The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases across the world surpassed 1.5 million by Wednesday, with fatalities exceeding 88,000, Johns Hopkins University confirmed.  

The United States led the world with 423,135 cases. Spain and Italy followed with 146,690 and 139,422, respectively. Confirmed cases in France and Germany also topped 100,000. Studies show the novel coronavirus in New York came mainly from Europe, according to the New York Times report on Wednesday.

South Korea recorded 39 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 10,423, according to media report.

The Chinese mainland reported 63 new confirmed cases (61 from abroad) and 56 asymptomatic cases Wednesday, according to China's National Health Commission. By April 8, there have been 81,865 cumulative infections, 77,370 recoveries, 3,335 deaths and 1,160 remaining infections. Another 960 cumulative cases in Hong Kong, 45 in Macao and 379 in Taiwan have been reported.