MNI: CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: - New cases within China....>

MNI: CORONAVIRUS UPDATE:

- New cases within China continue to moderate, with the latest figures showing a

450 case rise to a new total of 78,514. Sharp increases outside of the Chinese

borders remain a cause for concern, however, with South Korea reporting an

additional 505 cases, Japan a further 35 and Kuwait another 17.

- The UK have confirmed a further two positive cases of Coronavirus from two

separate sources, with one patient allegedly travelling from Tenerife, Spain and

one from Italy.

- The Italian health and foreign minister held a briefing for foreign

journalists this morning, but little new details emerged. Yesterday, a number of

sporting events involving Italian teams were postponed, with the Italy - Ireland

Six Nations Rugby game originally scheduled for March 7th and further

restrictions on Italian travellers have been placed on those entering countries

including Israel and Russia.

- Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia have taken steps to suspend Mecca pilgrimages in order

to limit tourist entry despite having no reported cases.