Italy had a 50% surge in new coronavirus cases and 34 deaths as the outbreak reached more than 65 nations. The U.S. and Japan issued “do-not-travel” warnings for regions of Italy and South Korea.

A key energy industry gathering in Houston was canceled, the latest large-scale event scrapped over virus concerns. The Louvre in Paris was closed. The U.S., Australia and Thailand reported fatalities.

The Czech Republic, Monaco, Dominican Republic and Scotland reported first cases. Middle East markets slumped.

Key Developments

• Italian cases jump 50%, to almost 1,700
• Iran infections nearly double; cases in Spain jump
• South Korea infections climb 586 to 3,736 with 18 deaths
• Washington State declares emergency after first death
• China reported 35 new deaths -- the lowest in three day
• Researcher see link between cases six weeks apart