China mobilizes for 'people's war' against novel coronavirus

China's Communist Party is rallying its propaganda machine for a 'people's war' against the novel coronavirus, which has claimed over 1,355 lives and infected nearly 60,000 people nationwide.

The hard-hit Hubei province reported a significant surge in new cases and deaths, prompting the removal of top provincial and city officials.

The World Health Organization cautioned against premature conclusions, emphasizing the need for more data to understand the epidemic's trajectory.

Global events, including the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona and the Formula One Grand Prix in Shanghai, have been canceled or disrupted due to the outbreak, impacting economies and industries worldwide.

A cluster of infections on the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off Japan's coast saw an additional 39 positive cases, bringing the total to 174.

Vietnam announced the quarantine of a commune of 10,000 people due to fears of the virus's spread.

US airlines, including United and American Airlines, have extended flight cancellations to China through late April, citing reduced demand.

Rio de Janeiro is preparing a contingency plan for its upcoming Carnival due to concerns about the virus potentially spreading among large crowds and international tourists.