World News

The United States has repeatedly offered to send medical experts to China to help combat the coronavirus outbreak. President Trump claims decisive action has been taken to protect Americans, including a travel ban from China and declaring a public health emergency.

The Philippines recorded the first confirmed coronavirus fatality outside China, involving a 44-year-old man from Wuhan who died from severe pneumonia. Health officials noted he had multiple pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and viral influenza B. He was one of two confirmed virus cases in the country.

International firms temporarily close mainland outlets as novel coronavirus kills over 200 and infects nearly 10,000 globally. Automobile and tech giants like General Motors respond quickly to pandemic development, prioritizing employee safety and virus containment.

Global experts criticize China for failing to provide accurate details about the 2019-novel coronavirus. Chinese scientists did not immediately share virus samples with WHO, potentially hindering early containment efforts and allowing widespread transmission across the globe.

As the novel coronavirus continues to spread in China, businesses are encouraging remote work. Companies like Tencent, ByteDance, Country Garden, and UBS are advising employees in Wuhan and Hubei province to stay home during the extended Lunar New Year holiday to help contain the virus.

A 61-year-old Japanese postal worker was arrested after storing 24,000 undelivered letters at home, claiming it was "too much bother" to distribute them. The postal branch discovered the massive mail hoard during an internal check, leading to his immediate termination and a criminal complaint.

Philippine Airlines allows passengers with flights to China to change, refund, or reroute tickets without charges from January 24 to February 9. This move provides travelers flexibility during the coronavirus outbreak, helping them adjust their travel plans without additional penalties.

Over 300 Chinese tourists were forcibly sent back from Kalibo, Aklan to Wuhan, China on January 25, after originally planning to visit Boracay. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines initiated the repatriation due to coronavirus concerns and the Chinese government's imposed lockdown.

NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine victims in a devastating helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The sports world mourned his sudden loss, with basketball teams honoring his memory through moments of silence and symbolic 24-second tributes.

A new deadly coronavirus is causing uncertainty in global markets, with analysts warning of potential significant economic impact. Asian stocks have been hit hard, particularly in the airline and tourism sectors. The virus is being compared to the SARS outbreak of 2002-2003, raising concerns about its potential spread and consequences.