The COVID-19 outbreak continues to intensify, driven by expanded testing protocols in China. Japan confirms its first fatality—an 80-year-old woman—while a man in India tragically died by suicide, convinced he was infected.
According to the South China Morning Post, on February 14, 2020, Hubei province—epicenter of the outbreak—reported 4,823 new COVID-19 cases and 116 deaths. This raises China's totals to 64,627 infections and 1,483 fatalities. Globally, figures stand at 65,210 cases and 1,486 deaths.
Deaths outside China now total three, including Japan's first: an 80-year-old woman who tested positive, though Reuters notes authorities have not yet confirmed the virus as the direct cause. Japan's case count rises daily, exacerbated by the Diamond Princess cruise ship off Yokohama, which carries over 3,000 passengers and has confirmed dozens of infections.
In France, some patients have recovered, but others remain under watch. Health Minister Agnès Buzyn stated on France Inter: "Given the severity in China and cases across Southeast Asia, new infections are likely (...). Even beyond China, the virus is circulating. We're prepared."
Amid efforts like a COVID-19 awareness robot in New York’s Times Square, misinformation persists. Le Parisien reports an Indian father of three took his own life, convinced he had contracted the virus after watching online videos.
India has confirmed just three cases—all students returning from Wuhan. Despite a normal medical history per local authorities, overwhelming anxiety from viral content led to panic. The government plans to strengthen measures against coronavirus-related psychosis. Online, false claims abound, such as chicken meat transmitting the virus.
Sources: South China Morning Post, Reuters, Le Parisien
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