Asia slumps 1% at the open on persistent coronavirus concerns

Asian stock indices opened the third session of the week lower as the coronavirus widened its spread to at least 33 countries so far. 

Coronavirus cases in South Korea surged to 1000 so far, compared to 51 cases only a week ago, while cases in Italy rose to over 200, while Iran reported 12 deaths at least. 

The World Health Organization said the coronavirus is still containable, adding the death toll hasn't surged out of control yet and it's still too early to call it a global epidemic. 

Japan's TOPEX tumbled 1.07%, while Nikkei 225 shed 1.10% to 22,357. 

China's CSI 300 gave up 0.53%, while Shanghai slipped 0.26% to 3,005. 

Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 0.83%, while South Korea's KOSPI declined 1.09% to 2,080. 

New Zealand's NZX 50 slid 1.16%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 tumbled 2.02% to 6,728.