Italy had at least 2,503 virus-related deaths as of 6 p.m. local time on March 17, according to the country's health ministry.

Asia Pacific economic growth for the year will more than halve to less than 3% as the global economy enters a recession, according to S&P Global Ratings.

China's National Health Commission said there were 13 new cases of infection in the country and that 11 more people have died from the virus.

Global cases: At least 184,976, according to the latest figures from the World Health Organization

Global deaths: At least 7,529, according to the latest figures from the WHO