Coronavirus: Key facts and figures as on March 5
3,300 people have died so far from the virus; Iran toll hits 107, UK reports first death
March 05, 2020
With the death toll and key developments around the coronavirus epidemic rapidly evolving, making it harder to keep up with new information, AFP has provided the following snapshot of the situation as on March 5:
3,300 dead
Across the world, 3,300 people have died from the virus. There have been 96,414 infections in 84 countries and territories, according to AFP´s latest toll based on official sources at 1100 GMT Thursday.
The main countries affected: mainland China (80,409 cases, 3,012 deaths), South Korea (6,088 cases, 35 deaths), Italy (3,089 cases, 107 deaths), Iran, (3,513 cases, 107 deaths).
Air traffic hit
The airline industry could lose up to $113 billion in revenue this year, an industry body warns.
British regional airline Flybe crashes into bankruptcy after the virus proves to be the final nail in the coffin for the biggest operator of UK domestic flights.
Shutting down
Italy announces its sporting events will be held behind closed doors until April 3. Morocco says its football matches will also be shut to spectators.
Saudi Arabia suspends the Umrah (year-round pilgrimage) that attracts annually millions of people to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
The church built on the Bethlehem site revered as the birthplace of Jesus will temporarily close after a suspected coronavirus outbreak.
Organisers of a major African business forum attended by business and political leaders announce that the annual event scheduled for March 9 and 10 in Ivory Coast has been postponed.
UK reports first death
Britain has recorded its first death in the new coronavirus outbreak, England´s chief medical officer Chris Whitty said on Thursday.
"I am very sorry to report a patient in England who tested positive for COVID-19 has sadly died," he said in a statement, adding the patient at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, west of London, was elderly and had "underlying health conditions".
Japan quarantine
Japan announces it will quarantine people coming from China and South Korea for two weeks on arrival.
It also postpones the state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled for this spring.
California emergency
California declares a state of emergency as thousands travelling aboard a cruise ship are held off the coast over fears of a new outbreak.
Eleven passengers and 10 crew members are potentially infected with the virus, according to California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Millions of students out of school
Some 290.5 million students worldwide face weeks at home as 13 countries shut schools and nine others implement localised closures, according to UNESCO.
