Paris marathon postponed, US Congress allocates $8.3 billion for research, UK records first death, South Africa records first case
The number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the West Bank has risen to seven, the Palestinian government has confirmed on March 5, 2020. It has also declared a two-week ban on tourists visiting cities and sites including Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity.
Paris marathon postponed
The Paris marathon has been postponed from April 5 to October 18 due to COVID-19, organisers said on March 5. A late cancellation would have penalised participants. To avoid that, the organisers decided upon postponement.
US Congress passes $8.3bn emergency funding
The US Congress has passed an $8.3 billion emergency spending bill to address the coronavirus crisis. The Senate gave sweeping bipartisan support to the funding one day after the House of Representatives passed the bill, so that it could be quickly sent to the White House for President Donald Trump's signature. COVID-19 infections have spread to at least 14 states and 11 deaths have ocurred.
First death in UK from coronavirus
An elderly person, who had underlying health conditions has died in Berkshire, UK, the country's first death due to COVID-19, England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty told media agency AFP. At least 115 people have been infected as of March 5.
South Africa records first case of coronavirus
South Africa’s health ministry has confirmed the country's first case of coronavirus. The patient is a 38-year-old male who traveled to Italy with his wife. They were part of a group of 10 people and they arrived back in South Africa on March 1, according to the ministry.
India records 31st case
One more suspect has tested positive for COVID-19 on March 6. The patient has a travel history of Thailand and Malaysia, is in hospital quarantine and stable. There are now 31 confirmed cases in India, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said.
Cameroon confirms first case of coronavirus
Cameroon’s health minister Malachie Manaouda on March 6 confirmed the first case of coronavirus in the country. The victim has been identified as a 58-year-old French national who arrived in the country on February 24.
Vatican reports first coronavirus case
The Vatican City has reported its first case of the coronavirus.
French lawmaker tests positive for coronavirus
A French parliamentarian has tested positive for coronavirus and is in intensive care, France’s National Assembly announced on March 5. A worker in the National Assembly’s bar has also tested positive for the virus and has been quarantined at home.
Bhutan bans tourists after first case
Bhutan has banned the entry of tourists for two weeks after it confirmed its first case of the coronavirus, in a tourist who arrived from India. A 79-year-old American who entered by air from India on March 2 had tested positive for the virus.
Indian Army to build quarantine centres for 1,500 personnel
The Indian Army has decided to build quarantine facilities for 1,500 personnel across the country as part of the overall effort by the government to curb the virus. Tentative locations so far include Jaisalmer, Suratgarh, Secundrabad, Chennai and Kolkata.
Four cases confirmed in Indonesia
Two more people tested positive for coronavirus on March 6 in Indonesia, taking the total of confirmed cases to four.
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