Global death toll from coronavirus hits 8,970

The global death toll from novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has risen to 8,970 and the global number of people infected with the fast-spreading virus now stands at 219,367.

The lethal virus has already affected 176 countries and territories across the world and 1 international conveyance (the Diamond Princess cruise ship harbored in Yokohama, Japan).

Around 85,749 coronavirus patients have so far recovered after receiving treatment suggested for the virus and been discharged from hospitals.

Chinese authorities reported 8 more new deaths related to the global coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday (March 18), bringing the total death toll to 3,245.

Mainland China has now confirmed 80,928 coronavirus patients, 70,420 of whom have recovered and been discharged from hospitals, according to China's National Health Commission (NHC).

Outside China, total number of COVID-19 cases is higher in Italy than other countries in the world.

Italian government authorities say the country now has 35,713 confirmed cases. The national death total in the virus rose to 2,978. Of those originally infected, 4,025 patients recovered.

Iran reported a total number of 17,361 coronavirus cases. Among those cases, 1,135 have died. A total of 5,710 patients have recovered among those affected by the virus.

Spain has now confirmed 14,769 coronavirus cases. Among those cases, 638 have died. A total of 1,081 patients have recovered among those affected by the virus.

In South Korea, seven new deaths were reported in the virus, raising the current death toll from coronavirus to 91. The virus has already infected over 8,565 in the country. Of those originally infected, 1,947 have recovered and been discharged from hospitals.

Among the other countries affected by the virus, France reported 264 deaths, the United States 155 with 5 new deaths, Japan 33, the United Kingdom 104, Iraq 12, Netherlands 58, Switzerland 33, Germany 28, San Marino 14, Philippines 17, Belgium 14, Australia 6, Indonesia 19, Hong Kong 4, Algeria 7, Canada 9, Sweden 10, Egypt 6, Lebanon 4, Bulgaria 2, Argentina 2, Taiwan 1, Thailand 1, Bangladesh 1, Ireland 2, Albania 1, Panama 1, Morocco 1 and Sudan 1.

Late last year, the outbreak of coronavirus began in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

The illness, whose symptoms are fever, cough and difficulty breathing, may cause lung lesions and pneumonia.

Dhaka/AI