News in Brief-(28-02-2020)

Iraq suspends schools for 10 days over virus

BAGHDAD, Feb 27: The Iraqi health minister announced on Wednesday the suspension of all schools and universities until March 7 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Jaafar Sadiq Allawi said in a statement that he has ordered the suspension of schools and university, as well as cinemas, cafes, clubs, and other public gathering spots from Feb. 27 to March 7. The decision also prohibits Iraqis from travelling to countries where the coronavirus has appeared, except for official delegations and diplomatic missions, said the minister, who heads a crisis group tasked with preventing the spread of coronavirus in the country, according to the statement. — Xinhua

Bestselling US author Cussler dies aged 88

LOS ANGELES, Feb 27: Bestselling US author and keen underwater adventurer Clive Cussler has died aged 88, his family said Wednesday. Cussler was the prolific writer of more than 80 books, mainly fast-paced action thrillers such as "Sahara" and "Raise the Titanic!", which collectively sold tens of millions of copies. "It is with a heavy heart that I want to share the sad news that my husband, Clive passed away on Monday," his wife Janet Horvath wrote on Facebook. "I want to thank you, his fans and friends for all the support, for all the good times and all the adventures you have shared with him," she added. The cause of death was not disclosed. He reportedly passed at his home in Arizona. — AFP

US, S Korea postpone joint exercises over virus

SEOUL, Feb 27: The US and South Korean militaries on Thursday postponed forthcoming joint exercises due to the coronavirus outbreak, they said, as the Asian country reported 334 new cases, taking its total to 1,595. The decision to delay the training was made after Seoul declared its highest "severe" alert level over the virus, Combined Forces Command said, adding the postponement was "until further notice". The United States has 28,500 troops in South Korea to protect it against the nuclear-armed North, many of them based south of Seoul at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek - Washington's biggest overseas military facility. — AFP