Spread of coronavirus in China appears to slow

Though the coronavirus continues to spread in China, its growth appears to be slowing: On Wednesday, for the second straight day, the authorities reported fewer than 2,000 new cases. Still, public health officials have warned against excessive optimism. Here are the latest updates from around the world and maps of where the virus has spread.

Shortly after reporting its first two coronavirus cases, Iran reported two deaths. Deaths in mainland China reached 2,004, while Hong Kong reported a second death.

Also today, Japan is preparing to let more passengers leave the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship, after hundreds of passengers already were evacuated. There are questions about how safe that is; more than 540 people aboard the ship had tested positive for the virus.