BEIJING/SHANGHAI: China accused the United States on Monday of whipping up panic over a fast-spreading coronavirus with travel restrictions and evacuations, as Chinese stocks plunged on the first day back from the extended Lunar New Year holiday.
The death toll in China from the newly identified virus, which emerged in Wuhan, capital of the central province of Hubei, rose to 361 as of Sunday, up 57 from the previous day, the National Health Commission said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) last week declared the flu-like virus a global emergency and it has since spread to 23 other countries and regions. The first death outside China was reported on Sunday – that of a 44-year-old Chinese man who had traveled from Wuhan to the Philippines.
Airlines around the world have suspended flights but Pakistan, a close Chinese ally, bucked the trend on Monday and said it was resuming air travel after a three-day suspension.
Wuhan and some other cities remain in virtual lockdown with travel severely restricted, as China faces increasing isolation. ‑‑Reuters
