COVID-19 | More than 100,000 infected worldwide, wreaking financial havoc
The HinduThe number of people infected with the new COVID-19 surpassed 100,000 across the world on Friday, as the outbreak reached more countries and economic damage intensified, with business districts beginning to empty and stock markets tumbling. The World Health Organization said every country should make containing the epidemic its top priority, pointing to Iran's national action plan to combat one of the worst outbreaks after a slow start. S&P Global's large office stood empty after the company sent its 1,200 staff home, while HSBC asked around 100 people to work from home after a worker tested positive for the illness. In Florida, Miami officials cancelled two music festivals on Friday because of potential risk that coronavirus could spread at events that bring large crowds into close proximity, while the NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament will go ahead at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore this weekend without spectators.