Global death toll from coronavirus rises to 4,982

The global death toll from novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has risen to 4,982 and the global number of people infected with the fast-spreading virus now stands at 134,722.

The lethal virus has already affected 127 countries and territories across the world.

Around 70,382 coronavirus infected people have so far recovered after receiving treatment suggested for the virus and been discharged from hospitals.

Chinese authorities reported 7 more new deaths related to the global coronavirus pandemic on Thursday (March 12), bringing the total death toll to 3,176.

Mainland China has now confirmed 80,814 coronavirus patients, 64,112 of whom have recovered and been discharged from hospitals, according to China's National Health Commission (NHC).

Outside China, total number of COVID-19 cases is high in Italy.

Italian government authorities say the country now has 15,113 confirmed cases with over 2,651 new ones. The country reported more than 189 new deaths, bringing the national total to 1,016. Of those originally infected, 1,258 patients recovered.

Iran reported a total number of 10,075 coronavirus cases with 1,075 new cases. Among those, 429 have died with 75 new deaths. A total of 3,276 have recovered among those affected by the virus.

In South Korea, the death toll from coronavirus has risen to 67. The virus has already infected over 7,979 in the country. Of those originally infected, 510 have recovered and been discharged from hospitals.

Among the other countries affected by the virus, Spain reported 86 deaths, France 61, the United States 41, Japan 19, the United Kingdom 10, Iraq 8, Netherlands 5, Switzerland 7, Germany 6, San Marino 5 and Philippines 5. Belgium, Hong Kong, Australia and Lebanon reported 3 deaths each while Egypt reported two. On the other hand, Taiwan, Thailand, Argentina, Ireland, Indonesia, Sweden, Albania, Canada, Panama, Bulgaria and Morocco reported one death each.

Late last year, the outbreak of coronavirus began in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

The illness, whose symptoms are fever, cough and difficulty breathing, may cause lung lesions and pneumonia.

Dhaka/AI