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Coronavirus: North Korea quarantines foreigners amid fears

North Korea has quarantined 380 foreigners in a bid to stop the coronavirus from breaking out.

The foreigners are mostly diplomats stationed in the capital Pyongyang, said news agency Yonhap, quoting the Korean Central Broadcasting Station.

Around 200 foreigners had already been confined to their compounds for the past 30 days - but as that came to an end, the quarantine has been extended.

There have not been any reported cases of Covid-19 in North Korea.

It's not known how long the new quarantine will last.

In South Korea, seven people have died with 763 people infected. Around 7,700 troops have been quarantined after 11 military members were infected.

The virus, which emerged in China, has spread to 29 countries.

Italy has the highest number of coronavirus cases in Europe, with 152. Around 50,000 people in two northern "hotspot" regions - Veneto and Lombardy - have been put under quarantine for two weeks.

Iran has also confirmed 43 cases of the virus and eight deaths.

More than 2,500 people have died from the virus in mainland China, with some 77,150 cases confirmed cases reported.

What is the situation in North Korea?

North Korea has not confirmed any cases - but there are clearly fears of it spreading, as the country shares a border with China.

All foreigners coming into the country must be quarantined for 30 days.

There are relatively few foreigners in North Korea, and only around 200 westerners, according to one expert.

North Korean authorities have also cancelled the annual Pyongyang marathon, which typically sees people from all over the world participating.

Around 3,000 people in North Pyongan province - a north-western region bordering China - are also now under monitoring for reportedly showing suspected symptoms, said state media.

North Korean authorities have also cancelled the annual Pyongyang marathon, which typically sees people from all over the world participating.

Around 3,000 people in North Pyongan province - a north-western region bordering China - are also now under monitoring for reportedly showing suspected symptoms, said state media.

What about South Korea?

South Korea has the largest number of confirmed cases outside China, after a sharp spike in recent days.

Eight new cases of the virus have been reported in the army, and one in the navy, air force and marine corps - bringing the number to 11.

But the biggest virus clusters have been linked to a hospital and a religious group near the south-eastern city of Daegu.

What's happening in Italy?

Italian officials have introduced sweeping measures to control what is now at least three people have died and more than 150 cases confirmed.

In the regions of Lombardy and Veneto, a lock-down is in place in several small towns. For the next two weeks, 50,000 residents will not be able to leave without special permission.

Even outside the zone, many businesses and schools have suspended activities, and sporting events have been cancelled - including several top-flight football matches.

Officials have yet to find the first carrier of the virus in the country.

World edges closer to coronavirus pandemic

Analysis by Fergus Walsh, medical correspondent

The combined situation in South Korea, Iran and Italy points to the early stages of pandemic. This means a global outbreak, with the coronavirus spreading in the community in multiple parts of the world.

In each of these countries we are seeing spread of the virus with no connection to China. The lockdown efforts in Italy mirror those that have happened in China.

The situation in Iran is especially worrying, because the health authorities have reportedly said the virus has spread to multiple cities, and it appears the first case in Lebanon is linked to a traveller from Iran.

If we have a pandemic, it will still be important to limit the speed of spread of the virus.

If countries could hold it somewhat at bay until the end of winter, there is a hope that warmer temperatures will reduce the time the virus can survive in the air, as we see with seasonal flu. But this may not be certain.

What's the latest from Iran?

Iran said on Sunday it had 43 confirmed cases of the virus, most of them in the holy city of Qom. Eight of those infected have died, the highest number of deaths outside China.

Iraq, Pakistan, Armenia and Turkey have closed their borders with Iran, and Afghanistan has suspended air and road travel to and from Iran.

What about China, where the outbreak started?

China's President Xi Jinping has described the outbreak as the "largest public health emergency" in the country's recent history.

Speaking on Sunday, he acknowledged "shortcomings" in China's response and said lessons must be learned.