U.S., Japan pull nationals from China virus city, huge economic hit forecast
International alarm over the spread of coronavirus has prompted the U.S. and Japan to evacaute their nationals from Wuhan, and British Airways to suspend all flights to mainland China.
The coronavirus death toll has leapt to over 130.
And there are now around 6,000 confirmed cases of the so-called ''devil'' virus in China.
In many cities across the country, streets were largely deserted with the few who ventured out wearing masks.
The virus - which emerged last month in a live wild animal market in Wuhan - has spread to 15 other countries.
No deaths have been reported outside of China.
In what could be a major step towards taming the disease, scientists in Australia said they have developed a lab-grown version of the coronavirus, which could be used to generate an antibody test and then potentially a vaccine.
Analysts are warning of a severe, near-term blow to China's economy.
Sectors from mining to luxury goods have been shaken, and a Chinese government economist said growth may slow to 5% or even lower in the first quarter of 2020.
While some experts believe the virus is not as deadly as SARS - which killed about 800 people globally in 2002 and 2003 - concern has grown over its rapid spread and many unknown attributes, such as how lethal it is.
And whether or not it spreads before symptoms show.
