Reuters: China virus death toll tops 200 as WHO declares global emergency
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - The death toll in China from the new coronavirus reached 213 on Friday, with overall cases worldwide rising rapidly in an outbreak that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency.
The death toll in Hubei, the Chinese province at the center of the epidemic, had risen to 204 and there were 9,692 cases of infection nationally as of Thursday, Chinese health authorities said. About 100 cases have been reported in at least 18 other countries, with no deaths outside China.
Even as the WHO said cases had spread to 18 countries, Italy announced its first confirmed cases, in two Chinese tourists.
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MIDDLE EAST
U.S. seeks Iraqi nod to bring in air defenses after Iran attack.
Syria war: Rebel-held Idlib 'hit by 200 air strikes in three days'.
At least 10 killed in air raid in Syria's Idlib. Deadly strikes hit Syria rebel bastion as army advances.
Arabs prioritize key ties with U.S. against Iran in reacting to Trump peace plan.
US sanctions head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization – Treasury.
Palestinians push for UN action over Trump Middle East plan.
Israel shores up West Bank and Gaza troops, protests turn violent after Trump's peace plan.
Israel's Netanyahu in Moscow to talk Trump peace deal with Putin. Putin meets Netanyahu, reserves judgement on Middle East plan.
Fire erupts on Panama-flagged oil tanker off UAE coast.
ASIA
China has confidence and capability to win the war against coronavirus: foreign ministry.
China’s U.N. envoy says Beijing assessing WHO coronavirus declaration.
China to release winter and spring vegetable reserves to ease supply shortages: Xinhua.
Coronavirus: Death toll rises as virus spreads to every Chinese region.
Hong Kong braces for spread of coronavirus.
S Korea officials face anger over coronavirus quarantine centres.
North, South Korea close Kaesong liaison office.
Seoul: 2.5-magnitude quake detected near North Korea site.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calls Chinese Communist Party the ‘central threat of our times’.
Japan prosecutors issue warrants over Ghosn escape.
AFRICA
Egypt refutes reports over coronavirus detection; urges accuracy.
More than 30 civilians killed in attacks in eastern DR Congo.
Burundi jails four journalists for 'undermining state security'.
Guinea protests: Anti-government demonstrations continue.
Libya civil war: Macron accuses Erdogan of meddling in conflict.
River Nile dam talks extended.
US general asks Europeans to do more for French in Africa.
Mali: Former junta leader to walk free while trial date pends.
EUROPE
Two first coronavirus cases confirmed in Italy: prime minister.
Coronavirus test negative for passenger aboard Italian cruise ship.
'Dawn of a new era': Johnson 'respectfully' marks Brexit day.
US says EU understands 5G risks but pushes on Huawei.
New U.S. envoy tells Russia to 'end nightmare' for jailed ex-Marine.
Brexit: European Parliament approves UK's withdrawal agreement.
UK interest rates held as economy shows signs of picking up.
French govt, unions kick off talks on tackling pension deficit.
Macron’s party faces uphill battle in upcoming mayoral races.
US top diplomat Pompeo promises 'enormous benefits' to Brexit on UK trip.
Naama Issachar: US-Israeli woman released from Russian prison.
Greek plan to stop migrant boats with floating barriers.
AMERICAS
Trump says coronavirus outbreak is 'very well under control'.
Claim of Trump's near-absolute power riles impeachment trial.
Trump urges lawmakers to vote their heart on war authority repeal after White House threatens veto.
U.S. bans 13 El Salvadoran officials over 1989 priest killings.
Mexico cartels: Three suspects escape 'with help from guards'.
Mexico's President AMLO under fire over migration clampdown.
Argentina issues food cards to low-income families.
US life expectancy up for first time in four years.
Colombia rejects Venezuelan proposal to resume diplomatic relations.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
U.S. will not completely withdraw forces from Africa: Pentagon chief.
Isis starting to reassert itself in Middle East heartlands, UN warns.
U.N. warns of Islamic State's 'increasingly bold insurgent attacks'.
U.S. men who joined Somalia's Al-Shabaab now remorseful.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street reverses course to end higher after WHO comments.
China's coronavirus epidemic threatens global economy.
Coronavirus: Technology giants join China shutdown.
US economy grows at 2.3 percent in 2019, slowest year of Trump presidency.