Italy coronavirus deaths surpass China

Italy surpassed China on Thursday as the country with the most deaths from coronavirus, announcing another 427 fatalities, taking its total to 3,405.

California, home to more than 39 million people, was placed under lockdown in the most drastic containment measure yet by a US state.

Globally, the death toll from the virus has risen to over 9,800 with more than 232,650 cases in 158 countries and territories.

US President Donald Trump said the United States is fast-tracking anti-malarial drugs for use as a treatment and has announced that these could be made available "almost immediately."

China reported a second day with no new domestic cases since the virus appeared in the central city of Wuhan in December.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that millions could die if the virus spreads unchecked, especially in the most vulnerable regions.

World leaders have unleashed nearly a trillion dollars to prop up the global economy amidst the pandemic.

China is donating millions of face masks, low interest loans, and sending teams of medical experts to other countries as part of a diplomatic charm offensive.