Italy’s Di Maio to step down as leader of 5-star movement on Wednesday: source
Italy’s Luigi di Maio will step down as leader of the co-ruling 5-Star Movement on Wednesday, a senior 5-Star source said.
Hong Kong commerce secretary says city on high alert to deal with coronavirus
The Hong Kong government is on high alert to deal with a new flu-like coronavirus that has killed nine people in mainland China, the city’s commerce secretary, Edward Yau, told Reuters at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday.
North Korea suspends foreign tourism over coronavirus fears: tour companies
Several foreign tour operators said North Korea will ban foreign tourists starting Wednesday due to the spread of a new coronavirus in China, which has killed nine people and spread to several countries.
Singapore extends coronavirus screening to all inbound China flights
Singapore authorities on Wednesday started screening all passengers arriving on flights from China as the city-state stepped up measures to combat transmission of the fast-spreading flu-like coronavirus.
Macau confirms first Wuhan virus case, tightens screening in casinos
The Chinese-ruled gambling hub of Macau confirmed on Wednesday its first case of pneumonia linked to an outbreak of a newly identified coronavirus and tightened temperature screening measures in casinos and around the city.
Singapore rebuts illegal hanging report, serves fake news notices
Singapore has rebutted a report alleging illegal execution practices in the city-state and ordered Yahoo and others to attach fake news notices on posts and articles that shared the allegations.
China virus could hit oil prices by $3/bbl: Goldman
Goldman Sachs said a potential drop in oil demand from top energy consumer China due to the outbreak of a new coronavirus could hurt crude prices by about $3 per barrel, countering concerns about Middle East supply disruptions.
Boxing qualifiers set for Wuhan nixed over health fears: media
Qualifying boxing matches for Asia and Oceania for the 2020 Olympic Games that were set to take place in China’s Wuhan next month have been canceled due to fears over the new flu-like coronavirus, Japan’s Kyodo news agency said on Wednesday.
Myanmar rebels free lawmaker abducted in attack on boat
Ethnic minority rebels in Myanmar have released a lawmaker held hostage for two months in a bid to reduce tension in the war-torn western state of Rakhine, a human rights group and the rebels said.
Thailand finds fourth China coronavirus infection
Thailand has quarantined a fourth patient with the new coronavirus including one Thai national, authorities said on Wednesday, days before the Lunar New Year holiday when thousands of Chinese tourists are expected to arrive.
