Coronavirus spreads around the world with over 12,600 confirmed cases 

The novel coronavirus continued to spread across the world with more than 12,600 cases confirmed in at least 76 countries outside China as of 9GMT on Wednesday, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to WHO's report on Wednesday, at least 214 deaths were reported outside China and the new confirmed cases there have exceeded those reported in China for eight consecutive days.

On Wednesday, Italy confirmed 587 cases, bringing the total number to 3,089 with 107 deaths, according to authorities. The Italian government has ordered the closure of all schools and universities nationwide until March 15.

Japan's health authority on Thursday said the country has confirmed a total of 1,037 cases, including 706 from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

The death toll from the infection has risen to 11 in the U.S. as of Wednesday afternoon, including 10 in the state of Washington and one in California. The confirmed cases in the country now are at least 153.

In Canada, at least 34 coronavirus cases were confirmed as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the country's health authority.

Other countries, including Slovenia and Hungary, identified their first cases.