threat

Airline crisis worsens as US puts Europeans in coronavirus quarantine

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New York is deploying National Guard troops for the first time in the coronavirus crisis to help contain the spread of the disease from an infection-hit suburb of New York City, the state's governor said Tuesday.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Large gathering places &amp; schools in this area will be closed for 2 wks, starting Thursday until March 25. 
 
NY is partnering with Northwell Health to open a satellite testing facility there. 
 
We will deploy the National Guard to deliver food to homes &amp; help clean public spaces.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo/status/1237445848969117698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Andrew Cuomo said authorities would set up a one-mile radius "containment zone" around the epicentre of an outbreak in New Rochelle in suburban Westchester County.

Cuomo explained that all facilities in the zone that hold large gatherings, such as schools and temples, would be closed for two weeks beginning Thursday.

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"We're also going to use the National Guard in the containment area to deliver food to homes, to help with the cleaning of public spaces," Cuomo said.

There have been 173 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in New York state, including 108 in Westchester County, home to New Rochelle where the majority of infections have been detected.

Cuomo told reporters that businesses in the containment zone will remain open and that people will be free to come and go as they wish, insisting there is no quarantine.

"You're not containing people, it's facilities," he said.

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"It is a dramatic action, but it is the largest cluster in the country. This is literally a matter of life and death," Cuomo added.

"People are scared, it's an unusual situation to be in," Miles Goldberg, who runs a New Rochelle bar, told AFP.

"It makes people nervous to be around others, it makes people nervous to get inside into businesses and such," he said.

Tim Eble, who manages a gym, said he intended to keep the facility open but take "extra precautions to keep things clean."

The area is centred on a synagogue in New Rochelle -- a city of 80,000 inhabitants just north of New York City -- that was attended by a man who was the state's first case, a lawyer working in Manhattan.

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His wife, Adina Lewis Garbuz, posted Tuesday on Facebook that it had taken health officials "days" to figure out he was infected.

"As many have asked, of course, he went to the doctor and did so many times. No one figured it out and it even took the hospital days to figure it out," she said, reporting that the rest of her family was in good health.

At least one of the employees at the hospital where her husband was treated contracted the virus, and others, including doctors, were under quarantine, according to The New York Times.

The hospital did not immediately respond for comment when contacted by AFP.

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The United States has more than 950 confirmed cases of the deadly virus, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Twenty-eight people have died, 23 of those in Washington state, the other US virus epicentre. No one has died in New York.

New York is deploying National Guard troops for the first time in the coronavirus crisis to help contain the spread of the disease from an infection-hit suburb of New York City, the state's governor said Tuesday.

New York is deploying National Guard troops for the first time in the coronavirus crisis to help contain the spread of the disease from an infection-hit suburb of New York City, the state's governor said Tuesday. Large gathering places & schools in this area will be closed for 2 wks, starting Thursday until March 25. NY is partnering with Northwell Health to open a satellite testing facility there. We will deploy the National Guard to deliver food to homes & help clean public spaces. — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 10, 2020 × Andrew Cuomo said authorities would set up a one-mile radius "containment zone" around the epicentre of an outbreak in New Rochelle in suburban Westchester County. Cuomo explained that all facilities in the zone that hold large gatherings, such as schools and temples, would be closed for two weeks beginning Thursday. Also Read: US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders amid coronavirus fears: Report "We're also going to use the National Guard in the containment area to deliver food to homes, to help with the cleaning of public spaces," Cuomo said. There have been 173 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in New York state, including 108 in Westchester County, home to New Rochelle where the majority of infections have been detected. Cuomo told reporters that businesses in the containment zone will remain open and that people will be free to come and go as they wish, insisting there is no quarantine. "You're not containing people, it's facilities," he said. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: US, others nations tighten curbs on travel to China as virus toll hits 213 "It is a dramatic action, but it is the largest cluster in the country. This is literally a matter of life and death," Cuomo added. "People are scared, it's an unusual situation to be in," Miles Goldberg, who runs a New Rochelle bar, told AFP. "It makes people nervous to be around others, it makes people nervous to get inside into businesses and such," he said. Tim Eble, who manages a gym, said he intended to keep the facility open but take "extra precautions to keep things clean." The area is centred on a synagogue in New Rochelle -- a city of 80,000 inhabitants just north of New York City -- that was attended by a man who was the state's first case, a lawyer working in Manhattan. Also Read: Trump says US economy could take hit from coronavirus His wife, Adina Lewis Garbuz, posted Tuesday on Facebook that it had taken health officials "days" to figure out he was infected. "As many have asked, of course, he went to the doctor and did so many times. No one figured it out and it even took the hospital days to figure it out," she said, reporting that the rest of her family was in good health. At least one of the employees at the hospital where her husband was treated contracted the virus, and others, including doctors, were under quarantine, according to The New York Times. The hospital did not immediately respond for comment when contacted by AFP. Also Read: Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll, US-Taliban deal and more The United States has more than 950 confirmed cases of the deadly virus, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. Twenty-eight people have died, 23 of those in Washington state, the other US virus epicentre. No one has died in New York.

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The United States Olympic &amp; Paralympic Committee has shelved a planned summit for athletes and media due to be staged in Los Angeles next week due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, officials said Monday.

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The USOPC said in a statement the four-day event in California, where dozens of Team USA Olympic athletes are made available to the media, had been called off until further notice.

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The USOPC media summit has been held before every Summer and Winter Olympic Games since 1998.

However USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland said in a letter to athletes that a decision to scrap next week's summit was taken after consultation with health officials.

"Like so many other organizations, teams and leagues, we are reckoning with the impact of the coronavirus," Hirshland said.

"(We) came to the joint conclusion that the potential of spread or infection, however remote or unlikely, could have a real impact on the athletes of Team USA," she added.

The decision was taken out of "an abundance of caution", Hirshland noted, adding that the USOPC was bullish about the prospects of this year's Tokyo Olympics going ahead as planned in July.

"You should assume we are charging forward toward Tokyo 2020 as planned," she said. "We expect to be in Tokyo this summer, and we will take every precaution to keep Team USA athletes safe as we prepare."

The US has recorded at least 26 deaths from the coronavirus and 605 confirmed cases across 35 states, according to a Johns Hopkins tally.

The outbreak has wreaked havoc across the sporting world, with dozens of games and events cancelled or rescheduled or played behind closed doors.

On Sunday, the ATP/WTA Indian Wells tennis tournament in southern California was called off after confirmation of a COVID-19 case in the same region.

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee has shelved a planned summit for athletes and media due to be staged in Los Angeles next week due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, officials said Monday.

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee has shelved a planned summit for athletes and media due to be staged in Los Angeles next week due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, officials said Monday. Also read: All Italian sporting events including Serie A suspended due to coronavirus outbreak The USOPC said in a statement the four-day event in California, where dozens of Team USA Olympic athletes are made available to the media, had been called off until further notice. Also read: Serie A: Fixture delayed due to confusion over Italian Sports Minister's post calling for suspension of league The USOPC media summit has been held before every Summer and Winter Olympic Games since 1998. However USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland said in a letter to athletes that a decision to scrap next week's summit was taken after consultation with health officials. "Like so many other organizations, teams and leagues, we are reckoning with the impact of the coronavirus," Hirshland said. "(We) came to the joint conclusion that the potential of spread or infection, however remote or unlikely, could have a real impact on the athletes of Team USA," she added. The decision was taken out of "an abundance of caution", Hirshland noted, adding that the USOPC was bullish about the prospects of this year's Tokyo Olympics going ahead as planned in July. "You should assume we are charging forward toward Tokyo 2020 as planned," she said. "We expect to be in Tokyo this summer, and we will take every precaution to keep Team USA athletes safe as we prepare." The US has recorded at least 26 deaths from the coronavirus and 605 confirmed cases across 35 states, according to a Johns Hopkins tally. The outbreak has wreaked havoc across the sporting world, with dozens of games and events cancelled or rescheduled or played behind closed doors. On Sunday, the ATP/WTA Indian Wells tennis tournament in southern California was called off after confirmation of a COVID-19 case in the same region.

US Olympic chiefs axe media summit over virus fears

The US military has begun withdrawing soldiers from Afghanistan as part of a pullout agreed in the February 29 peace agreement with the Taliban, a Pentagon official said Monday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-peace-pact-in-chaos-as-presidential-rivals-squabble-285207">Afghan peace pact in chaos as presidential rivals squabble</a>

The US has committed to reducing its troop level from more than 12,000 at the moment to 8,600 within 135 days of the agreement, said Colonel Sonny Leggett, spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-abdullah-abdullah-threatens-parallel-inauguration-after-the-disputed-election-285054">Afghanistan: Abdullah Abdullah threatens parallel inauguration after the disputed election</a>

Even with the drawdown, US forces retain "all the military means and authorities to accomplish our objectives -- including conducting counterterrorism operations against Al-Qaeda and ISIS-K and providing support to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces," Leggett said in a statement.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The US military has begun withdrawing soldiers from Afghanistan as part of a pullout agreed in the February 29 peace agreement with the Taliban, a Pentagon official said Monday.

The US military has begun withdrawing soldiers from Afghanistan as part of a pullout agreed in the February 29 peace agreement with the Taliban, a Pentagon official said Monday. Also read: Afghan peace pact in chaos as presidential rivals squabble The US has committed to reducing its troop level from more than 12,000 at the moment to 8,600 within 135 days of the agreement, said Colonel Sonny Leggett, spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan. Also read: Afghanistan: Abdullah Abdullah threatens parallel inauguration after the disputed election Even with the drawdown, US forces retain "all the military means and authorities to accomplish our objectives -- including conducting counterterrorism operations against Al-Qaeda and ISIS-K and providing support to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces," Leggett said in a statement. ×

US begins troops withdrawal from Afghanistan 10 days after Taliban deal

Earlier this month, the World Health Organization estimated the mortality rate for COVID-19 was about 3 percent, which the organization said was higher than the common flu.

According to US Prez; Coronavirus is a sort of Flu

Iran reports 54 new coronavirus deaths, highest single-day toll

Iran reported 54 deaths from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the highest one-day&nbsp;toll since the start of the outbreak in the country.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reports-54-new-coronavirus-deaths-highest-single-day-toll-285461"> Read More</a>

Bulgaria opposes Greek plans for refugee camp near border

Bulgaria's defence minister hit out at "unreasonable" Greek plans to build a camp near their border to shelter asylum seekers amid&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;surge from Turkey. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bulgaria-opposes-greek-plans-for-refugee-camp-near-border-285481">Read More</a>

Biden, Sanders eye showdown in six states on Super Tuesday

The face-off between former US Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders begins on Tuesday for the Democratic candidate who would take on President Trump in the 2020 US elections.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-sanders-eye-showdown-in-six-states-on-super-tuesday-285482"> Read More</a>

British Prime Minister Johnson faces lawmaker revolt over Huawei 5G decision

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government faces its first revolt over a decision to allow the Chinese telecom giant Huawei to build the country's 5G phone network. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-johnson-faces-lawmaker-revolt-over-huawei-5g-decision-285478">Read More</a>

Dutch king apologises for violence during Indonesian independence war

Dutch King Willem-Alexander apologised to Indonesia for "excessive violence" during the former colony's independence struggle in the 1940s. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-king-apologises-for-violence-during-indonesian-independence-war-285480">Read More</a>

Migrant deal with European Union needs to be updated: Turkey

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that a 2016 agreement between Turkey and the European Union needs to be updated, taking into account developments in Syria and that Ankara was ready to work constructively on the issue.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-deal-with-european-union-needs-to-be-updated-turkey-285469"> Read More</a>

US, China back President Ghani, reject Abdullah Abdullah's 'parallel government' in Afghanistan

China congratulated Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on his re-election and called on all parties to accelerate the reconstruction and peace process in the war-torn country. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-back-president-ghani-reject-abdullah-abdullahs-parallel-government-in-afghanistan-285467">Read More</a>

Oil prices rise 10% after Russia indicates 'open to cooperation with OPEC'

Oil prices rose ten per cent after Russia indicated that it was open to cooperation with OPEC, a day after prices recorded biggest one-day percentage decline since the first Gulf War in 1991. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-rise-10-after-russia-indicates-open-to-cooperation-with-opec-285465">Read More</a>

Bangladesh PM postpones visit to Japan over coronavirus outbreak

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has postponed her two-day official visit to Japan over the global outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus, foreign minister AK Abdul Momen said. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-postpones-visit-to-japan-over-coronavirus-outbreak-285463">Read More</a>

Tanker rates surge as traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil

Tanker rates to ship oil in very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are surging as oil traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil as they take advantage of a 25 per cent&nbsp;plunge in prices amid a price war between top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tanker-rates-surge-as-traders-hunt-for-ships-to-store-cheap-oil-285462">Read More</a>

Iran reports 54 new coronavirus deaths, highest single-day toll Iran reported 54 deaths from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the highest one-day toll since the start of the outbreak in the country.

Iran reports 54 new coronavirus deaths, highest single-day toll Iran reported 54 deaths from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the highest one-day toll since the start of the outbreak in the country. Read More Bulgaria opposes Greek plans for refugee camp near border Bulgaria's defence minister hit out at "unreasonable" Greek plans to build a camp near their border to shelter asylum seekers amid migrant surge from Turkey. Read More Biden, Sanders eye showdown in six states on Super Tuesday The face-off between former US Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders begins on Tuesday for the Democratic candidate who would take on President Trump in the 2020 US elections. Read More British Prime Minister Johnson faces lawmaker revolt over Huawei 5G decision British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government faces its first revolt over a decision to allow the Chinese telecom giant Huawei to build the country's 5G phone network. Read More Dutch king apologises for violence during Indonesian independence war Dutch King Willem-Alexander apologised to Indonesia for "excessive violence" during the former colony's independence struggle in the 1940s. Read More Migrant deal with European Union needs to be updated: Turkey Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that a 2016 agreement between Turkey and the European Union needs to be updated, taking into account developments in Syria and that Ankara was ready to work constructively on the issue. Read More US, China back President Ghani, reject Abdullah Abdullah's 'parallel government' in Afghanistan China congratulated Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on his re-election and called on all parties to accelerate the reconstruction and peace process in the war-torn country. Read More Oil prices rise 10% after Russia indicates 'open to cooperation with OPEC' Oil prices rose ten per cent after Russia indicated that it was open to cooperation with OPEC, a day after prices recorded biggest one-day percentage decline since the first Gulf War in 1991. Read More Bangladesh PM postpones visit to Japan over coronavirus outbreak Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has postponed her two-day official visit to Japan over the global outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus, foreign minister AK Abdul Momen said. Read More Tanker rates surge as traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil Tanker rates to ship oil in very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are surging as oil traders hunt for ships to store cheap oil as they take advantage of a 25 per cent plunge in prices amid a price war between top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia. Read More

Top 10 world news today: Iran reports new coronavirus deaths, oil prices rise and more!

Afghan President-elect Ashraf Ghani on Monday delayed his planned inauguration ceremony until the afternoon, as his rival Abdullah Abdullah also postponed a scheduled competing for the swearing-in ceremony.

Both men have laid claim to Afghanistan's leadership following a disputed election in September, a situation that threatens political chaos just days after the United States and the Taliban signed a deal on the withdrawal of U.S.-led international forces.

The delay of the competing ceremonies would allow more time for Ghani and Abdullah to continue days-long talks with U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad as he tries to shepherd a deal between the two political camps, an official for Ghani said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-abdullah-abdullah-threatens-parallel-inauguration-after-the-disputed-election-285054">Afghanistan: Abdullah Abdullah threatens parallel inauguration after the disputed election</a>

"We are in serious negotiation with Abdullah team since last night, and it is still underway," the official said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak media. "We hope to reach an agreement with Abdullah team."

The official said Ghani's ceremony had been postponed until 1 pm, confirming a tweet from Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi. Abdullah had earlier offered to postpone his ceremony, if Ghani did the same, in response to an appeal by Khalilzad, Abdullah's spokesman, Omid Maisam, said.

Afghanistan's Election Commission last month announced that Ghani had retained power by winning the September 28 election. But his long-time rival, Abdullah, rejected that and proclaimed himself the winner.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chaotic-week-after-us-taliban-deal-leaves-afghans-fate-unclear-284963">Chaotic week after US-Taliban deal leaves Afghans' fate unclear</a>

The political crisis comes as the government is meant to be preparing for talks with the Taliban, to follow up on February&nbsp;29 pact between the United States and the insurgents on the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops after 18 years of war.

Western diplomats in Kabul said it was unclear how the situation might be resolved.

"If Ghani is determined to hold his swearing-in then Abdullah may suddenly decide to hold it too ... it's all up in the air for now," said one diplomat, who has invitations from both of the rival camps, requesting anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.

Watch:&nbsp;

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Another diplomat, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said that amidst uncertainty, many foreign envoys were waiting for a "green signal" from the United States on whether to attend Ghani's ceremony.

Ghani and Abdullah both held roles in the previous government under a U.S.-brokered power-sharing agreement that followed the previous election in 2014.

A former foreign minister, Abdullah held the specially created post of chief executive in the outgoing government.

The Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced Ghani the winner on February 18. Under election law, the swearing-in ceremony for president must be held within 30 days of that announcement.

Afghan President-elect Ashraf Ghani on Monday delayed his planned inauguration ceremony until the afternoon, as his rival Abdullah Abdullah also postponed a scheduled competing for the swearing-in ceremony.

Afghan President-elect Ashraf Ghani on Monday delayed his planned inauguration ceremony until the afternoon, as his rival Abdullah Abdullah also postponed a scheduled competing for the swearing-in ceremony. Both men have laid claim to Afghanistan's leadership following a disputed election in September, a situation that threatens political chaos just days after the United States and the Taliban signed a deal on the withdrawal of U.S.-led international forces. The delay of the competing ceremonies would allow more time for Ghani and Abdullah to continue days-long talks with U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad as he tries to shepherd a deal between the two political camps, an official for Ghani said. Also read: Afghanistan: Abdullah Abdullah threatens parallel inauguration after the disputed election "We are in serious negotiation with Abdullah team since last night, and it is still underway," the official said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak media. "We hope to reach an agreement with Abdullah team." The official said Ghani's ceremony had been postponed until 1 pm, confirming a tweet from Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi. Abdullah had earlier offered to postpone his ceremony, if Ghani did the same, in response to an appeal by Khalilzad, Abdullah's spokesman, Omid Maisam, said. Afghanistan's Election Commission last month announced that Ghani had retained power by winning the September 28 election. But his long-time rival, Abdullah, rejected that and proclaimed himself the winner. Also see: Chaotic week after US-Taliban deal leaves Afghans' fate unclear The political crisis comes as the government is meant to be preparing for talks with the Taliban, to follow up on February 29 pact between the United States and the insurgents on the withdrawal of US troops after 18 years of war. Western diplomats in Kabul said it was unclear how the situation might be resolved. "If Ghani is determined to hold his swearing-in then Abdullah may suddenly decide to hold it too ... it's all up in the air for now," said one diplomat, who has invitations from both of the rival camps, requesting anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media. Watch: × Another diplomat, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said that amidst uncertainty, many foreign envoys were waiting for a "green signal" from the United States on whether to attend Ghani's ceremony. Ghani and Abdullah both held roles in the previous government under a U.S.-brokered power-sharing agreement that followed the previous election in 2014. A former foreign minister, Abdullah held the specially created post of chief executive in the outgoing government. The Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced Ghani the winner on February 18. Under election law, the swearing-in ceremony for president must be held within 30 days of that announcement.

Afghan president-elect delays inauguration to continue talks with rival

Squabbling Afghan presidential rivals threatened to both declare themselves president in duelling inauguration ceremonies Monday, throwing plans for negotiations with the Taliban into chaos.

Those talks among Afghans on both sides of the conflict were supposed to be the next crucial step in a US-Taliban peace deal, signed less than two weeks ago.

But the dispute between the top two candidates in last year's presidential election over who actually won means the Afghan government side appears unable to present a united front.

When Washington and the Taliban insurgents signed the deal, the promise was that Afghans would sit down and negotiate a road map for their country's future.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-abdullah-abdullah-threatens-parallel-inauguration-after-the-disputed-election-285054">Afghanistan: Abdullah Abdullah threatens parallel inauguration after the disputed election</a>

They are looking to hammer out such thorny issues as women's rights, free speech and the fate of tens of thousands of armed men on both sides of the 18-year war. Those negotiations were set to be held Tuesday in Oslo.

The US has said its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan will be linked to the Taliban keeping their counter-terrorism promises but not to the success of talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

Afghanistan's election commission has declared incumbent President Ashraf Ghani as the winner of September's vote. His former partner in a unity government, chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, as well as the election complaints commission, say the results are fraught with irregularities. As a result, both Ghani and Abdullah have declared themselves winners.

The two candidates are also backed by warlords who have a stake in who becomes president, complicating negotiations to break the stalemate being conducted by Washington's peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-32-killed-after-gunmen-target-kabul-ceremony-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-284687">At least 32 killed after gunmen target Kabul ceremony; Islamic State claims responsibility</a>

The rival presidential candidates called journalists to their respective inaugurations early Monday, only to delay them for a few hours while more talks were being held.

A senior member of Abdullah's team, Basir Salangi, told local Afghan channel Tolo TV that the U.S. Peace envoy has asked both sides to delay their inaugurations for three days to sort out the stalemate.

Abdullah reportedly said he was ready, but would go ahead with his ceremony Monday if Ghani refused to postpone.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed, in response to questions from The Associated Press, said late Sunday that the Taliban were still committed to the deal, but said the duelling presidential inaugurations ''are not good for the Afghan nation."

Watch: 

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As well as competing candidates, Khalilzad still has to get some agreement on a prisoner release, which was supposed to be settled before the intra-Afghan negotiations could begin.

The peace deal signed by the US and Taliban said 5,000 Taliban prisoners and up to 1,000 captives from the government side would be freed as a goodwill gesture ahead of the intra-Afghan negotiations.

Ghani had previously said he won't release the Taliban prisoners, even as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on all sides to stop posturing and free their prisoners, some of whom have already served their sentences. Pompeo called on all sides get on with talks about the country's future.

The Taliban spokesman told the sources that the group wants their prisoners released and were ready to free the captives they're holding. Mujahed said they did not want to see a delay, but reiterated that if it occurred 'we remain committed to the agreement.'

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chaotic-week-after-us-taliban-deal-leaves-afghans-fate-unclear-284963">Chaotic week after US-Taliban deal leaves Afghans' fate unclear</a>

In a tweet, Afghanistan's former deputy foreign minister, Jawed Luddin, thanked Washington for trying to sort out Afghanistan's political turmoil while calling the squabbling 'a mess'

'Thank you USA for trying to sort out our political crisis - yet again. We know you must be sick of it - as are we Afghans,' Ludden said. 
''You and we both had a hand in bringing about the mess that is today's Afghan politics. But I wish we Afghans felt half as responsible for the mess as you do," he added.

The deal signed by the U.S. Would allow Washington to end its involvement in Afghanistan and bring home U.S. Troops over a period of 18 months.

Squabbling Afghan presidential rivals threatened to both declare themselves president in duelling inauguration ceremonies Monday, throwing plans for negotiations with the Taliban into chaos.

Squabbling Afghan presidential rivals threatened to both declare themselves president in duelling inauguration ceremonies Monday, throwing plans for negotiations with the Taliban into chaos. Those talks among Afghans on both sides of the conflict were supposed to be the next crucial step in a US-Taliban peace deal, signed less than two weeks ago. But the dispute between the top two candidates in last year's presidential election over who actually won means the Afghan government side appears unable to present a united front. When Washington and the Taliban insurgents signed the deal, the promise was that Afghans would sit down and negotiate a road map for their country's future. Also read: Afghanistan: Abdullah Abdullah threatens parallel inauguration after the disputed election They are looking to hammer out such thorny issues as women's rights, free speech and the fate of tens of thousands of armed men on both sides of the 18-year war. Those negotiations were set to be held Tuesday in Oslo. The US has said its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan will be linked to the Taliban keeping their counter-terrorism promises but not to the success of talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government. Afghanistan's election commission has declared incumbent President Ashraf Ghani as the winner of September's vote. His former partner in a unity government, chief executive Abdullah Abdullah, as well as the election complaints commission, say the results are fraught with irregularities. As a result, both Ghani and Abdullah have declared themselves winners. The two candidates are also backed by warlords who have a stake in who becomes president, complicating negotiations to break the stalemate being conducted by Washington's peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad. Also see: At least 32 killed after gunmen target Kabul ceremony; Islamic State claims responsibility The rival presidential candidates called journalists to their respective inaugurations early Monday, only to delay them for a few hours while more talks were being held. A senior member of Abdullah's team, Basir Salangi, told local Afghan channel Tolo TV that the U.S. Peace envoy has asked both sides to delay their inaugurations for three days to sort out the stalemate. Abdullah reportedly said he was ready, but would go ahead with his ceremony Monday if Ghani refused to postpone. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed, in response to questions from The Associated Press, said late Sunday that the Taliban were still committed to the deal, but said the duelling presidential inaugurations ''are not good for the Afghan nation." Watch: × As well as competing candidates, Khalilzad still has to get some agreement on a prisoner release, which was supposed to be settled before the intra-Afghan negotiations could begin. The peace deal signed by the US and Taliban said 5,000 Taliban prisoners and up to 1,000 captives from the government side would be freed as a goodwill gesture ahead of the intra-Afghan negotiations. Ghani had previously said he won't release the Taliban prisoners, even as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on all sides to stop posturing and free their prisoners, some of whom have already served their sentences. Pompeo called on all sides get on with talks about the country's future. The Taliban spokesman told the sources that the group wants their prisoners released and were ready to free the captives they're holding. Mujahed said they did not want to see a delay, but reiterated that if it occurred 'we remain committed to the agreement.' Also read: Chaotic week after US-Taliban deal leaves Afghans' fate unclear In a tweet, Afghanistan's former deputy foreign minister, Jawed Luddin, thanked Washington for trying to sort out Afghanistan's political turmoil while calling the squabbling 'a mess' 'Thank you USA for trying to sort out our political crisis - yet again. We know you must be sick of it - as are we Afghans,' Ludden said. ''You and we both had a hand in bringing about the mess that is today's Afghan politics. But I wish we Afghans felt half as responsible for the mess as you do," he added. The deal signed by the U.S. Would allow Washington to end its involvement in Afghanistan and bring home U.S. Troops over a period of 18 months.

Afghan peace pact in chaos as presidential rivals squabble

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he planned to continue political rallies despite coronavirus concerns.

Despite Coronovirus outbreak, US President Trump decides to continue his rallies

Tunisian forensic investigators were at a suicide blast site outside the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia on Friday, in the attack that killed a policeman and injured several others.

Today Tonight: Blast outside U.S. embassy in Tunisia

US-Taliban Peace Deal: Less than 24 hours after President Donald Trump said he had a “very good talk” with a top Taliban leader and insisted the group wants to cease violence, a U.S. military drone on Wednesday targeted the militant group

Violence increases post US-Taliban peace deal

US President Donald Trump on Friday starred with White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and replaced him with conservative jurist and close aide Mark Meadows, who was a strong Trump defender during the Democratic impeachment campaign.

US President Trump replaces acting chief of staff Mulvaney with North Carolina lawmaker

U.S. stocks fell on Friday as fears of economic damage from the spread of the coronavirus intensified, though Wall Street's major indexes ended well above their session lows.

Wall street ends wild street with cuts, significant declines on Wall street | Coronavirus Outbreak

Amid a political crisis, violence has escalated in Afghanistan. There are major differences between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Many challenges lie ahead in the peace talks.

Gravitas: US - Taliban peace deal on fragile footing | WION Edit

Less than a week after the peace deal between the US and Taliban, violence in Afghanistan has escalated. This report tells you why the peace process in Afghanistan faces several hurdles.

Afghanistan: Less than a week after peace deal, violence escalates | Gravitas

The coronavirus outbreak spread further across the United States on Thursday, cropping up in at least four new states and San Francisco as Congress quickly approved more than $8 billion to fight the outbreak and Americans faced increasing disruptions to their daily lives.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-man-with-coronavirus-attended-packed-rock-concert-in-auckland-health-authorities-say-284601" hreflang="en">New Zealand man with coronavirus attended packed rock concert in Auckland, health authorities say</a>

The death toll from the virus in the United States rose to 12, with the latest fatality recorded in King County, Washington, and at least 57 new cases were confirmed, striking for the first time in Colorado, Maryland, Tennessee and Texas, as well as San Francisco.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-coronavirus-concerns-chinese-robotic-arm-may-help-save-lives-284534" hreflang="en">Amid coronavirus concerns, Chinese robotic arm may help save lives</a>

A helicopter flew testing kits to a cruise liner idled off the coast of California and barred from docking in San Francisco after at least 35 people developed flu-like symptoms aboard the ship, which has been linked to two other confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-reports-first-death-as-china-reports-over-3000-deaths-284504" hreflang="en">Switzerland reports first death as China reports over 3,000 deaths</a>

In King County, Washington, which is home to Seattle and has been the site so far of the greatest concentration of coronavirus cases in the country, 20 new cases were confirmed, local health officials said, bringing the total in the county to 51 with 11 deaths. One death has been recorded in California.

"This is a critical moment in the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in King County," the county said in a statement. "All King County residents should follow public health recommendations. Together, we may potentially impact the spread of the disease in our community."

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Many of the 70 cases in Washington state have been linked to an outbreak at a nursing facility in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland, including six deaths.

Alphabet Inc's Google on Thursday joined Amazon.com Inc, Facebook Inc and Microsoft Corp in recommending that employees in the Seattle area work from home after some were infected with the coronavirus. The companies' work-from-home recommendation will affect more than 100,000 people in the area. One school district in the area has closed.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the number of cases in that state had doubled to 22 after the federal government approved its use of additional laboratories, boosting testing capacity. Cuomo told a news conference that the total would likely "keep going up."

Of the new cases in New York, eight are connected to a Manhattan lawyer who lives in suburban Westchester County, north of the city, and who was previously diagnosed with the virus, two are in New York City and one on Long Island, in Nassau County.

Colorado, Tennessee and Texas report cases

Texas confirmed its first three coronavirus cases, and Tennessee and Colorado each reported one, bringing the number of affected states to 17.

More than 3,200 people worldwide have died from respiratory illness that can lead to pneumonia.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) early on Thursday reported 149 confirmed and presumed US cases. Those numbers are presumed not to include the 57 new cases reported on Thursday.

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The US Senate on Thursday passed an $8.3 billion bill to combat the outbreak 96-1, a day after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved it. Vice President Mike Pence, visiting Seattle on Thursday, said President Donald Trump would sign the bill into law Friday.

More than $3 billion would be devoted to research and development of coronavirus vaccines, test kits and treatments. There are no approved vaccines or treatments for the illness, which began in China and has infected more than 95,000 people in some 80 countries and territories.

Mayor Bill de Blasio told a news conference the new cases in New York City - a man in his 40s and a woman in her 80s - were critically ill and being treated in hospitals. Both had "substantial" pre-existing health conditions, he said.

Neither person had recently visited any other affected countries or had any connection to other confirmed cases, suggesting the city is confronting local person-to-person spread.

California, which has declared a statewide emergency in response to the outbreak, reported six new cases, including two in San Francisco, also deemed likely to be a result of "community transmission," local health officials said.

'No need to buy a mask'

US health officials say they expect to be able to get enough privately manufactured coronavirus tests - around 1 million - to public laboratories this week with the capacity to test about 400,000 people.

CDC official Anne Schuchat said her agency would also supply kits by the end of the week that could test around 75,000 people.

"Right now, it is a challenge if you are a doctor wanting to get somebody tested," U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told reporters following a briefing with lawmakers.

Pence, who is leading the US response, urged Americans not to purchase masks if they are healthy in order to free up supply for healthcare workers and people who are sick.

"Unless you are ill, you have no need to buy a mask," Pence said on a visit to Minnesota's 3M Co, which has ramped up production of masks in response to the coronavirus.

The deepening crisis has hit stocks hard. The main US stock indexes closed down more than 3% on Thursday, with the Dow falling 969 points.

Asked if the coronavirus outbreak has hurt the economy, Trump said at a townhall in Scranton, Pennsylvania: “It certainly might have an impact. At the same time, I have to say people are now staying in the United States spend their money in the US, and I like that.”

The coronavirus outbreak spread further across the United States on Thursday, cropping up in at least four new states and San Francisco as Congress quickly approved more than $8 billion to fight the outbreak and Americans faced increasing disruptions to their daily lives.

The coronavirus outbreak spread further across the United States on Thursday, cropping up in at least four new states and San Francisco as Congress quickly approved more than $8 billion to fight the outbreak and Americans faced increasing disruptions to their daily lives. Also read: New Zealand man with coronavirus attended packed rock concert in Auckland, health authorities say The death toll from the virus in the United States rose to 12, with the latest fatality recorded in King County, Washington, and at least 57 new cases were confirmed, striking for the first time in Colorado, Maryland, Tennessee and Texas, as well as San Francisco. Also read: Amid coronavirus concerns, Chinese robotic arm may help save lives A helicopter flew testing kits to a cruise liner idled off the coast of California and barred from docking in San Francisco after at least 35 people developed flu-like symptoms aboard the ship, which has been linked to two other confirmed cases of COVID-19. Also read: Switzerland reports first death as China reports over 3,000 deaths In King County, Washington, which is home to Seattle and has been the site so far of the greatest concentration of coronavirus cases in the country, 20 new cases were confirmed, local health officials said, bringing the total in the county to 51 with 11 deaths. One death has been recorded in California. "This is a critical moment in the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in King County," the county said in a statement. "All King County residents should follow public health recommendations. Together, we may potentially impact the spread of the disease in our community." Many of the 70 cases in Washington state have been linked to an outbreak at a nursing facility in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland, including six deaths. Alphabet Inc's Google on Thursday joined Amazon.com Inc, Facebook Inc and Microsoft Corp in recommending that employees in the Seattle area work from home after some were infected with the coronavirus. The companies' work-from-home recommendation will affect more than 100,000 people in the area. One school district in the area has closed. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the number of cases in that state had doubled to 22 after the federal government approved its use of additional laboratories, boosting testing capacity. Cuomo told a news conference that the total would likely "keep going up." Of the new cases in New York, eight are connected to a Manhattan lawyer who lives in suburban Westchester County, north of the city, and who was previously diagnosed with the virus, two are in New York City and one on Long Island, in Nassau County. Colorado, Tennessee and Texas report cases Texas confirmed its first three coronavirus cases, and Tennessee and Colorado each reported one, bringing the number of affected states to 17. More than 3,200 people worldwide have died from respiratory illness that can lead to pneumonia. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) early on Thursday reported 149 confirmed and presumed US cases. Those numbers are presumed not to include the 57 new cases reported on Thursday. The US Senate on Thursday passed an $8.3 billion bill to combat the outbreak 96-1, a day after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved it. Vice President Mike Pence, visiting Seattle on Thursday, said President Donald Trump would sign the bill into law Friday. More than $3 billion would be devoted to research and development of coronavirus vaccines, test kits and treatments. There are no approved vaccines or treatments for the illness, which began in China and has infected more than 95,000 people in some 80 countries and territories. Mayor Bill de Blasio told a news conference the new cases in New York City - a man in his 40s and a woman in her 80s - were critically ill and being treated in hospitals. Both had "substantial" pre-existing health conditions, he said. Neither person had recently visited any other affected countries or had any connection to other confirmed cases, suggesting the city is confronting local person-to-person spread. California, which has declared a statewide emergency in response to the outbreak, reported six new cases, including two in San Francisco, also deemed likely to be a result of "community transmission," local health officials said. 'No need to buy a mask' US health officials say they expect to be able to get enough privately manufactured coronavirus tests - around 1 million - to public laboratories this week with the capacity to test about 400,000 people. CDC official Anne Schuchat said her agency would also supply kits by the end of the week that could test around 75,000 people. "Right now, it is a challenge if you are a doctor wanting to get somebody tested," U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told reporters following a briefing with lawmakers. Pence, who is leading the US response, urged Americans not to purchase masks if they are healthy in order to free up supply for healthcare workers and people who are sick. "Unless you are ill, you have no need to buy a mask," Pence said on a visit to Minnesota's 3M Co, which has ramped up production of masks in response to the coronavirus. The deepening crisis has hit stocks hard. The main US stock indexes closed down more than 3% on Thursday, with the Dow falling 969 points. Asked if the coronavirus outbreak has hurt the economy, Trump said at a townhall in Scranton, Pennsylvania: “It certainly might have an impact. At the same time, I have to say people are now staying in the United States spend their money in the US, and I like that.”

Coronavirus cases surge in US, helicopter flies test kits to cruise ship

The deaths of Coronavirus in the United States reaches 14. The White House also acknowledges that the US lacks enough test kits.

Deaths of Coronavirus in US reaches 14, US acknowledges lacks enough test kits

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has said to have declined to meet United States special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

WION Dispatch: Ashraf Ghani refuses to meet US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad

The Pentagon has downplayed the latest Taliban attacks in Afghanistan even after the United States carried out airstrikes against the group, making it the first US attack against Taliban after Washington signed a peace deal with the group just last week.

US downplays new Taliban attack, Pentagon rejects doubts over peace deal

US House passes 8.3 billion dollar emergency bill as the coronavirus death toll in the country rises to 11. The House of Representatives passed the bipartisan bill and a group of members and staff for the appropriations panels in both the House and Senate unveiled the legislation on Wednesday after several days of talks. They released details of the plan, which will boost funding for testing of the coronavirus and lower costs for related medical treatments.

US House passes $8 billion Bipartisan bill to battle Coronavirus

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