Coronavirus briefing: Five updates for Thursday, March 5

President Donald Trump says the 3.4% death rate for coronavirus set by the World Health Organization is “false” but says it’s “just my hunch.”

The virus, first reported in China, has swept across Asia and now has sparked new outbreaks in Europe and the United States.

More than 97,000 cases of the COVID-19 virus have been confirmed worldwide with more than 3,300 deaths as of March 5, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 160 confirmed cases with 11 deaths in Washington and California.

The World Health Organization has labeled the coronavirus outbreak a “very high” risk of spread and impact, but has so far stopped short of declaring it a global pandemic.

Trump disputes coronavirus death rate

President Donald Trump says he thinks the World Health Organization’s estimate of a 3.4% global death rate from coronavirus is “false,” Business Insider reported.

On Tuesday, WHO chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said current data shows a 3.4% death rate for the virus, an increase from earlier estimates of 2%, the agency reported. The number may change as more cases emerge.

“Well, I think the 3.4% is really a false number,” Trump said on Fox News, Business Insider reported. “Now, this is just my hunch but based on a lot of conversation with a lot of people who do this, because a lot of people will have this and it’s very mild. They’ll get better very rapidly. They don’t even see a doctor.”

Trump said he thinks the correct number is a “fraction of 1 percent,” incorrectly adding that “hundreds of thousands” of people have already recovered from coronavirus, according to the publication

There have been nearly 96,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide, Johns Hopkins University reports. More than 53,000 people have recovered from the virus.

“This kind of irresponsible talk creates a false sense of security that endangers public health,” said Chris Lu, a former staff member for President Barack Obama, USA Today reported.

Church of the Nativity closes amid coronavirus outbreak

The Palestinian Tourism Ministry has closed the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem amid coronavirus fears, Reuters reports. The ministry did not say when the church, thought to be built over the birthplace of Jesus Christ, would reopen.

Also, Catholic bishops canceled weekday Masses in the northern Italy provinces hard hit by the virus, Reuters reported. It’s believed to be the first time for such a dramatic step in Italy, where Masses continued even during the plague in the 17th century.

Amazon, Facebook ask Seattle employees to work from home

Amazon and Facebook have urged Seattle employees to work from home after workers at each tech giant tested positive for coronavirus, CNN reports.

Also, Apple and Netflix have joined Twitter in pulling out of the South by Southwest festival next week in Austin, Texas, citing coronavirus concerns, MarketWatch reported.

International airline industry could lose billions

Travel restrictions and fears around the worldwide coronavirus outbreak could cost international airlines up to $113 billion, Forbes reports.

“The turn of events as a result of COVID-19 is almost without precedent,” said Alexandre de Juniac, head of the International Air Transport Association, according to the publication.

Tips to help protect yourself from coronavirus

There’s no vaccine for the COVID-19 virus, and experts say one may be months away from mass production.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest avoiding close contact with people who are sick, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, staying home when you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

The agency also advises washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

The CDC does not advise that healthy people wear face masks, but says they should be worn by coronavirus patients to help avoid spreading the illness.

This story was originally published March 5, 2020 at 5:47 AM with the headline "Coronavirus briefing: Five updates for Thursday, March 5."