The Latest: Pakistan suspending domestic flights

The Latest: Pakistan suspending domestic flights

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The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 422,000 people and killed over 18,000. The COVID-19 illness causes mild or moderate symptoms in most people, but severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or those with existing health problems. More than 108,000 people have recovered so far, mostly in China.

TOP OF THE HOUR:

— Pakistan suspending all domestic flights beginning Thursday.

— New Zealand declares state of emergency as it prepares for lockdown.

— China re-opening some train stations and bus service.

— South Korea to quarantine some arriving from United States.

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ISLAMABAD — Pakistani authorities have decided to suspend all domestic flight operations from Thursday until April 2 as part of efforts aimed at curbing the spread of the new coronavirus.

Last weekend, Pakistan banned all international flights.

According to civil aviation spokesman Abdul Sattar Khokhar, the ban will not apply to cargo and special flights. Usually the president, prime minister and other top government officials travel in special planes.

The measure comes as overall cases of the new virus in Pakistan jumped to 990, with seven deaths reported.

The crisis has prompted the government to enforce a nationwide lockdown for two to three weeks.

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WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand has declared a state of emergency as it prepares to go into an unprecedented lockdown late Wednesday for about a month.

The declaration temporarily gives police and the military extra powers. And Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says any New Zealanders returning home from overseas who show symptoms of COVID-19 will be put in isolation at an approved facility.

"I have one simple message for New Zealanders today as we head into...

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