China acknowledges progress but warns war against virus continues

China's leadership acknowledged positive results in curbing the novel coronavirus epidemic but cautioned that a "large-scale war" against the outbreak continues as the death toll surpassed 1,100.

Authorities reported 97 additional deaths, bringing the total to 1,113, with over 44,600 infections recorded in China.

The World Health Organization urged caution in interpreting the data, stating it is too early to predict the epidemic's trajectory.

The World Mobile Congress in Barcelona was cancelled due to widespread industry withdrawals driven by coronavirus fears.

The epidemic is projected to significantly slow China's first-quarter GDP growth and has led to the suspension of major sporting events, including the Shanghai Formula One Grand Prix.

Global oil demand forecasts were lowered by OPEC, and while stock markets showed optimism, Boeing warned of substantial impacts on the aviation industry and broader economy.

The largest cluster of cases outside China is on the cruise ship Diamond Princess quarantined off Japan's coast, with 39 new infections reported.

Hubei province, the epicenter of the outbreak, has seen a two-day decline in new cases, and decreases have been noted in other areas outside the province.

International travel restrictions and flight cancellations have been implemented by numerous countries, and a case of human-to-human transmission in Europe has raised concerns about external contagion.