SCMP: Coronavirus: WHO head warns ‘time is of the essence’ in limiting disease’s global spread
* World Health Organisation also gives the disease a name: Covid-19, for coronavirus disease of 2019
* The virus ‘is more powerful in bringing serious consequences than any terrorist attack’, WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says
The World Health Organisation warned Tuesday that the opportunity to limit the international spread of the coronavirus outbreak is fading, and that if the disease isn’t contained it could wreak global havoc.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general at the World Health Organisation (WHO), said that the virus “is more powerful in bringing serious consequences than any terrorist attack [can accomplish]”.
“It’s not just the health issue, it’s a matter of economic, political and social upheavals.”
“I remind and will continue to remind the world to take [the outbreak] really seriously. We are asking countries to be as aggressive as possible,” said Tedros. “Time is of the essence.”
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MIDDLE EAST
Turkey says 51 Syrian soldiers killed as rebels hit back in Idlib.
Fighting continues in Idlib as Turkey-Russia talks end inconclusively.
Syria opposition commanders warn of Idlib military escalation.
Iraq cleric Sadr dissolves units accused of deadly protest attacks.
Abbas rejects U.S. peace plan at U.N. Security Council meeting.
Iran taunts the US as huge crowds gather to celebrate 41st anniversary of Islamic Revolution, with mock Donald Trump 'hangings' and 'Death to America' banners. Iran celebrates 1979 overthrow of U.S.-aligned shah.
US accuses Iran of building missiles through satellite bid.
Lebanese govt wins no confidence vote despite protests.
ASIA
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Duterte terminates Philippines troop pact, U.S. calls move 'unfortunate'.
Afghan president says Pompeo reports progress in U.S.-Taliban talks.
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Watchdog: More than 2,000 people have been killed rebuilding Afghanistan.
Number of Bangladeshis killed by Indian border forces on rise.
AFRICA
UN asked to vote Wednesday in support of Libya ceasefire: diplomats.
Sudan agrees to turn in ex-leader to face charges over Darfur conflict.
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Fearing new rebel attacks, thousands flee Ebola-hit DR Congo town.
South Africa takes over as AU chair: What to expect.
Liberian women 'too unfit to join army'.
Egypt says its population passes 100 million.
S.Africa says 'world stood still' 30 years ago as Mandela walked out of jail.
Lisbon freezes bank accounts of Angola's former first daughter.
EUROPE
EU crisis center monitors coronavirus outbreak, offers aid to China.
Sinn Féin begins efforts to form leftwing coalition in Ireland.
Brexit: EU's von der Leyen seeks 'unique' trade deal with UK.
Merkel allies press for swift resolution of succession question.
Despite Turkey’s demands, Cyprus refuses to back down.
North Macedonia's parliament ratifies NATO membership.
Northern Ireland police arrest 4 over murdered journalist Lyra McKee.
AMERICAS
Polls begin to close in New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary.
Senate Democrats eye vote this week on Trump's Iran war powers.
Fed chief issues stark warning to Congress on deficits.
DOJ lawyers resign en masse over Roger Stone sentencing.
El Salvador parliament denounces president's 'attempted coup'.
Opposition leader Guaido returns to Venezuela.
Venezuela adds civilian militia to armed forces.
‘Shut down Canada’: anti-pipeline protests spread across country, leading to major train disruptions and port blockades.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Tehran-backed Hezbollah steps in to guide Iraqi militias in Soleimani's wake.
Indonesia locks out legion of former ISIS fighters.
Ex-CIA official warns of Iran, ISIS drones armed with chemical weapons.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
S&P 500, Nasdaq eke out new closing highs.
T-Mobile, Sprint near finish line for wireless megadeal. T-Mobile-Sprint merger wins approval from U.S. judge.
Boeing reports no new jet orders in January.
Tech giants face probe into deals going back a decade.
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