Hong Kong

Face masks could help limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to researchers who studied the effect of surgical masks on the transmission of other corona and flu viruses.

Countries around the world are increasingly adopting sweeping measures to stem the spread of the new coronavirus, including full lockdowns, shutting down airports, imposing travel restrictions and completely sealing their borders.

To mask or not to mask, that is the question. But scientists now think you may want to put a face mask on it after all — if you have one.

Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins is on the verge of a return to Shanghai Shenhua, Chinese media have reported, increasing the likelihood Odion Ighalo will make his stay at Manchester United a permanent one this summer.

Tanzania and Somalia on Monday became the latest East Africa countries to confirm their first cases of coronavirus, as neighbouring countries shuttered borders and schools as fears of contagion rose.

The number of novel coronavirus cases globally stood at 154,620 with 5,796 deaths, across 139 countries and territories at 0900 GMT Sunday, according to a tally compiled by AFP from official sources.

AFP looks at the effects on the sport of the coronavirus, which by Thursday had killed over 4,600 people while infecting more than 127,000 in 115 countries and territories.

Stock markets in Asia were mixed Wednesday, after a day of rebound from a market plunge on worries over the oil market and a coronavirus outbreak.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency over a new coronavirus that has killed more than 3,630 people worldwide following an outbreak in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

The number of novel coronavirus cases globally stood at 109,032, including 3,595 deaths, across 99 countries and territories by 1700 GMT Sunday, according to a report compiled by AFP from official sources.

The Six Nations rugby union match between Italy and England was postponed on Thursday, the latest high-profile sports event to be scratched from the international calendar due to the global spread of the deadly coronavirus.

The number of novel coronavirus cases in the world rose to 93,108, including 3,201 deaths, across 81 countries and territories by 0900 GMT Wednesday, according to a report compiled by AFP from official sources.

Four chartered flights have been arranged to repatriate Hong Kong citizens from around Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the spreading coronavirus epidemic, says Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam.

China reported on Tuesday an increase in cases of the new coronavirus coming from abroad, as the country where the disease first emerged now worries about importing infections.

The coronavirus outbreak that began in China has infected more than 85,000 people globally.

Japanese officials tried to flush away “rumors” of a coronavirus-fueled toilet paper shortage in the country Friday, according to reports.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said it was to run further tests on the animal to determine whether it has contracted the disease, or if the result was caused by environmental contamination of the dog’s mouth and nose.

The National Symphony Orchestra cancelled the five remaining performances in Japan of its Asian tour because of a new virus epidemic.