What we’re covering here

• The latest: The number of deaths from the novel coronavirus has risen to more than 2,600 across the world. Europe’s biggest outbreak is in Italy, where five people have died in Italy and restrictions have been imposed on some municipalities.
• In South Korea: South Korea announced 231 new cases today, with the nationwide total surging past 830. More than half of those are associated with a branch of a religious group.
• How this affects US markets: US stocks plunged this morning on mounting worries about the spread of the coronavirus outside China to major economies including South Korea and Italy.

Health official: “We are in the phase of preparedness for a potential pandemic”

From CNN’s Amanda Watts

Mike Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization’s Health Emergencies Programme, said today it’s too early to declare the novel coronavirus a pandemic — but now is the time to prepare.

“Look what’s happened in China, we’ve seen a significant drop in cases, huge pressure placed on the virus and a sequential decrease in the number of cases, that goes against the logic of pandemic. Yet we see in contrast of that, an acceleration of cases in places like Korea, and therefore we are still in the balance.”

He added: “We are in the phase of preparedness for a potential pandemic.” 

Ryan said countries must prepare to take and treat patients and push for adequate containment.11 min ago

California city goes to court over possibility of housing coronavirus patients

From CNN’s Stella Chan

Representatives from the southern California city of Costa Mesa will be in court this afternoon to continue its fight against housing coronavirus patients in its city.

Late Friday, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the possible use of the Fairview Developmental Center to quarantine patients who’ve tested positive for the coronavirus. In the complaint, the city says “Fairview is an inappropriate location for a quarantine, as there is no way to restrict access to or from the facility.”

A hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. local time Monday.

Read more here.43 min ago

Coronavirus has pandemic potential, but it’s not there yet, World Health Organization says

From CNN’s Amanda Watts

World Health Organization Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today coronavirus has pandemic potential — but it’s not there yet. 

Tedros said the decision to use the word pandemic is based on ongoing assessments of the geographic spread of the virus, severity and impact of the society and for the moment they are not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus.  

He said the virus is affecting countries across the world in different ways and requires a tailored response, adding it’s not a one-size-fits-all response.  

WHO had previously declared Coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern.

Remember: There is no precise, mathematical definition of a pandemic.

Outbreaks get characterized as pandemics by epidemiologists — who are not yet using the term. That’s because they’ve yet to see sustained transmission among people who have not recently traveled to China or had close contact with someone who recently traveled to China. 

It’s not enough for a cluster of disease in a country to exist and even spread — it has to spread in a sustained way, from person to person, time and time again, through many generations of transmission.1 hr 5 min ago

Oman suspends flights to and from Iran during coronavirus outbreak

From CNN’s Hamdi Alkhshali

The General Authority of Oman’s Civil Aviation announced the suspension of all flights between the Sultanate and the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice, state TV reported.

Earlier today, Oman’s Health Ministry confirmed the country’s first two coronavirus cases — two women who were traveling from Iran.1 hr 8 min ago

California naval base could receive US coronavirus evacuees

From CNN’s Stella Chan

Naval Base Ventura County in Oxnard, California might be tasked with receiving coronavirus evacuees, according to a statement from NBVC Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. 

“Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper has tasked Naval Base Ventura County with supporting the potential repatriation of American citizens subject to federal quarantine due to the coronavirus. A Community Info Session is scheduled Monday, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m. at the Pt. Mugu Theater,” read the post on the NBVC Facebook page. 1 hr 14 min ago

Italy has yet to identify the source of its outbreak

From CNN’s Sharon Braithwaite 

Italy still has not identified “patient zero,” the source of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, two officials said Monday.

“The important thing is to identify ‘patient zero,’ where he/she is from, and to stop this chain of infection,” Angelo Borrelli, the head of Italy’s civil protection agency, said.

Luca Zaia, the governor of the Veneto region, said “no news” when asked Monday by CNN affiliate Sky 24 about the hunt for the carrier.

Borrelli suggested an explanation for the sudden spike in cases over the weekend: “I believe that the incubation period meant that the infections all exploded at a certain moment.”

EXCLUSIVE

9:41 AM PT — Sources familiar with the surveillance video tell TMZ … the video shows at least 4 masked men with hoodies making their way into the house just 10 minutes after people inside the house deadbolted the front doors shut. We’re told they did not turn the house alarm on, which made it easier for the home invaders to get inside.

And, there’s this … Pop Smoke posted the address of the home earlier in the day. He was showing off gift bags he had received and one had the home’s address. As for why he was getting gift bags … his mix tape hit #7 on the Billboard 200 chart Tuesday.

8:03 AM PT — Just hours before he was gunned down, Pop Smoke mugged with a pal in a car — the friend holding a fortune in bills — in the driveway of the home where he was shot.

7:32 AM PT — Law enforcement sources tell us there was a party or gathering at the house prior to the shooting.  It’s unclear what motive the shooters had in showing up at the house.

7:08 AM PT — Nicki Minaj just posted a message about his death … “The Bible tells us that jealousy is as cruel as the grave. Unbelievable. Rest in Peace, Pop.”

6:56 AM PT — The home is owned by ‘RHOBH’ star Teddi Mellencamp and her husband, Edwin Arroyave, who owns several homes in Los Angeles. It’s possible Pop Smoke was renting the property.

Pop Smoke, an up-and-coming rapper, was shot and killed Wednesday morning in what appears to be a home invasion robbery … TMZ has learned.

The rapper was at a home in the Hollywood Hills at around 4:30 AM when 2 men wearing hoodies and masks broke into a house … this according to law enforcement sources. We’re told the 2 men fired multiple shots, striking and critically wounding Pop Smoke. The men were seen fleeing on foot.

ATTEMPTING CPRRMG News

Pop Smoke was rushed by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood where he was pronounced dead.

The suspects have not been caught and as far as we know they have not been identified.  It’s unclear if Pop Smoke knew the shooters. One man was placed in handcuffs but cops determined he was not involved and was released.

Pop Smoke released an album back in July and one of the songs, “Welcome to the Party,” blew up … it was considered by many the song of the summer. Nicki Minaj did a remix of the song a few months later. He also did a song, “Gatti,” with Travis Scott.

We got Pop Smoke out at LAX back in July, and he told us about a hoop dream that came true.

Pop Smoke was 20.

RIP

Ja’Net DuBois, one of the stars from the TV series “Good Times,” has died.

Police in Glendale, Calif., said they received a report about the DuBois’ death late Monday. She appeared to have died of natural causes and no investigation is ongoing, police Sgt. Dan Stubbs said. No additional details, including her age, were immediately available.

BernNadette Stanis, who played Thelma Evans Anderson on “Good Times,” said she learned of DuBois’ death Tuesday from the actress’ daughter. Stanis said DuBois appeared to be in good health and they had appeared at a signing event two weeks ago. She noted that DuBois kept to herself and no one knew exactly how old she was.

THEN/NOW: CAST OF ‘GOOD TIMES’

DuBois had a prolific career beyond the 1970s hit “Good Times,” winning two Emmy Awards for her voice work on the WB series “The PJs.” She also composed and sang the theme song for “The Jeffersons.” DuBois’ song “Movin’ on Up” provided a joyous intro to “The Jeffersons” during the show’s 10-season run.

On “Good Times,” DuBois’ Willona Woods was the single, sexy neighbor and best friend to star Esther Rolle’s Florida Evans. Though the comedy had plenty of one-liners, DuBois’ appearances gave an extra dose of comedic relief.

Portrait of the cast of the television show ‘Good Times,’ Los Angeles, California, August 5, 1977. Pictured are, front row, American actresses Esther Rolle (1920 – 1998) (left) and BernNadette Stanis; back row, from left, American actors Jimmie Walker, Ja’net DuBois, and Ralph Carter.  (CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)

DuBois showed off more of her dramatic skills when a young Janet Jackson joined the show as the abused child Penny; DuBois’ character would go on to adopt Penny, and the storyline also forged a long, close relationship with Jackson, who would go on to become a multiplatinum superstar; she cast DuBois as her mother in her 1986 “Control” video.

DuBois’ career started in theater, where she appeared in Broadway productions of “Golden Boy” and “A Raisin in the Sun,” according to a biography on her website. A performance in “The Hot l Baltimore” in Los Angeles caught the eye of Norman Lear, who developed “Good Times” and “The Jeffersons.”

ANN E. TODD, CHILD STAR IN 1939’S ‘INTERMEZZO,’ DEAD AT 88: REPORTS

Her film credits included 1970’s “Diary of a Mad Housewife,” “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” and “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.”

She was credited in numerous other films as varied as “Basic Instinct,” “Next Friday” and “Tropic Thunder,” which included “Movin’ on Up.

YouTube/RapRadar   

50 Cent is in heavy promo mode for his new ABC crime drama For Life. During a recent interview with Rap Radar’s Cigar Talk, the rap legend/television mogul opened up about a bevy of topics, including Ja Rule’s allegation that he’s a “snitch,” a name the Murder Inc. boss has been throwing in 50’s direction for decades.

Mr. Curtis Jackson denied he’s anything of the sort and insisted it’s nothing more than an attempt to assassinate his character.

“They’ll say, ‘He a rat’ or, ‘He this, this and that,’” he explained around the 19-minute mark. “All you gotta do is ask them who I told on?I ain’t never told on no nigga in my life. In the Preme [Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff] situation — look at his case. It’ll tell you who told on him. My name ain’t in that case. You see what I’m saying? They tried to use that I needed an order of protection, but why it feels like I’m the bully out here then?

“YOU needed protection, nigga. And your protection gone! That’s the truth! Niggas will try to put a spin on anything to try to make it look good and then when you get in disputes with younger artists, they don’t know what to use against you so they use what someone else used. So they go back and they go, ‘Oh you this!’”

50 also spoke on Meek Mill and French Montana, who recently slapped the Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ mastermind with the “snitch” label as well. But he said he wasn’t offended.

“You heard it when Meek was talking shit, you heard it when French was talking shit,” he said. “It’s like, I don’t take offense to it when they do it because I know what they’re doing. I took offense where it actually started and you never see — let Jimmy Henchman tell you I’m a snitch. Let Preme tell you I’m a snitch. Just say it one time. Because Jimmy been snitching since 1942!”

Ja Rule provided Drug Enforcement Agency paperwork last July that allegedly proved Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson was the anonymous caller who had given police a tip about the Lodi Mack homicide.

Check it out below.

Eminem waited 17 years to perform at the Oscars because the “younger him” didn’t feel a show like that would “understand” him.

The 47-year-old rapper finally performed as a surprise act at the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday (09.02.20), after turning down the Academy’s offer to perform and receive the Best Song Oscar from Barbra Streisand in 2003 for ‘Lose Yourself’ from ‘8 Mile’.

And the ‘Stan’ hitmaker has admitted the reason why he didn’t attend back then was, because he never imagined he would end up winning the prize and he had already performed at the Grammys that year.

However, after he found out he won, Eminem realised that the Oscars are “authentic”.

He admitted: “I kinda figured maybe since I didn’t get a chance to do it at the time, maybe it would be cool.

“Back then, I never even thought that I had a chance to win, and we had just performed ‘Lose Yourself’ on the Grammys with the Roots a couple of weeks before the Oscars, so we didn’t think it was a good idea.

“And also, back at that time, the younger me didn’t really feel like a show like that would understand me.

“But then when I found out I won, ‘That’s crazy!’

“That to me shows how authentic and real that award is — when you don’t show up and you still win. That makes it very real to me.”

The ‘Rap God’ star also revealed how they managed to keep his performance top secret.

He told Variety: “We flew in [to Los Angeles] last week, so we probably have four or five rehearsals just to make sure we got everything right. Most of the rehearsals were offsite, not in [the Dolby Theater], just trying to keep it secret.”

And on whose idea it was to have him as a surprise act, he added: “I don’t know, I think it was either [the Oscars’] idea or Paul and [longtime publicist Dennis Dennehy’s] idea before they brought it to me.

“It was presented to me that way and I said, “Oh that’s kinda dope, to not even announce it.”

CORONA DEL MAR (CBSLA) — Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were laid to rest in a private funeral service last Friday.

Kobe Bryant warms up with daughter Gianna Bryant.

The private funeral was held at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar on February 7, two weeks after they died in a helicopter crash alongside seven others, according to Entertainment Tonight.ADVERTISING

Staples Center will host a public memorial on Feb. 24 for Kobe, Gianna, and the seven others who were killed in a helicopter crash last month.

Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s wife, posted to Instagram confirming that a “Celebration of Life” for “Kobe and Gianna Bryant” will be held on Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. at Staples Center. She wrote, “#2, #24 #20 years as a Laker,” to explain the significance of the date of the memorial.

The service will not be broadcast on screens outside Staples Center and security is likely to be tight around the area. Similar to Nipsey Hussle’s Staples Center service, streets surrounding the venue are expected to be closed in an effort to prevent crowds from gathering in the area.

At around 9:45 a.m. on Jan. 26, a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter carrying 41-year-old Kobe, Gianna, two other teen girls, four parents, and the pilot crashed in Calabasas amid foggy conditions.

The helicopter had departed from John Wayne Airport in Orange County and was bound for Camarillo, with the passengers on board heading to Kobe’s Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, where he was set to coach Gianna in a tournament game.

Letters, illustrations, signs and flags were among the items left at the memorial. So were 1,353 basketballs that have been boxed.

Workers remove thousands of items left in honor of Kobe Bryant, including hundreds of basketballs, from X-Box Plaza across Chick Hearn Court from Staples Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers, on Feb. 3, 2020, in Los Angeles.Reed Saxon / APFeb. 4, 2020, 11:12 AM ESTBy Janelle Griffith

At the request of Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, she will be given some of the items left by thousands of fans at the makeshift memorial for the NBA legend at the Los Angeles Lakers’ Staples Center.

Lee Zeidman, the president of Staples Center, L.A. Live and Microsoft Theater, said in a tweet Monday that the dismantling of the memorial to Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, who were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash, began at 4 a.m. Among the items were 1,353 basketballs that were boxed.

“Truly amazing the outpouring of love from the City of Angels in honor of the 9 who lost their lives 1/26/20,” Zeidman tweeted.

A 40-yard trash bin filled with flowers from the memorial will be made into mulch and spread throughout the landscaping around L.A. Live and Staples Center, he said.

Additionally, 14 banners, 25,000 candles, 5,000 letters, signs and flags, 500 stuffed animals and hundreds of shoes were also collected.

On Feb.1, Zeidman thanked those who had come to downtown Los Angeles to “peacefully and respectfully” pay homage to Bryant and Gianna. Zeidman said fans could rest assured that the tributes left would be delivered to the Bryant family.

Over the weekend, Vanessa Bryant shared a photo of an illustration of Gianna on her Instagram account and asked the public to help identify the artist behind it.

She has since updated the photo caption to include a credit to the artist: “Seeing my babygirl smile and happy again with a basketball 🏀 under her arm, wrapped in 💜💛love just warmed my heart. Thank you for this. @_vivalareina thank you!! My Gigi.❤️ #Mambacita“

Kobe and Vanessa Bryant are also parents to Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and Capri, who was born in June. The couple met 20 years ago and would have celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary this year.

EXCLUSIVEGetty Composite

Azriel Clary‘s has fully removed herself from R. Kelly‘s corner — she’s now cooperating with investigators in his federal sex crimes case in New York, according to sources with direct knowledge.

We’ve learned Clary has provided info about her experiences with the singer, and this time around, we’re told she’s not playing the role of supportive GF.

We broke the story … Azriel was considering flipping on Kelly after cutting ties with him, and following a nasty fight with Joycelyn Savage while she was moving her stuff out of his condo. However, Clary was afraid … because she’d allegedly lied to federal agents several times in the past to cover for Kelly.

We’re told Azriel’s no longer fearful of speaking out against Kelly and cooperating with the feds … because she’s finally fully disconnected from him and his team and wants to take control of her life.

There have been repercussions to her decisions … our sources say she and her family have received death threats and been the target of online harassment since she left R. Kelly.

We’re told prosecutors are monitoring the threats, along with those of the other alleged Kelly survivors … but Clary’s not letting it intimidate her.

THE FAMILY REUNIONLAUNCH GALLERY

As we reported … Azriel has now moved back in with her family. Our sources say she’s also focused on trying to help other women who’ve been in a similar situation … whether with Kelly, or anyone else.

Helping the feds in their case against him is just the first step.

Kelly’s lawyer, Steven Greenberg, tells TMZ he’s not surprised by this development. He says, “It’s not news to me. I’ve suspected it all along, but you can’t get in the way of love… Rob’s love for her.”

EXCLUSIVEREMEMBERING KOBE BRYANTLAUNCH GALLERYGetty

Kobe Bryant died in a helicoper crash in Calabasas Sunday morning … TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Kobe was traveling with at least 3 other people in his private helicopter when it went down. A fire broke out. Emergency personnel responded, but nobody on board survived. 5 people are confirmed dead. We’re told Vanessa Bryant was not among those on board.

Eyewitnesses also tell us that they heard the helicopter’s engine sputtering before it went down. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Kobe has famously used a helicopter to travel for years — dating back to when he played for the Lakers. He was known for commuting from Newport Beach, CA to the STAPLES Center in DTLA in his Sikorsky S-76 chopper.

KB is survived by his wife Vanessa, and their four daughters — Gianna, Natalia and Bianca and their newborn Capri.

Kobe has recently been spotted out at NBA games with his daughter Gianna — a rising star basketball player herself. Their youngest daughter, Capri, was just born in June 2019.

KOBE AND GIANNALAUNCH GALLERY

Kobe is widely considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time — making 18 All-Star teams during his 20 year career with the Lakers. He was a first-round pick in the 1996 draft, winning 5 NBA championships, 2 NBA Finals MVPs and he was the league MVP in ’08.

The Lakers famously retired both of Kobe’s jerseys, number 8 and 24 … the only player in team history to receive that honor.

Kobe’s accomplishments stand far outside of the basketball world. He won an Oscar for his short film, “Dear Basketball,” in 2018.

On Saturday, LeBron James passed Kobe as third on the all-time NBA scoring list. He paid tribute to Bron on Instagram — his last post — by saying, “On to #2 @kingjames! Keep growing the game and charting the path for the next.”

He was 41 years old. RIP

Story developing …

BROWARD (CBSMiami) –  NFL free agent Antonio Brown has officially surrendered himself to authorities at the Broward County Jail.

Brown was wanted on an arrest warrant out of Hollywood on three criminal charges.

The NFL free agent arrived just before 10 p.m. Thursday with his lawyers and an entourage.

Brown did not respond to our questions, looking serious and determined.

Antonio Brown looking back after entering the Broward County Jail. (CBS4)

There seemed to be some confusion because he walked into the jail and then walked out a few minutes later. After speaking with his lawyer, Brown returned to the jail.

The criminal charges stem from an incident at Brown’s Hollywood home on Tuesday when a delivery driver tried to deliver some of Brown’s items.

RELATED: Hollywood PD Severs Ties With Antonio Brown Following Outburst Toward Officers

Police said Brown refused to pay for the delivery, threw a rock at the delivery truck and caused some damage.

The driver agreed to come back. When he did, the driver said Brown grabbed him, pulled on him and scratched him.

Police were called and when they arrived investigators said Brown went into his home and did not come out.

The driver also claimed he was battered by Brown’s trainer, Glenn Holt, who was taken into custody on the spot.

Antonio Brown inside the Broward County Jail. (CBS4)

Thursday night we tried to get Brown’s side of this story.

“Antonio do you want to say anything?” asked CBS4’s Carey Codd.

“I’ve advised him not to. He’s innocent of these charges. Hopefully we’ll get bond tomorrow and he’ll be acquitted of all charges,” said Brown’s attorney, Eric Schwartzreich.

Codd was able to confirm that Brown will be spending the night in jail and should be in bond court Friday morning