COVID-19 has infected more than 270,000 people globally, and has claimed the lives of nearly 11,500 DUBAI: Countries have taken extra precautions as the new coronavirus pandemic hits major industries and economies. Some governments in the Middle East have launched national aid in the past days to counter the effects of the pandemic, including Saudi Arabia which announced a $32-billion stimulus package to support its local economy on Friday. COVID-19 has infected more than 270,000 people globally, and has claimed the lives of nearly 11,500. Saturday, March 21 (All times in GMT) 03:52 – Singapore has reported its first two coronavirus fatalities, the health minister said on Saturday. 03:25 – Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez said on Saturday the country will enter quarantine from Tuesday until April 13. 02:45 – US senators and White House negotiators said they will resume talks on Saturday for coronavirus economic stimulus bill. 01:21 – South Korea has reported 147 new cases of coronavirus, bringing total to 8,799. 00:20 – Morocco has confirmed new cases of COVID-19 on early Saturday, raising toll to 86. Sunday, March 20 (All times in GMT) 20:15 - The UAE’s health ministry announced on Friday its first two deaths from coronavirus, state news agency WAM said. The two deaths are for cases that suffered from previous health conditions, the agency said.