(Jan 23): An outbreak of a new coronavirus that began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan has killed 17 and infected nearly 600 people globally. Global health authorities fear the transmission rate will accelerate as hundreds of millions of Chinese travel at home and abroad during the week-long Lunar New Year holiday. KNOWN CASESChina’s National Health Commission confirmed 571 cases and 17 deaths at the end of Jan 22. Chinese authorities say 15 medical staff have been infected. PUBLIC, COMPANIES REACTWhile the WHO has yet to recommend trade or travel restrictions, some Chinese travel booking platforms and airlines have offered free cancellations for Wuhan trips.

Source: The Edge Markets January 23, 2020 03:00 UTC