More than 100,300 people have been infected globally by coronavirus, according to a Reuters tally based on statements from health ministries and government officials. Mainland China has seen more than 3,000 deaths, but the novel coronavirus is now spreading faster elsewhere.
For interactive graphic by Reuters
The World Health Organization (WHO) said every country should make containing the epidemic its top priority, pointing to Iran’s national action plan to combat one of the worst outbreaks after a slow start.
China on Saturday reported 28 new deaths from the COVID-19 outbreak, bringing the nationwide toll to 3,070.
There were 99 fresh cases of infection, according to the National Health Commission, with a rise in new cases outside the virus epicentre of Hubei province for a third consecutive day.
In India, till March 6, 2020, 31 people have reported positive. A 76-year-old tourist from the United States has tested positive for COVID-19 in Bhutan, alarming Assam where he had spent a considerable time before visiting the Himalayan country.
The death toll from an outbreak of COVID-19 in Italy has risen by 49 to 197, the Civil Protection Agency said, the largest daily increase in fatalities
Here are the updates
KERALA
Kuwait imposes travel ban; Air India cancels flight
Passengers heading for Kuwait from Calicut International Airport at Karipur were sent back home on Saturday morning when Kuwait imposed a travel ban on seven countries, including India, because of COVID-19 scare.
Air India Express cancelled its flight to Kuwait, which was to carry 170 passengers from Karipur. When Air India could alert some passengers about the cancellation before they left their home, the others had to be sent back from the airport. Confusion and uncertainties prevailed at the airport as many passengers were caught unawares. — Abdul Latheef Naha
JAMMU AND KASHMIR, India
Srinagar mayor calls for cancellation of Khelo India winter games
Amid the COVID-19 scare, Srinagar Mayor Junaid Mattu has called for cancellation of Khelo India’s first winter games chapter, which starts in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gulmarg town on Saturday.
Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has reached Kashmir to inaugurate the event, which would continue till Wednesday. Around 800-900 sportspersons will be taking part in different events at the ski-resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
“In view of the #COVID2019 situation, I personally believe the ‘Khelo India’ sports event in Gulmarg should be cancelled,” Mr. Mattu tweeted on Friday evening. “I have conveyed this to the administration as well as the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Sh. G. C. Murmu. Precautions are vital.”
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, Iltija Mufti, has also criticised the administration for allowing the sports event.
“At a time when Coronovirus (sic) has caused a global health crisis & EU – India summit deferred, J&K admin is organising a massive sports event in Gulmarg. Why should Kashmiris bear a staggering cost for showcasing ‘normalcy’?” Ms. Iltija, who uses her mother’s verified Twitter handle, said.
NEW DELHI
Stay away from rumours regarding COVID-19, says Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asked people to stay away from rumours regarding COVID-19 and emphasised on the need to follow the advice of doctors in this regard.
He also asked people to avoid handshakes and start greeting others with ‘namaste’ once again.
Mr. Modi was interacting with owners of Jan Aushadhi Kendras and beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna (PMBJP) through video conference.
“I appeal to my fellow countrymen to stay away from rumours regarding coronavirus,” Mr. Modi said.
“We need to follow the advice of doctors in this regard, he said. People should avoid handshakes and start greeting others with ‘namaste’ once again,” the Prime Minister added.
Talking about the impact of the PMBJP initiative, he said every month, over one crore families are getting benefits of cheap medicines from these Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Over 6,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country have helped people save between Rs 2,000-2,500 crore, he added.
RAJASTHAN, India
Barring Italian couple, all suspected COVID-19 cases show negative test results
Barring those of an Italian couple, all the samples collected from suspected COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan have tested negative, an official said.
“The total number of samples tested so far is 282. Of those, 280 have tested negative and two positive (of the Italian couple),” Additional Chief Secretary, Medical and Health, Rohit Kumar Singh said.
He said no sample was pending as of now.
The couple is admitted to the SMS hospital in Jaipur.
Mr. Singh said the department was put on alert and all measures were taken to handle the situation.
After the confirmation of COVID-19 in the elderly Italian couple, who was part of a group of tourists that visited Jhunjhunu, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Uda