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.
Saudi-owned vessel targeted in Red Sea, crew safe, state news agency says
Saudi Arabian state news agency on Thursday confirmed that tanker Encelia was ablaze after an assault while sailing in the Red Sea.
Rubio says US committed to helping end Ukraine war after meeting Lavrov
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that the United States remains prepared to play a "constructive role" in helping bring an end to the war in Ukraine, following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of an ASEAN gathering in Manila.
India's Modi promises fast-track courts on exam leaks, protesters want minister to quit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that "fast-track" courts would be set up to prosecute those behind exam paper leaks, his first public response after days of youth protests demanding the resignation of the education minister.
Venezuela quakes caused $19.6 billion in damage, World Bank report shows
Two earthquakes that rocked Venezuela on June 24 caused $19.6 billion in direct physical damage, but the cost of rebuilding could be twice that much or more, the World Bank said in an early assessment released on Thursday.
Czech army helicopter with five soldiers on board crashes, one dead
A Czech military helicopter crashed in the east of the country on Thursday, killing one of the five soldiers on board, the army said.
