CNBC: Coronavirus cases outside China remain low, but WHO chief warns ‘that may not stay the same for long’
* World health officials said Thursday that the new coronavirus has not yet spread widely around the world, but emphasized that the virus could break out globally at any time.
* Outside of China, Tedros said there are 1,076 confirmed cases in 26 countries, including seven deaths.
* The remarks come after health officials confirmed that the virus has spread to Iran and cases surged in South Korea overnight.
World health officials said Thursday that the new coronavirus has not yet spread widely around the world, but emphasized that the virus could break out globally at any time.
“The number of cases in the rest of the world is very small compared to what we have in China, but that may not stay the same for long,” World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva on Thursday.
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MIDDLE EAST
Saudi Arabia intercepts, destroys missiles fired from Yemen toward kingdom.
Russian warplanes repel attack on Syrian army in Idlib as militants launch offensive aided by Turkish artillery — Moscow.
Ankara accuses Damascus of targeting Turkish army’s positions in Idlib.
'Nowhere is safe': UN warns of urgent danger of Syria escalation.
Moderates sidelined as Iranians head to the polls.
US sanctions Iranian officials involved in vetting election candidates.
Iran confirms three more coronavirus cases.
Iraq bans border crossings by Iranians amid coronavirus fears.
IMF team in Lebanon to help tackle economic crisis.
Netanyahu vows thousands of new settler homes in East Jerusalem.
ASIA
South Korea reports 52 new coronavirus cases, brings total to 156: Yonhap.
South Korea declares Daegu a ‘special zone’ over virus cases.
China reports uptick in new coronavirus cases though downward trend holds.
China reports 889 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on mainland on Feb. 20.
Xi Jinping and Moon Jae-in discuss coronavirus and Chinese leader’s planned visit to South Korea.
China changes method of counting virus infected... again.
Two Diamond Princess passengers die after coronavirus quarantine, Japanese broadcaster says.
South Korean city on high alert as coronavirus cases soar at 'cult' church.
Coronavirus in N Korea could be 'much more lethal' than in China.
U.S. special envoy discusses Taliban deal with re-elected Afghan president.
Australia bushfires: PM Morrison announces inquiry.
AFRICA
Algeria leader warns against attempts to incite protesters to violence.
Libya’s warring parties resume talks in Geneva.
Huge locust swarms raise fears of food shortages in South Sudan.
Lesotho's Thomas Thabane to be charged with murdering his wife.
Algeria's new president promises 'radical changes'.
Tunisia names new coalition government, bringing an end to political crisis.
South Sudan's president, opposition leader agree to form unity government.
South Sudan warring sides 'deliberately starving' citizens: UN.
I don't feel like a dictator, says Togo's longtime leader.
EUROPE
1 trillion euros: EU leaders get into big fight over budget.
UK PM Johnson says looking forward to meeting Trump in June.
Defense lawyers say they will seek French asylum for Assange.
Gunman's killing of nine people at shisha bars in Germany condemned, Turkey demands strong action.
Germany shootings: German president says 'We won't be intimidated'.
UK police rule out terror in London mosque stabbing.
UK says Russia's GRU behind massive Georgia cyber-attack.
Brexit complicates EU budget plans.
Trump, Macron discuss NATO, counterterrorism on phone.
Irish parliament set for stalemate in attempt to form new government.
AMERICAS
Report: Intel officials say Russia boosting Trump candidacy.
Wounded but defiant, Bloomberg promises to keep fighting.
Roger Stone sentenced to over three years in prison.
Debate night brawl: Bloomberg, Sanders attacked by rivals.
Poll: Sanders holds 7-point lead in crucial California primary.
Bloomberg campaign spends over $220 million in January.
AP-NORC poll: More Americans worry about flu than new virus.
Mexico investigating ex-president Pena Nieto for fraud: Report.
Venezuelan police search home of detained uncle of Guaidó.
Massive vehicle pileup in Canada involving 200 cars after whiteout conditions on Quebec highway.
Bolivia electoral body blocks Morales senate run.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Putin hails US for helping prevent terror attack in Russia.
US takes out 3 Somali terrorists in precision airstrike.
Sudan to pay $30 million to families of victims in USS Cole attack.
Putin vows to help US fight against terrorism.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall St. eases, led by tech decline on mounting fears coronavirus could spread.
Coronavirus: Qantas and Air France-KLM warn of profits hit.
US economy solid, but virus could hit supplies: Fed's Clarida.
Morgan Stanley's Gorman charts ambitious course with $13 bln E*Trade deal.
