New Coronavirus Outbreak: China’s Death Toll Approaches 500

By Staff, Agencies

The death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak in China has approached 500, and more than 24,000 others have been infected with the rapidly spreading virus, which is also taking a toll on the world economy.

China’s National Health Commission confirmed that the death toll was now at 490, after Hubai Province reported 65 more fatalities on Tuesday.

The record is the biggest single-day tally since the illness emerged last December in Wuhan, the provincial capital of Hubai, which has since been on lockdown.

The confirmed infection cases across China have reached 24,324, an increase of 3,887 from the previous tally.

The virus has so far infected nearly 230 people in 27 other countries and regions, according to a Reuters tally based on official statements from the authorities involved.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says his country has the ability to win the war against the virus.

“We have the ability and confidence to finally win this war of containment,” Wang told Thailand’s foreign minister during a call on Tuesday, according to China’s Foreign Ministry.