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HEALTH-VIRUS-RUSSIA-CHINA-ITALY-SKOREA-IRAN
Russia warns against travel to Italy, Iran, SKorea over virus
MOSCOW, Feb 26, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Russia on Wednesday warned against travel
to Italy, South Korea and Iran so as to prevent the spread of the novel
coronavirus.
Noting the spike in cases in the three countries, consumer safety
regulator Rospotrebnadzor urged Russians to avoid travel there “until the
epidemiological situation stabilised”.
More than 1,100 people have been infected in South Korea — the hardest-
hit area outside of China — and 11 people died.
Iran has emerged as another hotspot, with 15 deaths out of nearly 100
reported infections. Italy has recorded 11 deaths and more than 300
coronavirus cases.
The disease has now reached dozens of countries, with Austria, Croatia and
Switzerland the latest to declare cases.
The virus has killed more than 2,700 people and infected over 78,000 in
China where it originated.
Russia repatriated eight passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship
in Japan, three of whom were infected. Two Chinese citizens in Russia were
also infected and treated in Siberia.
Moscow has imposed a near blanket ban on Chinese visitors over coronavirus
fears and has recommended against travel to China.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1318 hrs