AFP Fact Check: Novel coronavirus breeds global false claims
A deadly coronavirus outbreak, which has infected thousands and spread around the world since emerging in China, has also spawned many false claims on social media. Here's a selection of…
China shuts down: The measures taken to curb a virus
China has enacted extraordinary measures to contain the spread of a new coronavirus that has killed more than 130 people, infected thousands and reached some 15 countries. Here is a…
Japan confirms virus in man who had not been to China
Japanese authorities said Tuesday a man with no recent travel to China has contracted the novel strain of coronavirus -- apparently after driving tourists visiting from Wuhan, where a deadly…
Coronavirus: countries evacuate citizens from China
Thousands of foreigners are among millions of people stuck in the central Chinese city of Wuhan as the country struggles to get to grips with the spread of a SARS-like…
China virus death toll tops 100 as contagion spreads abroad
by Leo RAMIREZ China on Tuesday urged its citizens to postpone foreign travel to curb a viral outbreak that has killed 106 people, as the first cases of human-to-human contagion were…
Singaporean rideshare innovator Angeline Tham: Hero or persona non grata in the Philippines?
Manila — Singapore-born Angeline Tham is a hero to thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of Filipino commuters. Unfortunately, with some leaders, she is not nearly as popular, with one…
Thai prosecutors drop murder charge in case of disappeared activist
A Thai park official implicated in the alleged killing of an environmental activist will not face prosecution for murder due to "insufficient evidence", the attorney general's office announced Monday --…
Australian woman dies in cake-eating contest
A woman died while taking part in a cake-eating competition to celebrate Australia Day, local media reported Monday. Paramedics were called to a pub in the state of Queensland on…
France to fly home citizens from China’s virus-stricken Wuhan
France will fly home its citizens who wish to leave the Chinese city of Wuhan at the centre of a coronavirus outbreak that has sickened thousands and killed 81, the…
China extends holiday to buy time as virus keeps spreading
by Leo RAMIREZ China on Monday extended its biggest national holiday to buy time in the fight against a viral epidemic and neighbouring Mongolia closed its border, after the death…