Closure of schools in Hong Kong have been extended until March 16, as authorities try to reduce the risk of the Covid-19 spreading.
They've also told overseas students studying in the city that there was no rush to return, with many schools already switching to online classes.
Meanwhile, public sector workers have also been allowed to work from home until February 23.
The news comes as Hubei reported a record rise in the death toll, with the flu-like virus killing 242 people on Wednesday.
Iran threatens painful response if US renews attacks
Iran said on Thursday it would respond with "long and painful strikes" on US positions if Washington renewed attacks and restated its claim to the Strait of Hormuz, complicating US plans for a coalition to reopen the waterway.
Ukrainian drones hit Russian port of Tuapse for the fourth time
A fresh Ukrainian drone strike on Russia’s Black Sea port of Tuapse, the fourth in the past week, sparked a fire at the sea terminal but caused no injuries, local officials said early on Friday.
Detained Myanmar ex-leader Suu Kyi to meet legal team this weekend
The legal team of Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi plans to meet the detained former leader this weekend after she was transferred to house arrest in the capital by the military-backed government, a representative said on Friday.
Hundreds of protesters clashed with Australian emergency services workers in a remote town following the alleged murder of a five-year-old Indigenous girl, police said on Friday.
Palestinian teen shot dead in Israeli West Bank raid, Wafa reports
A Palestinian teen has been shot dead during an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, the official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.
The UAE's Attorney-General, Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, has ordered the referral of 13 defendants and six UAE-registered companies to the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal (State Security Court) on charges of illicit trafficking in military materiel, forgery and money laundering.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a travel ban for UAE citizens to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq, citing current regional developments.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has honoured the winners of the 'Erth Dubai Awards', recognising their contributions to preserving the emirate’s cultural and social heritage.
