Photo: ReutersThe death toll in China climbed above 1000, as the World Health Organization (WHO) cautioned that the spread of cases outside of China could be "the spark that becomes a bigger fire" and said the human race must not let the epidemic get out of control. There are now over 42,000 confirmed cases in China as well as 319 cases in 24 other countries, including one death, according to WHO and Chinese health officials. Its death toll has now surpassed that of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed hundreds worldwide in 2002/2003. Ten extra days had been added to the Lunar New Year holidays that had been due to finish at the end of January to help slow the virus' spread. A prolonged and widespread coronavirus outbreak could hit the Japanese economy, affecting tourism, retail and exports, an International Monetary Fund official said.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 10, 2020 23:15 UTC