Chinese health officials said Thursday local time that the epicenter of the coronavirus and its surrounding province -- Wuhan and Hubei, respectively -- have not reported any new cases but recorded eight more deaths in the same area. The health ministry said 34 new cases in the country over the past 24 hours were detected in people who live abroad. PHOTOS: EMPTY PLACES ACROSS AMERICAThe eight deaths were in Wuhan, where the virus was first reported in December 2019. Overall, the country has recorded nearly 81,000 coronavirus cases and 3,245 deaths. The rift came to a head this week when Beijing expelled several American journalists and President Trump began labeling the pandemic the "Chinese virus" or "Wuhan virus."

Source: Fox News March 19, 2020 02:26 UTC