The toll has now surpassed the number of people who died in mainland China and Hong Kong during the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak, after another 81 people succumbed to the illness in central Hubei province. Two cruise ships carrying thousands of holidaymakers in Hong Kong and Japan have been placed under quarantine as authorities test people for infections. In Hong Kong, 3,600 people were confined aboard the World Dream, where eight former passengers have tested positive for the virus. Forty health care workers were infected with the novel coronavirus by patients at a single Wuhan hospital in January, according to a study. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States will offer up to US$100 million to China and other impacted countries to combat the fast-spreading coronavirus.

Source: New Strait Times February 08, 2020 00:44 UTC