Nepal closes Mount Everest for climbers because of coronavirus fears
Nepal has closed all of its Himalayan peaks including Mount Everest this climbing season because of fears of the coronavirus outbreak, a government minister said on Friday.
Factbox: Latest on the spread of coronavirus around the world
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday declared a national emergency over the fast-spreading coronavirus to free up $50 billion in federal aid to combat a disease that has infected over 138,000 people worldwide and left more than 5,000 dead.
United States approves coronavirus test in race to boost screening capacity
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued emergency authorization for a coronavirus test made by Swiss diagnostics maker Roche , a move aimed at boosting screening capacity to help contain the growing epidemic.
Oil rises 2% but set for biggest weekly thumping since 2008
Oil prices were set for their worst weekly drubbing since the 2008 financial crisis, despite eking out a 2% on Friday, as investors eyed evaporating demand from the coronavirus pandemic and a production ramp-up by top producers.
SoftBank unveils $4.8 billion buyback after stock tumble, pressure from Elliott
SoftBank Group Corp is buying back up to $4.8 billion of its shares after their recent slump, a move that partially met the demand of activist fund Elliott but failed to soothe investors panicking from the coronavirus pandemic.
Dollar gains from safe-haven scramble as virus rattles markets
The dollar stood tall on Friday as investors scrambled for the world’s most liquid currency amid deepening panic about the coronavirus, while the euro nursed losses after the European Central Bank disappointed by not cutting rates.
Starbucks to invest $130 million for roasting plant in China’s Kunshan
Starbucks will invest 900 million yuan ($130 million) to build the first phase of a coffee complex in the Chinese city of Kunshan, near the commercial hub of Shanghai, with completion targeted for 2022, it said on Friday.
Bob Dylan concerts in Japan canceled as coronavirus spreads
Bob Dylan’s upcoming concerts in Japan have been canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak, the tour organizer said on Friday.
Singapore to bar recent visitors to Italy, Spain, Germany, France
Singapore will deny from Monday entry or transit to visitors who have been in Italy, France, Spain or Germany in the last 14 days, as part of measures to control the fast-spreading coronavirus, the health ministry said on Friday.
Hong Kong records fourth coronavirus-related death – hospital spokeswoman
An 80-year old man became the fourth patient in Hong Kong to die due to the coronavirus, a Nethersole Eastern Hospital spokeswoman said on Friday.
