The US space agency NASA has revealed satellite images that show a dramatic decline in pollution levels over China. It's believed to be "at least partly" due to an economic slowdown prompted by the spread of coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the BBC reports that the global death toll from coronavirus now stands at more than 3,000, with more than 90% occurring in Hubei, China. Per the BBC however, there have also been deaths in 10 other countries.

CNN reports that production has been halted in many factories in China, while transportation has also been restricted in a bid to slow the spread of the virus. There have been nearly 80,000 recorded cases of coronavirus in China since the outbreak began.

NASA scientists say that the reduced levels of nitrogen dioxide first became apparent near Wuhan City - the epicentre of the outbreak - but has since been seen across the country.

Nitrogen dioxide is a noxious gas emitted by motor vehicles, industrial facilities and power plants and can cause respiratory problems such as asthma and coughing, per CNN.

Air quality researcher at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Fei Liu said in a statement, "This is the first time I have seen such a dramatic drop-off over such a wide area for a specific event".

NASA did note that the Lunar New Year celebrations in China, which occur in late January and early February, have been linked to a decrease in pollution levels in the past, but tend to increase again once the celebrations are complete.

"This year, the reduction rate is more significant than in past years and it has lasted longer," Liu said, "I am not surprised because many cities nationwide have taken measures to minimise spread of the virus."

Per the BBC, the virus has now spread to more than 50 countries.

The US space agency NASA has revealed satellite images that show a dramatic decline in pollution levels over China. It's believed to be "at least partly" due to an economic slowdown prompted by the spread of coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the BBC reports that the global death toll from coronavirus now stands at more than 3,000, with more than 90% occurring in Hubei, China. Per the BBC however, there have also been deaths in 10 other countries.

CNN reports that production has been halted in many factories in China, while transportation has also been restricted in a bid to slow the spread of the virus. There have been nearly 80,000 recorded cases of coronavirus in China since the outbreak began.

NASA scientists say that the reduced levels of nitrogen dioxide first became apparent near Wuhan City - the epicentre of the outbreak - but has since been seen across the country.

Nitrogen dioxide is a noxious gas emitted by motor vehicles, industrial facilities and power plants and can cause respiratory problems such as asthma and coughing, per CNN.

Air quality researcher at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Fei Liu said in a statement, "This is the first time I have seen such a dramatic drop-off over such a wide area for a specific event".

NASA did note that the Lunar New Year celebrations in China, which occur in late January and early February, have been linked to a decrease in pollution levels in the past, but tend to increase again once the celebrations are complete.

"This year, the reduction rate is more significant than in past years and it has lasted longer," Liu said, "I am not surprised because many cities nationwide have taken measures to minimise spread of the virus."

Per the BBC, the virus has now spread to more than 50 countries.