WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Jewish community has voiced its support in an open letter for "their friends in the Chinese American and Chinese communities" against xenophobia over the novel coronavirus outbreak.

"We know that in such times, concern can quickly turn into hysteria, which can lead to scapegoating. We pledge to help ensure that Chinese people feel safe and supported, and to combat attacks and stereotyping on social media," read the letter.

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NEW YORK -- China's efforts to identify potential treatments and vaccines for COVID-19 have contributed to a global response to the virus in ways that could save lives around the world, said Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

In a written interview with Xinhua on Wednesday, Suzman said that "we want to acknowledge that the people of China are bearing the brunt of this challenge, and we want to praise the many frontline responders who are doing heroic work to control the spread of COVID-19."

"Their efforts are not only helping China, they are helping the entire world," he said.

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WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday appointed Vice President Mike Pence to oversee the country's response to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

"I'm going to be announcing exactly right now that I'm going to be putting our Vice President Mike Pence in charge," Trump said at the White House briefing room, citing Pence's experience with health care policy.

Trump said the virus's threat to the U.S. public "remains very low," but the country is "very, very ready" for whatever the coronavirus threat brings.

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KARACHI, Pakistan -- China will provide a comprehensive emergency assistance package to Pakistan to counter the desert locust swarm attacks, Chinese experts on locust control told a press conference here on Thursday.

Wang Fengle, chief expert of the Chinese team, said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the national emergency on locust in Pakistan and sent a high-level working group on an urgent basis to help analyze the situation so as to formulate a strategy.

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BAGHDAD -- The Iraqi health minister announced on Wednesday the suspension of all schools and universities until March 7 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Jaafar Sadiq Allawi said in a statement that he has ordered the suspension of schools and university, as well as cinemas, cafes, clubs, and other public gathering spots from Feb. 27 to March 7. Enditem

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