The world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology is just one of the many sectors to have been hit by the deadly coronavirus. The outbreak has already had an adverse effect on this nascent sector. Stay up-to-date on the latest developments as the world fights back against the virus.
Latest Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases (February 19, 12:55 PM UTC)
Total Confirmed: 75,280
Mainland China: 74,186
Others: 1,094
Total Deaths: 2,012
Total Recovered: 15,030
Source: Johns Hopkins CSSE
The WHO Operations Support and Logistics (OSL) continues to gather data and assess the needs of its member states, many of which are in need of key items such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). On February 14, the OSL started the dispatch of laboratory COVID-19 testing kits to 56 countries. As of February 17, 37 shipments had been dispatched to 34 countries and three regional offices, the World Health Organization said in its latest situation report.
The WHO has also released guidance on the Rights, Roles and Responsibilities Of Health Workers, Including Key Considerations For Occupational Safety And Health.
Coronavirus news
February 19
Crypto Exchange Operators Let Workers Stay at Home in Coronavirus-hit Japan
UTC 13:05 A number of leading Japanese firms – including the operators of two of the country’s biggest cryptocurrency exchanges – or avoid rush-hour commutes as coronavirus fears deepen
China Tells 3 Wall Street Journal to Leave Following ‘Racist’ Report
UTC 12:25: Chinese authorities have told three Wall Street Journal journalists to leave, claiming that they expressed racist sentiments in their reporting.
A Chinese foreign ministry official named Geng Shuang hit out at the newspaper’s headline: “China Is the Real Sick Man of Asia.” Geng said the piece had a “racially discriminatory” and “sensational” headline, and condemned the WSJ for failing to issue an official apology.
Geng told media officials, per AFP (via France24), that the reporters’ press cards would be rescinded.
