The novel coronavirus outbreak appears to have entered a new stage, with new clusters around the world raising fears of a pandemic.

World Health Organization (WHO) officials said yesterday that for the first time, the number of daily cases reported outside China had exceeded the number of those reported within the country where the outbreak began.

Coronavirus cases have now been reported in every continent but Antarctica.

The shift in focus from China to the rest of the world was further highlighted Wednesday, with the announcement that all passengers arriving in Beijing would be subject to a 14-day quarantine if they have recently traveled in affected countries.

The US: In Washington, President Donald Trump announced a new team dedicated to tackling the virus, led by Vice President Mike Pence.

Europe: European officials are working overtime to stop a continent-wide outbreak, as the situation in Italy continues to worsen. More than 400 cases have been reported in Italy, and sporting and social events across northern Italy have been canceled.

More than 18 cases of the virus have been confirmed in both Germany and France, while two French patients have died from the disease.

South Korea: In Asia, the worst outbreak beyond mainland China is in South Korea, where more than 1,595 cases have been reported, including 13 deaths.

That outbreak appears to have begun in the southern city of Daegu, where around 700 of the cases have been reported, but it has since spread throughout the country, bringing with it travel restrictions and emergency measures.

Middle East: Around 140 cases of the virus have been confirmed in Iran, and 19 deaths. Multiple neighboring countries have cut off travel to Iran, while Qatar has ordered the evacuation of citizens from the country, along with Kuwaitis who wish to leave Iran.

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