New cases confirmed in Europe: Poland and Bosnia confirmed their first cases of the coronavirus today, while both Spain and Iceland have reported a spike in infections. Italy remains the worst hit European nation — another major public gathering there, the Venice Architecture Biennial, has been postponed until August 29.

South Korea is stepping up its response: A third city in the virus-hit East Asian country has been designated a «special care zone.» Half the cases in Gyeongsan have links to the Shincheonji religious group, which the South Korean authorities are investigating amid claims that it has been concealing lists of members and those who might be infected.

India reports a spike in cases: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said «there is no need to panic» earlier this week as the number of cases has grown in the world’s second-most populous country. But with 29 cases now confirmed there are fears that the country’s health system may not be able to cope with a major outbreak.

Travelers test positive in Thailand: Thailand reported four more coronavirus cases today, bringing the national total to 47. Two of the cases recently arrived from Iran, and the other two had been to Italy — both countries with serious outbreaks.

New York is racing to stop an outbreak: After 11 people across the New York metro area tested positive for coronavirus, the state government has asked some 1,000 people who had contact with them to self-quarantine. All schools in Mount Vernon, in the NYC suburbs, are closing until March 9. Some schools have also been closed in Washington — America’s worst hit state with 39 infections, including 10 deaths.

Australia cases rise: Australia’s Department of Health announced 10 new cases of the coronavirus today, bringing the national total to 52. The department also confirmed the death of a resident in a nursing home, bringing the country’s death toll to two.

Global cases are nearing 95,000: The number of people who have died from the coronavirus has risen to 3,283 as of Thursday, with 3,012 in mainland China. Outside of China, the most deaths have been reported in Italy, Iran and South Korea. Close to 95,000 cases of the virus have been confirmed worldwide, again with the vast majority in mainland China.