 Coming to you from RGIS Studios, I am Anicia Antoine and this is your midday news brief. As of February 23, 2020, the World Health Organization reported a total of 78,811 confirmed cases of COVID-19 from China with 2,445 deaths. There are now 1,769 confirmed cases in 28 countries outside of China. There have been 17 deaths outside of China and the cases on cruise ship lining in Japan has now gone to 634 with 2 deaths. Dr. Sharon Belma George, Chief Medical Officer, stated that there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease in St. Lucia or the Caribbean region. The Department of Health and Wellness advises the public to continue practicing the standard recommendations to prevent the spread of respiratory infection. These include regular hand washing of soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, new disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing, and to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing. Dr. Belma George noted that the Department of Health and Wellness will continue informing the public of any updates. The Ministry of Education continues to develop a love for science among students through the National School Science Quiz. This year, each of the eight districts were represented by a primary and secondary school. The two-day quiz tested the students' knowledge of science facts. The peer recombined school and the St. Joseph's convent emerged as the winners of the National School Science Quiz. Curriculum Officer for Natural Sciences, Giannetti George, noted that the National Science Quiz was held under the theme, science and technology, pillars of entrepreneurship and innovation. The National Science Quiz was held at the John Audlum Secondary School in Marigold from Wednesday, February 12th to Thursday, February 13th, 2020. Prime Minister of St. Lucia and immediate past chairman of CARICOM, Hon. Alan Shasne, highlighted a number of issues that continue to be a priority for the community. These include the CARICOM single market and economy to which the Prime Minister indicated that CARICOM should arrive at some decision so as to demonstrate to the people across the region its determination to make the integration process work for them. With the United Kingdom living the European Union at the end of this year, CARICOM has been in ongoing discussions with the UK on an agreement that would govern trade between the Caribbean region post Brexit and replicate the effects of the CARIFORM European Union Economic Partnership Agreement, EPA. Prime Minister Shasne explained that this will ensure continuity in the preferential trade in relationship and avoid disruption in preferential trade between the CARIFORM states and the United Kingdom. This has been your media news brief. Thank you for watching.