Operators sanitize each other after service on an ambulance for the transport of COVID-19 patients in Settimo Torinese, Northern Italy, March 23, 2020. (Photo: AP)

The global confirmed cases of COVID-19 have reached 428,405, according to the Coronavirus Resource Center at Johns Hopkins University as of 7:30 pm on Wednesday (BJT).

Current status (data as of 8 pm BJT, March 25):

China's phase I clinical trial for a recombinant novel coronavirus (2019-COV) vaccine ended recruitment for participants this week, with nearly 5,000 volunteers signing up for the trial, the Beijing News reported on Wednesday.

Britain's Prince Charles, the eldest son and heir to Queen Elizabeth II, has tested positive for the new coronavirus, his office said on Wednesday.

Another 738 people have died in Spain over the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 3,434, as the number of infections surged to 47,610, the government said on Wednesday.

Iran's health ministry spokesman said on Wednesday Iran has 2, 206 new cases of the coronavirus and 143 new deaths in the past 24 hours.

Malaysia reported 172 new cases and 4 deaths related to the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the total number of infections to 1,796, and deaths to 19, according to the country’s health ministry.