China coronavirus death toll surpasses SARS

China's coronavirus death toll has surpassed that of SARS as millions of workers prepare to return to their jobs after an extended Lunar New Year holiday.

The National Health Commission reported 811 deaths by Sunday, exceeding the 774 global deaths recorded during the 2002-2003 SARS epidemic.

New deaths on Saturday reached a daily record of 89, pushing the total well over the 774 who died from SARS.

Many businesses and schools will remain closed or have employees working from home as authorities try to contain the virus.

The economic impact is being felt globally, with stock markets falling and investors seeking safe-haven assets.

Concerns about the accuracy of official figures are circulating among the public on Chinese social media.

The virus has spread to 27 countries and regions, with two deaths reported outside mainland China in Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Several countries, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, France, and Italy, have implemented new travel restrictions and advisories.

Evacuation flights from Wuhan have brought citizens back to the UK and Australia, while Singapore organized a second flight.

An American citizen, identified as a 53-year-old geneticist, became the first confirmed non-Chinese fatality from the disease.