Finally! It's good news as China sees big drop in new virus cases

Medical officers waiting for patients to arrive at a newly designated hospital to treat Covid-19 patients in Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province, on Saturday (Feb 15). There was a big dip in new cases as the government announced new anti-disease measures as businesses reopen following sweeping controls that idled much of the economy. - AP

BEIJING: China reported 143 virus deaths and a dip in new cases on Saturday (Feb 15) while the government announced new anti-disease measures as businesses reopen following sweeping controls that idled much of the economy.

Also Saturday, France reported Europe's first death from the new virus, a Chinese tourist from Hubei province, where the disease emerged in December. Meanwhile, the United States was preparing to fly home Americans passengers quarantined aboard a cruise ship in Japan.