by Summary for 13th March
- Big swings on the financial markets as traders weigh impact of coronavirus closures
- Algeria, Lithuania and the German state of Bavaria to close schools
- Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie are in 14-day isolation after she tests positive
- Mr Trudeau is not showing symptoms and will work from home
- Just eight new cases are reported in China
- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, is being tested after an aide tests positive
- Australian home affairs minister Peter Dutton also tests positive
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi catch virus
- Singapore to deny entry to some travellers from Europe
- Mormon church suspends gatherings worldwide
- India reports its first death; Kenya, Ghana and Gabon report first cases
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau is "feeling well and her symptoms remain well", said the Prime Minister's Communications Director in a statement.
Mr Trudeau will also stay in isolation for 14 days as a precautionary measure. He will not be tested at this stage since he has no symptoms.
Arteta said he took the test "after feeling poorly", adding that the result was "really disappointing".
The Premier League match that was scheduled to take place in Brighton on Saturday has been postponed.
All players and club staff who had recent contact with the manager will now self-isolate.
It comes after his communications secretary tested positive for the virus after returning from a US tour where he met President Trump.
Mr Bolsonaro had earlier dismissed the coronavirus crisis as "a fantasy".
All Chelsea personnel who had close contact with him - including the full men's team squad, coaching staff and some backroom staff - will now need to isolate for 14 days, said the Premier League club.
"Despite testing positive for the virus, Callum is doing well and looking forward to returning to the training ground as soon as it it possible," said the club in a statement
The White House said he had almost no interactions with the Brazilian official, so there was no requirement for testing at this time.
Fabio Wajngarten, the communication secretary of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, had earlier posted a picture on Instagram of him in a "Make Brazil Great Again" cap, standing next to President Trump. Vice President Mike Pence is also seen in the picture.
He had returned from Saudi Arabia on 29 February. Officials say they are trying to trace those who had been in contact with him.
There are currently more than 70 confirmed cases of the virus in India.
Nepal's government made the decision because of the growing outbreak.
China had already cancelled expeditions from its side of the mountain.
But the decision is likely to cost the government millions of dollars. Tourism companies and local sherpa guides will also be affected.
The firm said in early February it would shut all its stores, corporate offices and contact centres across the country.
The number of new cases in China has slowly declined in recent weeks.
Barak Obama tweets...
If you’re wondering whether it’s an overreaction to cancel large gatherings and public events (and I love basketball), here’s a useful primer as to why these measures can slow the spread of the virus and save lives. We have to look out for each other. https://www.vox.com/2020/3/10/21171481/coronavirus-us-cases-quarantine-cancellation …
More than 3,000 people have died in mainland China - almost all in the province of Hubei.
Around 90 Singaporeans attended the gathering. All mosques will be closed for five days for cleaning.
Separately, Catholic Mass will remain suspended indefinitely in Singapore. This is a reversal of an earlier decision by the Catholic Church to resume Mass.
The head of the local Catholic Church said the decision was made to "protect the larger population".
Travel-related industries continue to be hit hard financially, too.
Australia’s largest travel agency, Flight Centre, announced on Friday it would close 100 stores nationwide in response to "softening" demand for travel. It did not say how many jobs could be lost.
"The timeframe for recovery is unclear," the company said in a statement.
The diplomat last visited the UN on Monday. He works at the UN General Assembly's Sixth Committee, which deals with legal matters.
About 3,000 people work at the UN's New York HQ.
The couple are in Queensland, where Hanks had been working on an Elvis Presley biopic being directed by Baz Luhrmann.
"We are taking it one-day-at-a-time," he wrote on Instagram, signing off with a reference to his 1992 film A League of Their Own: "Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball."
Just eight cases new reported in Friday's daily briefing, with five in Wuhan.
The other three cases came from overseas.
It said in a statement that "all church gatherings - including public worship services, sacrament meetings, leadership conferences - will be suspended immediately".
The church reportedly has 16 million members worldwide.
The new restrictions will come into effect on Sunday, as infections across Europe continue to spread.
Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders will be allowed in, but will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
Ghana's Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang Manu said two people who'd arrived from Norway and Turkey tested positive.
In Gabon, the patient was a Gabonese man who'd arrived from France.
Two of these cases are part of the same group of friends who appeared to pass the virus to each other - one of them had been in close contact with a friend from Hong Kong.
The other three patients are a brother and two friends of the country's 57th patient who returned from a cosmetic surgery trip in South Korea.
The two friends had gone to a pub and shared a glass with the patient.
According to news site Yonhap quoting North Korean state media, those released have been put under medical supervision.
In February it quarantined hundreds of foreigners in an attempt to stop the virus from breaking out.
They were diplomats, their staff, and families, stationed in the capital Pyongyang.
There are no confirmed virus cases in North Korea, though critics have shed doubt on this.
This brings the number of cases in the country to 7,979.
However, more cases linked to a call centre in Seoul have emerged - sparking concerns of a growing outbreak in the capital.
"We cannot lower our guard," said the Mayor of Seoul Park Won-soon. "There is a possibility that [the call centre outbreak] may emit sparks to other areas."
On Thursday, an MP was confirmed to be the first case. Maina Sage brought the virus back from Paris, where she represents the islands in the French parliament.
Radio New Zealand reports that the second case is a person connected to her, and the third a Swiss tourist.
The company said the employee had been in office for a few hours before developing any symptoms. The employee has been in quarantine since then, and those who were in close contact have been asked to self quarantine.
India announced its first coronavirus death on Thursday. The country has cancelled all entry visas, barring a select few categories, effective 12:00 GMT on Friday.
Its decision on Friday effectively bans travel to and travellers from Italy, France, Spain and Germany.
It would not have been taken lightly - we’re entering school holidays season here in Singapore, and many families may well have had to change their plans.
If you are a Singaporean citizen or have permanent residency here, and are coming from those places, then you will be subject to a 14 day stay at home notice. That means not leaving your house for those two weeks, under any circumstances.
The “religious directives” appeared in the latest edition of IS’s weekly newspaper al-Naba.
The advisory recommends:
It also urged its supporters to “put their trust in God and seek refuge in him”.
South Korea has been one of the worst-hit countries in Asia, but has been widely praised for how it has rapidly scaled up its testing and contact tracing.
Read more of that here from Laura: How 'trace, test and treat' may be saving lives
A government update on Friday says : "For the sixth consecutive day, there are no additional confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand."
The country has reported five confirmed cases, and two probable. A total of 252 closely connected people are in self-isolation.
On top of that, 6,362 people who thought they might be at risk have already gone through the self-isolation process.
“I want to again thank everyone who has self-isolated - whether that be confirmed cases, close contacts or those who've returned from overseas," said NZ Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
"Self-isolation remains one of the most important tools in the fight against COVID-19."
It brings the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 10.
Two of those are recovered, the health ministry says, while eight others are "still receiving treatment".
A City statement did not name him, but said a team player had "undergone tests".
Three Leicester City first-team players are also in isolation after showing virus symptoms.
“He is from the immediate circle of our first patient, who was followed up as soon as the diagnosis was made,” said Fahrettin Koca, according to a translation by the Anadolu Agency.
The airline says the changes apply to both new and existing bookings until further notice.
It comes a day after US President Donald Trump banned all visitors from the EU's Schengen area to the US.
The stimulus, representing 0.8% of GDP, includes exempting some workers in manufacturing from income tax, and giving manufacturing companies a discount on corporate tax.
The tiny western state of Saarland also said on Friday that it would close its schools. Three other states, including North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's largest, are due to decide on Friday.
Berlin authorities are meeting today to decided whether to close all bars and clubs.
Dutton said he woke up on Friday with a "temperature and sore throat... [and] immediately contacted the department of health".
He has been admitted to hospital.
The patient is a Cameroonian national. Local reports say he is 46. Doctors in DR Congo recently returned to work after a two-month strike.
Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe said the patient arrived in the country on 5 March but was given a positive diagnosis on 12 March.
She had travelled from the US via London and was confirmed positive by Kenya's national influenza laboratory.
Many countries have responded to the crisis by closing schools and cancelling sports and arts events, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was crucial to get the timing right for stricter measures.
There have been 596 confirmed cases across the country, but health officials have said they believe the actual number of people infected could be between 5,000 and 10,000.
Ms Trump is US President Donald Trump's daughter, and also acts as a senior adviser to him.
He told them he was going to "spread the virus" and went to a bar and a pub that same night - the woman had been in the same pub.
He later told an employee at the pub that he had the virus. The outlet reported him to the police, and the pub was disinfected by health officials.
The woman developed a fever a few days later. She is currently in a stable condition.
Last month Mr Anutin erupted at a press conference, calling for "those damn Westerners" to be kicked out of the country after some tourists refused to take the face masks he was handing out at a railway station. He later apologised for his outburst.
Now the blunt-talking minister has had another go, warning in a tweet that Westerners were coming to Thailand to escape the winter weather and then spreading coronavirus in their home countries. We have to be cautious with them, he wrote, because they don’t wear face masks, they wear dirty clothes, and don’t take showers.
The Twitter account has now been deleted.
Announcing the move, Mr Khan said he was "incredibly disappointed" but that "key performers and parade participants are no longer able to take part due to the ongoing threat of coronavirus".
Other St Patrick's Day celebrations have also been cancelled around the world, including Dublin and the largest parade in New York.
There have been 136 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK's capital so far, health officials say.
In one of the latest cases, communications firm BT has begun a "deep clean" of parts of its UK headquarters after its boss Philip Jansen tested positive
The Liverpool-based club says the "precautionary measure" was taken after an unnamed player reported symptoms of coronavirus.
Follow the latest on this breaking story on our sports live page.
Usually about five million journeys are taken on the Tube every day, according to Transport for London statistics.
PA reports that the Tube driver who tested positive for coronavirus works on the Jubilee Line, but has been off work this week after coming back from holiday in Vietnam.
A message sent to staff said he had been self-isolating, and had now tested positive for Covid-19.
A Transport for London (TfL) spokesman tells PA that he wasn't working in a customer-facing area.
"The areas where the driver worked are being cleaned, including the depot and the trains, in line with guidance from Public Health England with whom we are working closely," they add.
Four towns have been quarantined in the Catalonia region of north-eastern Spain, under government order in an attempt to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Local police were sent to patrol roads into Igualada, Vilanova del Camí, Santa Margarida de Montbui and Òdena, after three elderly people died in the local hospital in Igualada and 49 others were infected.
More than 30 of those infected are health care professionals.
The only vehicles going into the area, to the north-west of Barcelona, are goods lorries and other vehicles carrying food and pharmaceuticals, reports say.
About 70,000 people who live in the four towns have been urged to stay at home.
Meanwhile, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain have tested negative for coronavirus after coming into contact with Equality Minister Irene Montero who has tested positive.
Spain has reported 36 deaths in the past 24 hours – and the number of cases is rising fast, especially in Madrid, with almost 2,000 people infected.
Ohio, Michigan, Oregon, Maryland, Kentucky and New Mexico are shutting all schools from Monday for two weeks.
Washington - the epicentre of the outbreak in the US - has closed schools in three counties in the Seattle area until 24 April.
Washington has recorded 31 of the country's 40 coronavirus-related deaths, according to figures from John Hopkins University.
During early talk of school closures in the US, concerns were raised about children from low-income families who rely on free school meals.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has now said that they are making arrangements to continue feeding children who need it.
Almost 75% of the 650,000 children going to public schools in Kentucky are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, the state's education department says.
More than a million schoolchildren are affected. The government wants at least 75% to stay at home, Austrian media report.
However, schools will remain open, with a skeleton staff, to look after children up to 14 whose parents simply can't stay at home - including nurses and bus drivers.
A key aim is to keep children, who may be virus-carriers, away from physical contact with their grandparents. Busy Austrian parents often rely on grandparents to help with childcare.
The education ministry is preparing e-learning materials, but online classes will focus on topics already covered, rather than new ones.
However, no decision has been taken yet about the school leaving exams – will they go ahead on time?
School’s out in many other European countries too, including Italy, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and France.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the measure was taken "for a simple reason - our children and young people are the ones who spread the virus the quickest".
Europe's football governing body said the decision had been taken "due to the spread of Covid-19" and "decisions made by different governments".
Both competitions are part-way into their knockout round of 16 matches, with further games scheduled for next week, involving clubs including Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
The Youth League quarter-final matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March will also be postponed, Uefa said in a statement posted online. No decision has been taken about when the games will be replayed and quarter-final draws have also been pushed back, it added.
European football representatives will discuss possible future steps - including whether to postpone this summer's Euro 2020 international competition - on Tuesday.
Get the latest on this breaking story here.
Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, said Friday that the president's medical care was at a high level but declined to say if he had been tested for Covid-19 himself.
Russia, which has a population of more than 145m people, has only recorded 34 cases so far.
Professor Graham Medley, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said this during an interview with BBC Newsnight last night when asked if there was a "simple message" he could give the public.
His response was: "Most people have a fear of acquiring the virus, but I think a good way of doing it is to imagine that you do have the virus, and change your behaviour so that you're not transmitting it.
"Don't think about changing your behaviour so you won't get it. Think about changing your behaviour so you don't give it to somebody else."
In the interview, Prof Medley also discussed how herd immunity can help protect the population, and how vulnerable people can be protected.
All elite football in England has been suspended until at least 3 April as a result of the spread of coronavirus.
All Premier League games, EFL fixtures and matches in the FA Women's Super League and Women's Championship have been postponed.
It follows the news that Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi have contracted the virus.
Three Leicester players are also being tested, while Everton announced one of its players had been showing symptoms.
Follow the latest here.
Health Minister Simon Harris told RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme: "It is not quite self-isolate, but to restrict their movements."
Argentina said it would suspend for 30 days flights from all European countries, as well the US, China, Iran, Japan and South Korea, which have also been impacted by the virus.
Peru has suspended for an unspecified period of time all flights from Europe and Asia while Paraguay is cancelling all direct flights to and from Europe until 26 March.
Venezuela had already suspended all flights from Europe for a month.
Speaking at a news conference with Governor Mike DeWine, Amy Acton confirmed there was community spread of the virus in the state.
"We know now just the fact of community spread says that at least 1%, at the very least, 1% of our population is carrying this virus in Ohio today," she said.
"We have 11.7 million people. So the math is over 100,000. So that just gives you a sense of how this virus spreads and is spreading quickly."
Ohio currently has five confirmed cases and 52 under investigation, but - as with the rest of the US - has so far carried out a limited number of tests.
Currently there is no vaccine for Covid-19, though efforts are ongoing to develop one.
Police said one of the men promoted the "vaccines" using a loudspeaker in Netrokona district while the other man had begun selling the "medicines" on Thursday afternoon, the bdnews24 website reported .
They were sentenced to two years in jail, according to the outlet.
Colten Care, which runs 21 care homes in the south ofEngland, says the advice has been issued in a bid to "keep residents, relatives and staff safe from the potential risk of coronavirus".
Its chief executive Mark Aitchison said visitors would be asked to confirm they had no virus symptoms and had not travelled from certain areas severely hit by the outbreak. They could also have their temperature taken, he added.
“Strengthening our measures is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we understand the distress it may cause, but we believe it is a proportionate approach to keep everyone safe and our homes operating normally and without undue restrictions," Mr Atchinson said
Read more
The country has banned entry to all foreign citizens as of midnight on Sunday, with the exception of foreigners who have permanent or temporary residence.
There will also be a ban on all Czech citizens and foreign residents from leaving the country as part of a "30-day state of emergency ". The only exceptions are lorry drivers, pilots and anyone who works within 50km (31 miles) of the Czech border, for example in Germany and Austria.
Neighbouring Slovakia has already announced that no foreigners - with the exception of residents - will be allowed into the country.
Meanwhile, Friday's front pages in the Czech Republic were dominated by two words: "Stav Nouze" - State of Emergency. But one tabloid opted for: "All The Things We're Banned From Doing From Now On!"
It says it is "advising against all but essential travel" to five areas:the regions of Madrid, La Rioja, and the municipalities of La Bastida, Vitoria and Miranda de Ebro.
"Airlines are continuing to run flights as normal to and from these areas,” the new advice adds.
It comes after Spain reported 36 deaths in the past 24 hours – and the number of cases is rising fast, especially in Madrid, with almost 2,000 people infected.
Meanwhile, four towns have been quarantined in the Catalonia region of north-eastern Spain under government order in an attempt to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Find out more about your travel rights here.
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The Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) made the decision to delay the remaining legs after crowds gathered to get a glimpse of the torch in the southern Peloponnese town of Sparta.
The handover of the flame to the Tokyo Games organisers would take place as scheduled in Athens on 19 March without spectators, it added.
The Greek government announced earlier this week that all professional sports events for the next two weeks would be played without spectators.
Olaf Scholz said there was no "upper limit" to the loans, which would be made available through Germany's state-owned bank KfW.
Mr Scholz said the situation was "very serious" and that the economy - and small businesses in particular - needed to be protected, adding: "We will put all weapons on the table."
Interim Prime Minister Ludovic Orban and his entire 17-member cabinet have been placed in quarantine, after a senator from their National Liberal Party, Vergil Chitac, tested positive for coronavirus.
All Liberal senators, and journalists who have attended government press conferences, have been told to get tested.
Romania was already in the middle of a political crisis and this has deepened it. Mr Orban’s government lost a vote of confidence five weeks ago, and his ally, President Klaus Iohannis, has struggled to find another leader to unite the country to tackle the virus and prepare early elections.
Some of the 1.2 million Romanians working in Italy are trying to come home despite a government appeal not to, and confirmed cases have doubled to 70.
Clarence House said the request came from the UK government.
Charles and Camilla's trip to Cyprus was due to be the first official royal visit there for 27 years.
He said the airline industry was facing "a crisis of global proportions like no other" because of the coronavirus pandemic.
BA, he added, was suspending routes and parking planes in a way it has never had to do before.
The quarantine rules had previously applied to people arriving from European countries and five Asian countries.
The most recent countries and states to announce school closures are:
It follows news earlier today that the number of deaths recorded in Spain jumped 40% in one day to 120. The number of confirmed infections has now reached 4,209.
The state of emergency - or "state of alarm" - allows the government to take wide-ranging measures, these include:
The government will be able to implement the emergency measures for a maximum of 15 days, but will then require Spanish parliamentary approval to extend them.
Mr Sanchez announced the planned move in a televised address to the nation in which he said that the number of cases in Spain could reach 10,000 by next week.
The country has also closed all schools nationwide.
"It has been decided that all borders will remain closed for 15 days," minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told Pakistani networks ARY and Dunya TV.
"International flights will operate only out of Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports."
The country borders China, where the coronavirus originated, and Iran, one of the worst-hit countries.
Pakistan itself has reported 21 cases of the coronavirus and no deaths.
The new measures will come in on 17 March.
Hong Kong has also issued a red outbound alert for European countries, urging members of the public to avoid non-essential trips and adjust their travel plans.
Europe, including the UK, has a total of 29,398 cases, more than half of which are in Italy.
A statement from Direct Line Group, on behalf of both firms, said: "Due to the impact coronavirus is having across the world we have experienced a huge increase in demand for travel insurance.
"Our priority is to protect and service our existing customers and therefore we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily suspend the sale of travel insurance to new customers so that we can focus on our existing customers."
Axa, another large firm, has put a notice on its website saying: "If you purchase a new policy now, it will not cover any trip cancellation or disruption in relation to coronavirus."
And Aviva said earlier this week it was adjusting its cover in light of the pandemic, so customers can no longer select add-on cover for "travel disruption" or "airspace closures".
Jessica Murphy, BBC News, Toronto
In Canada, all federal parties have agreed to adjourn parliament amid the coronavirus pandemic.
MPs passed the suspension motion on Friday morning.
Parliament had a scheduled break next week but will now only return on 20 April.
The House of Commons can still be recalled if needed to handle any emergency coronavirus measures, said Liberal House leader Pablo Rodriguez.
"The priority for the government is the health and the safety of all Canadians," Mr Rodriguez said.
This latest preventative measure against the spread of Covid-19 is a step-up from earlier in the week when this was only a requirement for those coming back from the worst-affected areas.
It’s a move that puts a lot of faith in people to individually comply, because in reality they cannot monitor this on a large scale of this kind. Breaking quarantine rules is a criminal offence here – if you are caught.
The rules are changing fast, in Tunisia and elsewhere on the continent. It appears the authorities are trying to strike a balance between prevention and containment, and avoiding more stringent measures like further suspension of flights to avoid the severe economic impact that comes with even tighter controls.
The new Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh is due to address the nation at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT) – there’s no telling what he will announce tonight, but many Tunisians will be watching closely.
Mayor Francis Suarez asked that those who had come into contact with him to take preventative measures.
“If we did not shake hands or you did not come into contact with me if I coughed or sneezed, there is no action you need to take whatsoever,” he said.
“If we did, however, touch or shake hands, or if I sneezed or coughed near you since Monday, it is recommended that you self-isolate for 14 days, but you do not need to get tested."
The mayor is one of many US politicians, including Donald Trump and Republican Rick Scott, who interacted with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his staff - including the infected press secretary - during a trip to South Florida last week.
Mr Bolsonaro has tested negative for the virus. Mr Trump has so far resisted getting a test done.
"During the next 10 days, the entire Iranian nation will be monitored once through cyberspace, by phone and, if necessary, in person, and those suspected of being ill will be fully identified," Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri said.
The country has one of the highest numbers of cases outside China, and there has been concern about how the government is responding.
The country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said earlier this month that the virus would not impact the country for long and would disappear.
The state now plans to hold the elections in June and July
The University of Oxford says it made the decision to change exam dates between next Monday and 2 April after six students were diagnosed with coronavirus.
In a memo to staff and students, vice-chancellor Louise Richardson said the institution "intends to remain open until instructed to do otherwise" and was "advising all domestic undergraduates to return home for the break unless they have a compelling reason to stay".
The federal government is now looking at ways to support Canadians and small businesses financially affected by the pandemic, said the prime minister.
It would be introducing a "significant fiscal stimulus package in the coming days", he said.
Mr Trudeau's address comes amid a host of new measures being taken by the government to limit the domestic spread of the virus.
All cruise ships carrying over 500 passengers will not be able to dock in Canada until 1 July.
Canada will also be limiting the number of airports where international flights can land in order to improve screening of travellers.
As of Friday, there were 157 cases of the coronavirus in Canada. One death has been linked to the virus.
A number of provincial governments have taken their own steps in recent days to limit contagion.
Ontario has closed all public schools, and many schools in Quebec have also been shut.
British Columbia and Quebec have banned all public gatherings of over 250 people.
Elections had been due to take place in Louisiana next month, but have now been pushed back to June and July, Mr Ardoin told a news conference on Friday. He added that all voting equipment would be disinfected before the rescheduled primaries.
"The law provides for extraordinary measures to be taken when facing disasters," Mr Ardoin said.
"Homeless people are at increased risk (about double) from Covid-19 compared to the general public because of their lack of access to soap, water and basic hygiene," Dr Asha Shajahan explains.
Homeless shelters are closing because volunteers have been termporarily banned, she said, meaning the homeless may have less access to medical attention.
She visited two shelters with a group of doctors and students in Detroit, which has more than 8,000 homeless people.
"At a women and children’s shelter we offered medical services and were available for questions about how to properly wash your hands, what to do if you think you have symptoms," Dr Shajahan explained.
If someone shows symptoms, they are sent to a triage centre.
Homeless people are at higher risk of poor mental health outcomes during an outbreak - anxiety could be exacerbated by social distancing, and they may fear getting help at clinics or shelters.
"We had a shelter patient with seizure disorder who was afraid to go to the hospital because of Covid-19,” she added.
Neglecting homeless populations could also lead the further spread of coronavirus, Dr Shajahan warned.
While Danish citizens will still be allowed to enter, those of other nationalities will need a valid reason to travel to Denmark to be allowed in.
It will still be possible to transport food, medicine and other necessary goods to Denmark, the government says.
Vaughan Gething said he expected a "larger number of people requiring high levels of care is highly likely over the coming weeks". Access to cancer treatments and dialysis for kidney failure would not be affected, he added.
BBC Wales health correspondent Owain Clarke said the move would affect those patients who needed to stay in intensive care after their operation, and that to see the Welsh government act in this way was "unprecedented".
House authorities say that public tours will end and Members of Parliament are to be discouraged from bringing in visitors.
The public can still watch Parliamentary proceedings in the Houses of Commons and Lords and be able to meet MPs in the central lobby. School visits can also still go ahead.
The marathon, which had been due to take place on 26 April, attracts about 40,000 runners each year.
Hugh Brasher, event director, said: "The world is in an unprecedented situation grappling with a global pandemic of Covid-19 and public health is everyone's priority.
"We know how disappointing this news will be for so many - the runners who have trained for many months, the thousands of charities for which they are raising funds and the millions who watch the race every year.
Mr Clemson emailed on Friday to say that, sadly, Franco had died.
"The horrible thing is that these people die without their family around them," he said.
"Due to the restrictions there can be no funeral and most of his nearest and dearest are in quarantine.
"People must take this virus seriously, it has no respect for anyone.”
- Big swings on the financial markets as traders weigh impact of coronavirus closures
- Algeria, Lithuania and the German state of Bavaria to close schools
- Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie are in 14-day isolation after she tests positive
- Mr Trudeau is not showing symptoms and will work from home
- Just eight new cases are reported in China
- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, is being tested after an aide tests positive
- Australian home affairs minister Peter Dutton also tests positive
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi catch virus
- Singapore to deny entry to some travellers from Europe
- Mormon church suspends gatherings worldwide
- India reports its first death; Kenya, Ghana and Gabon report first cases
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau to stay in isolation
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife will remain in isolation for 14 days, as she tested positive for the coronavirus.Sophie Gregoire Trudeau is "feeling well and her symptoms remain well", said the Prime Minister's Communications Director in a statement.
Mr Trudeau will also stay in isolation for 14 days as a precautionary measure. He will not be tested at this stage since he has no symptoms.
Gunners' manager down with virus
The Gunners have closed their training ground after their manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for the virus.Arteta said he took the test "after feeling poorly", adding that the result was "really disappointing".
The Premier League match that was scheduled to take place in Brighton on Saturday has been postponed.
All players and club staff who had recent contact with the manager will now self-isolate.
Bolsonaro awaits virus results
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been tested for the coronavirus and is currently waiting for the results.It comes after his communications secretary tested positive for the virus after returning from a US tour where he met President Trump.
Mr Bolsonaro had earlier dismissed the coronavirus crisis as "a fantasy".
Chelsea in lockdown after player tests positive
We've got more football related virus news, as Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi tests positive.All Chelsea personnel who had close contact with him - including the full men's team squad, coaching staff and some backroom staff - will now need to isolate for 14 days, said the Premier League club.
"Despite testing positive for the virus, Callum is doing well and looking forward to returning to the training ground as soon as it it possible," said the club in a statement
Trump has no plans to test for virus
US President Donald Trump has no plans to be tested for the virus, despite coming into contact with a Brazilian official who has now tested positive for the virus.The White House said he had almost no interactions with the Brazilian official, so there was no requirement for testing at this time.
Fabio Wajngarten, the communication secretary of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, had earlier posted a picture on Instagram of him in a "Make Brazil Great Again" cap, standing next to President Trump. Vice President Mike Pence is also seen in the picture.
India reports first coronavirus death
A 76-year-old man in the southern state of Karnataka is India's first coronavirus death, authorities have reported.He had returned from Saudi Arabia on 29 February. Officials say they are trying to trace those who had been in contact with him.
There are currently more than 70 confirmed cases of the virus in India.
Mount Everest closes due to virus
The highest mountain in the world has shut down - until at least 30 April.Nepal's government made the decision because of the growing outbreak.
China had already cancelled expeditions from its side of the mountain.
But the decision is likely to cost the government millions of dollars. Tourism companies and local sherpa guides will also be affected.
Apple reopens all Chinese stores
Apple has re-opened all 42 of its stores in China, more than a month after they were all shut.The firm said in early February it would shut all its stores, corporate offices and contact centres across the country.
The number of new cases in China has slowly declined in recent weeks.
Barak Obama tweets...
If you’re wondering whether it’s an overreaction to cancel large gatherings and public events (and I love basketball), here’s a useful primer as to why these measures can slow the spread of the virus and save lives. We have to look out for each other. https://www.vox.com/2020/3/10/21171481/coronavirus-us-cases-quarantine-cancellation …
Hong Kong reports fourth death
Hong Kong, the special administrative region of China, has reported its fourth death - an 80-year-old man who died in hospital.More than 3,000 people have died in mainland China - almost all in the province of Hubei.
Singapore suspends religious activities
Singapore is closing all 70 mosques in the country after two Singaporeans who attended a mass religious gathering in Malaysia tested positive.Around 90 Singaporeans attended the gathering. All mosques will be closed for five days for cleaning.
Separately, Catholic Mass will remain suspended indefinitely in Singapore. This is a reversal of an earlier decision by the Catholic Church to resume Mass.
The head of the local Catholic Church said the decision was made to "protect the larger population".
Virgin Australia contacts passengers
Airline Virgin Australia says a flight attendant has tested positive for the virus. Passengers from a number of flights are being contacted, the airline says.Travel-related industries continue to be hit hard financially, too.
Australia’s largest travel agency, Flight Centre, announced on Friday it would close 100 stores nationwide in response to "softening" demand for travel. It did not say how many jobs could be lost.
"The timeframe for recovery is unclear," the company said in a statement.
First case recorded at United Nations in New York
A Philippine diplomat in New York has tested positive in the first recorded Covid-19 case at United Nations headquarters, news agency AFP reports.The diplomat last visited the UN on Monday. He works at the UN General Assembly's Sixth Committee, which deals with legal matters.
About 3,000 people work at the UN's New York HQ.
Tom Hanks on isolation 'Down Under'
The actor and his wife, fellow performer Rita Wilson, have thanked hospital staff in Australia, a day after revealing they have the virus .The couple are in Queensland, where Hanks had been working on an Elvis Presley biopic being directed by Baz Luhrmann.
"We are taking it one-day-at-a-time," he wrote on Instagram, signing off with a reference to his 1992 film A League of Their Own: "Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball."
Just eight new cases reported across China
As the rest of the world begins to shut down, new cases in China have almost slowed to a halt.Just eight cases new reported in Friday's daily briefing, with five in Wuhan.
The other three cases came from overseas.
Mormon church to suspend worldwide gatherings
The Mormon church, known officially as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is suspending all public gatherings across the world.It said in a statement that "all church gatherings - including public worship services, sacrament meetings, leadership conferences - will be suspended immediately".
The church reportedly has 16 million members worldwide.
Singapore to deny entry to visitors from Italy, France, Spain and Germany
Singapore will deny entry or transit to visitors who have been to Italy, France, Spain or Germany in the past 14 days, its health ministry said on Friday.The new restrictions will come into effect on Sunday, as infections across Europe continue to spread.
Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders will be allowed in, but will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
Ghana and Gabon confirm first cases
Ghana has confirmed its first two confirmed cases of coronavirus as Gabon confirmed its first case.Ghana's Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang Manu said two people who'd arrived from Norway and Turkey tested positive.
In Gabon, the patient was a Gabonese man who'd arrived from France.
New cases in Thailand
Five new cases have been reported in Thailand, bringing the total number in the country to 75.Two of these cases are part of the same group of friends who appeared to pass the virus to each other - one of them had been in close contact with a friend from Hong Kong.
The other three patients are a brother and two friends of the country's 57th patient who returned from a cosmetic surgery trip in South Korea.
The two friends had gone to a pub and shared a glass with the patient.
North Korea lifts quarantine on more foreigners
North Korea has lifted quarantine on 70 foreigners - bringing the total number of foreigners released from isolation to nearly 300.According to news site Yonhap quoting North Korean state media, those released have been put under medical supervision.
In February it quarantined hundreds of foreigners in an attempt to stop the virus from breaking out.
They were diplomats, their staff, and families, stationed in the capital Pyongyang.
There are no confirmed virus cases in North Korea, though critics have shed doubt on this.
South Korea cases start to decline
South Korea reported 110 new cases in the past 24 hours, the lowest number of daily infections in more than two weeks, reported Yonhap News.This brings the number of cases in the country to 7,979.
However, more cases linked to a call centre in Seoul have emerged - sparking concerns of a growing outbreak in the capital.
"We cannot lower our guard," said the Mayor of Seoul Park Won-soon. "There is a possibility that [the call centre outbreak] may emit sparks to other areas."
Clean your dirty mobile phone
Your phone is one of the dirtiest objects you come into contact with each day. Here's how you should be cleaning it: [url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-51866403?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5e6b032c8d956f0669ae4540%26Clean your dirty mobile phone%262020-03-13t05%3a02%3a52.363z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:c81f82ab-4f33-44c7-9168-130500eb802f&pinned_post_asset_id=5e6b032c8d956f0669ae4540&pinned_post_type=share]Link[/url]Virus reaches Pacific nations
You might think the far flung islands of the Pacific would be safe from infection, but French Polynesia has now confirmed its third case of Covid-19.On Thursday, an MP was confirmed to be the first case. Maina Sage brought the virus back from Paris, where she represents the islands in the French parliament.
Radio New Zealand reports that the second case is a person connected to her, and the third a Swiss tourist.
Google India employee tests positive
Google has confirmed that an employee in one of its Bangalore offices has tested positive for Covid-19, as the Indian health ministry announced the number of cases in the country had gone up to 73.The company said the employee had been in office for a few hours before developing any symptoms. The employee has been in quarantine since then, and those who were in close contact have been asked to self quarantine.
India announced its first coronavirus death on Thursday. The country has cancelled all entry visas, barring a select few categories, effective 12:00 GMT on Friday.
Singapor
Singapore has just announced some of its toughest measures yet to slow the coronavirus outbreak in the tiny city state.Its decision on Friday effectively bans travel to and travellers from Italy, France, Spain and Germany.
It would not have been taken lightly - we’re entering school holidays season here in Singapore, and many families may well have had to change their plans.
If you are a Singaporean citizen or have permanent residency here, and are coming from those places, then you will be subject to a 14 day stay at home notice. That means not leaving your house for those two weeks, under any circumstances.
Islamic State group issues virus advice
The Islamic State militant group has issued an advisory on how to protect against epidemics, without specifically mentioning the coronavirus.The “religious directives” appeared in the latest edition of IS’s weekly newspaper al-Naba.
The advisory recommends:
- Staying away from sick people
- Avoiding travel to and from the areas affected by any epidemic
- Covering one’s mouth when coughing and yawning, and
- Washing hands before eating and drinking.
It also urged its supporters to “put their trust in God and seek refuge in him”.
Two dozens cases in one ministry
The BBC's Laura Bicker in Seoul says the South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is now reporting 24 cases of the new coronavirus among its staff and their family members.South Korea has been one of the worst-hit countries in Asia, but has been widely praised for how it has rapidly scaled up its testing and contact tracing.
Read more of that here from Laura: How 'trace, test and treat' may be saving lives
NZ thanks people for self-isolating
New Zealand is one country that has so far avoided a rapid rise in cases.A government update on Friday says : "For the sixth consecutive day, there are no additional confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand."
The country has reported five confirmed cases, and two probable. A total of 252 closely connected people are in self-isolation.
On top of that, 6,362 people who thought they might be at risk have already gone through the self-isolation process.
“I want to again thank everyone who has self-isolated - whether that be confirmed cases, close contacts or those who've returned from overseas," said NZ Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
"Self-isolation remains one of the most important tools in the fight against COVID-19."
'Family and contacts' of Senegal patient test positive
Senegal's health ministry has confirmed that five more people in the country have tested positive for coronavirus - all of whom had come into contact with an existing patient who'd travelled home from Italy.It brings the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 10.
Two of those are recovered, the health ministry says, while eight others are "still receiving treatment".
Man City player in self-isolation
Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy is self-isolating after a member of his family was admitted to hospital with virus symptoms.A City statement did not name him, but said a team player had "undergone tests".
Three Leicester City first-team players are also in isolation after showing virus symptoms.
PGA golf tournament cancelled after one round
The Players Championship in Florida has been cancelled after one round with organisers saying it was "the right thing to do" because of the virus spread.Turkey has second case
A second person has tested positive in Turkey, the country's health minister said in a tweet.“He is from the immediate circle of our first patient, who was followed up as soon as the diagnosis was made,” said Fahrettin Koca, according to a translation by the Anadolu Agency.
Tunisia announces six more cases
- In a news conference on Thursday evening, Tunisia's health ministry announced six new cases of coronavirus - bringing the the total in the country to 13.
- A mandatory self-quarantine period of two weeks has also been imposed for all travellers arriving from China, Iran and the worst-affected European countries.
Tunisia has gradually been testing more in recent days, and has applied tighter prevention measures including: - Closing the national theatre
- Cancelling most festivals and concerts scheduled for this month
- Postponing many conferences, lectures and workshops
- Daily cleaning of inter-city buses with antiseptic solutions.
EasyJet to let customers change flights
British budget airline EasyJet says it will let customers transfer their flights to another date or destination without a change fee, according to a Reuters report.The airline says the changes apply to both new and existing bookings until further notice.
It comes a day after US President Donald Trump banned all visitors from the EU's Schengen area to the US.
Indonesia announces $8bn stimulus package
As the virus causes a global economic slowdown, Indonesia has become the latest country to announce a stimulus.The stimulus, representing 0.8% of GDP, includes exempting some workers in manufacturing from income tax, and giving manufacturing companies a discount on corporate tax.
Bavaria closes schools
Bavaria in Germany will close all schools from Monday until 6 April. This decision making power rests at regional, not federal level.The tiny western state of Saarland also said on Friday that it would close its schools. Three other states, including North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's largest, are due to decide on Friday.
Berlin authorities are meeting today to decided whether to close all bars and clubs.
Australian home affairs minister has coronavirus
Australia's home affairs minister Peter Dutton has tested positive for coronavirus, he said in a statement.Dutton said he woke up on Friday with a "temperature and sore throat... [and] immediately contacted the department of health".
He has been admitted to hospital.
Cameroonian becomes DR Congo's second virus patient
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo confirm that a second person has tested positive for coronavirus, and is being treated in hospital.The patient is a Cameroonian national. Local reports say he is 46. Doctors in DR Congo recently returned to work after a two-month strike.
Saga suspends all cruises
British travel group Saga says it is suspending its cruise operations until early May, at an estimated cost of about £10m - £15m ($12.5m - $18.8m).Kenya confirms its first coronavirus case
Kenya has confirmed that a woman who travelled into the country from the US has tested positive for coronavirus.Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe said the patient arrived in the country on 5 March but was given a positive diagnosis on 12 March.
She had travelled from the US via London and was confirmed positive by Kenya's national influenza laboratory.
UK's approach to virus 'concerning'
The UK's decision not to cancel public events despite the coronavirus outbreak is "concerning", says ex-health secretary Jeremy Hunt.Many countries have responded to the crisis by closing schools and cancelling sports and arts events, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was crucial to get the timing right for stricter measures.
There have been 596 confirmed cases across the country, but health officials have said they believe the actual number of people infected could be between 5,000 and 10,000.
Australian minister with virus met Ivanka Trump last week
A photo has emerged of Peter Dutton, the Australian home affairs minister who has tested positive for coronavirus, meeting Ivanka Trump and US Attorney General Bill Barr last Friday.Ms Trump is US President Donald Trump's daughter, and also acts as a senior adviser to him.
Japanese man wanted to 'spread virus'
A woman who tested positive for the virus had come into contact earlier this month with an infected man who said he wanted to "spread the virus", said Kyodo news quoting a government officials. The man had reportedly tested positive for the virus on 4 March, a day after his parents, who were also infected.He told them he was going to "spread the virus" and went to a bar and a pub that same night - the woman had been in the same pub.
He later told an employee at the pub that he had the virus. The outlet reported him to the police, and the pub was disinfected by health officials.
The woman developed a fever a few days later. She is currently in a stable condition.
Thai minister complains about dirty foreigners
Thailand’s Health Minister Anutin Charvirakul has made quite a name for himself during the coronavirus crisis, not so much for his handling of the situation, as for his comments about foreigners.Last month Mr Anutin erupted at a press conference, calling for "those damn Westerners" to be kicked out of the country after some tourists refused to take the face masks he was handing out at a railway station. He later apologised for his outburst.
Now the blunt-talking minister has had another go, warning in a tweet that Westerners were coming to Thailand to escape the winter weather and then spreading coronavirus in their home countries. We have to be cautious with them, he wrote, because they don’t wear face masks, they wear dirty clothes, and don’t take showers.
The Twitter account has now been deleted.
London's St Patrick's Day parade cancelled
London's St Patrick's Day parade and celebrations this Sunday have been cancelled in response to the outbreak, Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced.Announcing the move, Mr Khan said he was "incredibly disappointed" but that "key performers and parade participants are no longer able to take part due to the ongoing threat of coronavirus".
Other St Patrick's Day celebrations have also been cancelled around the world, including Dublin and the largest parade in New York.
There have been 136 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK's capital so far, health officials say.
In one of the latest cases, communications firm BT has begun a "deep clean" of parts of its UK headquarters after its boss Philip Jansen tested positive
Everton puts first team squad and coaching staff into isolation
Premier League football club Everton have put their entire first team playing squad and coaching staff into isolation.The Liverpool-based club says the "precautionary measure" was taken after an unnamed player reported symptoms of coronavirus.
Follow the latest on this breaking story on our sports live page.
London Tube driver 'tests positive for virus'
A driver on the London Underground has tested positive for coronavirus, PA news agency is reporting.Usually about five million journeys are taken on the Tube every day, according to Transport for London statistics.
PA reports that the Tube driver who tested positive for coronavirus works on the Jubilee Line, but has been off work this week after coming back from holiday in Vietnam.
A message sent to staff said he had been self-isolating, and had now tested positive for Covid-19.
A Transport for London (TfL) spokesman tells PA that he wasn't working in a customer-facing area.
"The areas where the driver worked are being cleaned, including the depot and the trains, in line with guidance from Public Health England with whom we are working closely," they add.
Spain quarantines four Catalonia towns after deaths
About 70,000 people there have been urged to stay at homeFour towns have been quarantined in the Catalonia region of north-eastern Spain, under government order in an attempt to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Local police were sent to patrol roads into Igualada, Vilanova del Camí, Santa Margarida de Montbui and Òdena, after three elderly people died in the local hospital in Igualada and 49 others were infected.
More than 30 of those infected are health care professionals.
The only vehicles going into the area, to the north-west of Barcelona, are goods lorries and other vehicles carrying food and pharmaceuticals, reports say.
About 70,000 people who live in the four towns have been urged to stay at home.
Meanwhile, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain have tested negative for coronavirus after coming into contact with Equality Minister Irene Montero who has tested positive.
Spain has reported 36 deaths in the past 24 hours – and the number of cases is rising fast, especially in Madrid, with almost 2,000 people infected.
Seven US states close schools
Seven US states are closing schools to try and contain the coronavirus, which has infected more than 1,660 people across the country.Ohio, Michigan, Oregon, Maryland, Kentucky and New Mexico are shutting all schools from Monday for two weeks.
Washington - the epicentre of the outbreak in the US - has closed schools in three counties in the Seattle area until 24 April.
Washington has recorded 31 of the country's 40 coronavirus-related deaths, according to figures from John Hopkins University.
During early talk of school closures in the US, concerns were raised about children from low-income families who rely on free school meals.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has now said that they are making arrangements to continue feeding children who need it.
Almost 75% of the 650,000 children going to public schools in Kentucky are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, the state's education department says.
Austria school closures: Some children can still attend
Austria is closing schools from Monday, until 4 April, when the Easter break starts.More than a million schoolchildren are affected. The government wants at least 75% to stay at home, Austrian media report.
However, schools will remain open, with a skeleton staff, to look after children up to 14 whose parents simply can't stay at home - including nurses and bus drivers.
A key aim is to keep children, who may be virus-carriers, away from physical contact with their grandparents. Busy Austrian parents often rely on grandparents to help with childcare.
The education ministry is preparing e-learning materials, but online classes will focus on topics already covered, rather than new ones.
However, no decision has been taken yet about the school leaving exams – will they go ahead on time?
School’s out in many other European countries too, including Italy, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and France.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the measure was taken "for a simple reason - our children and young people are the ones who spread the virus the quickest".
Uefa postpones Champions League and Europa League fixtures
Upcoming Champions League and Europa League fixtures have been postponed , Uefa has announced.Europe's football governing body said the decision had been taken "due to the spread of Covid-19" and "decisions made by different governments".
Both competitions are part-way into their knockout round of 16 matches, with further games scheduled for next week, involving clubs including Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
The Youth League quarter-final matches scheduled on 17 and 18 March will also be postponed, Uefa said in a statement posted online. No decision has been taken about when the games will be replayed and quarter-final draws have also been pushed back, it added.
European football representatives will discuss possible future steps - including whether to postpone this summer's Euro 2020 international competition - on Tuesday.
Get the latest on this breaking story here.
Kremlin tells sick journalists to stay away
Russian officials have told journalists who cover Vladimir Putin not to attend official events if they feel unwell.Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, said Friday that the president's medical care was at a high level but declined to say if he had been tested for Covid-19 himself.
Russia, which has a population of more than 145m people, has only recorded 34 cases so far.
'Behave like you already have the virus'
An infectious disease expert says people shouldn't just try to avoid getting coronavirus - instead, they should act as though they already have the virus and want to avoid passing it on.Professor Graham Medley, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said this during an interview with BBC Newsnight last night when asked if there was a "simple message" he could give the public.
His response was: "Most people have a fear of acquiring the virus, but I think a good way of doing it is to imagine that you do have the virus, and change your behaviour so that you're not transmitting it.
"Don't think about changing your behaviour so you won't get it. Think about changing your behaviour so you don't give it to somebody else."
In the interview, Prof Medley also discussed how herd immunity can help protect the population, and how vulnerable people can be protected.
English Premier League and Football League suspended
BBC Sport editor Dan Roan tweetsAll elite football in England has been suspended until at least 3 April as a result of the spread of coronavirus.
All Premier League games, EFL fixtures and matches in the FA Women's Super League and Women's Championship have been postponed.
It follows the news that Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi have contracted the virus.
Three Leicester players are also being tested, while Everton announced one of its players had been showing symptoms.
Follow the latest here.
New advice for people returning to Republic of Ireland
Ireland is asking people coming back from Spain and Italy to restrict their movements for the next two weeks, in a bid to delay the spread of coronavirus.Health Minister Simon Harris told RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme: "It is not quite self-isolate, but to restrict their movements."
Latin American countries halt flights
Several Latin American countries have halted flights as they try to slow the spread of the coronavirus.Argentina said it would suspend for 30 days flights from all European countries, as well the US, China, Iran, Japan and South Korea, which have also been impacted by the virus.
Peru has suspended for an unspecified period of time all flights from Europe and Asia while Paraguay is cancelling all direct flights to and from Europe until 26 March.
Venezuela had already suspended all flights from Europe for a month.
Ohio 'likely has more than 100,000 people with virus'
More than 100,000 people in the US state of Ohio are likely to have the coronavirus, its health department director has said.Speaking at a news conference with Governor Mike DeWine, Amy Acton confirmed there was community spread of the virus in the state.
"We know now just the fact of community spread says that at least 1%, at the very least, 1% of our population is carrying this virus in Ohio today," she said.
"We have 11.7 million people. So the math is over 100,000. So that just gives you a sense of how this virus spreads and is spreading quickly."
Ohio currently has five confirmed cases and 52 under investigation, but - as with the rest of the US - has so far carried out a limited number of tests.
Two arrested in Bangladesh 'for selling fake vaccines'
Two people have reportedly been jailed in Bangladesh for selling fake coronavirus "vaccines", according to local media.Currently there is no vaccine for Covid-19, though efforts are ongoing to develop one.
Police said one of the men promoted the "vaccines" using a loudspeaker in Netrokona district while the other man had begun selling the "medicines" on Thursday afternoon, the bdnews24 website reported .
They were sentenced to two years in jail, according to the outlet.
UK care home provider: 'Think twice about visiting'
A UK care home provider has asked friends and relatives of its residence to "think twice about whether or not a visit is really necessary".Colten Care, which runs 21 care homes in the south ofEngland, says the advice has been issued in a bid to "keep residents, relatives and staff safe from the potential risk of coronavirus".
Its chief executive Mark Aitchison said visitors would be asked to confirm they had no virus symptoms and had not travelled from certain areas severely hit by the outbreak. They could also have their temperature taken, he added.
“Strengthening our measures is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we understand the distress it may cause, but we believe it is a proportionate approach to keep everyone safe and our homes operating normally and without undue restrictions," Mr Atchinson said
Coronavirus' impact on sport - timeline
The spread of coronavirus around the world has impacted the staging of sporting events. This is what has been affected so far.Read more
Czech Republic closes its borders
The Czech government has announced an unprecedented travel ban in response the the pandemic.The country has banned entry to all foreign citizens as of midnight on Sunday, with the exception of foreigners who have permanent or temporary residence.
There will also be a ban on all Czech citizens and foreign residents from leaving the country as part of a "30-day state of emergency ". The only exceptions are lorry drivers, pilots and anyone who works within 50km (31 miles) of the Czech border, for example in Germany and Austria.
Neighbouring Slovakia has already announced that no foreigners - with the exception of residents - will be allowed into the country.
Meanwhile, Friday's front pages in the Czech Republic were dominated by two words: "Stav Nouze" - State of Emergency. But one tabloid opted for: "All The Things We're Banned From Doing From Now On!"
UK advises 'against all but essential travel' to parts of Spain
The UK Foreign Office has updated its advice for people planning trips to parts of Spain.It says it is "advising against all but essential travel" to five areas:the regions of Madrid, La Rioja, and the municipalities of La Bastida, Vitoria and Miranda de Ebro.
"Airlines are continuing to run flights as normal to and from these areas,” the new advice adds.
It comes after Spain reported 36 deaths in the past 24 hours – and the number of cases is rising fast, especially in Madrid, with almost 2,000 people infected.
Meanwhile, four towns have been quarantined in the Catalonia region of north-eastern Spain under government order in an attempt to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Find out more about your travel rights here.
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Olympic Torch relay suspended due to crowds in Greece
The Olympic Torch relay has been suspended after its opening leg attracted unexpectedly large crowds in Greece, organisers have said.The Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) made the decision to delay the remaining legs after crowds gathered to get a glimpse of the torch in the southern Peloponnese town of Sparta.
The handover of the flame to the Tokyo Games organisers would take place as scheduled in Athens on 19 March without spectators, it added.
The Greek government announced earlier this week that all professional sports events for the next two weeks would be played without spectators.
France bans gatherings of over 100 people
Speaking on television, French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe has announced a ban on public gatherings with more than 100 people in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.Germany to offer 'unlimited loans' to businesses
Germany is to offer unlimited loans to businesses to help steer them through the coronavirus pandemic, its finance minister says.Olaf Scholz said there was no "upper limit" to the loans, which would be made available through Germany's state-owned bank KfW.
Mr Scholz said the situation was "very serious" and that the economy - and small businesses in particular - needed to be protected, adding: "We will put all weapons on the table."
Romania’s entire government goes into quarantine
Nick Thorpe, BBC NewsInterim Prime Minister Ludovic Orban and his entire 17-member cabinet have been placed in quarantine, after a senator from their National Liberal Party, Vergil Chitac, tested positive for coronavirus.
All Liberal senators, and journalists who have attended government press conferences, have been told to get tested.
Romania was already in the middle of a political crisis and this has deepened it. Mr Orban’s government lost a vote of confidence five weeks ago, and his ally, President Klaus Iohannis, has struggled to find another leader to unite the country to tackle the virus and prepare early elections.
Some of the 1.2 million Romanians working in Italy are trying to come home despite a government appeal not to, and confirmed cases have doubled to 70.
British royals cancel tour
The Prince of Wales and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall have postponed their spring tour to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus and Jordan because of the coronavirus pandemic.Clarence House said the request came from the UK government.
Charles and Camilla's trip to Cyprus was due to be the first official royal visit there for 27 years.
BA tells staff there will be job cuts
British Airways Chief Executive Alex Cruz has told staff there will be job cuts, the BBC has been told.He said the airline industry was facing "a crisis of global proportions like no other" because of the coronavirus pandemic.
BA, he added, was suspending routes and parking planes in a way it has never had to do before.
Malta annnounces 14-day quarantine for all arriving passengers
All passengers arriving in Malta from any country must now undergo 14 days of quarantine, its government has said.The quarantine rules had previously applied to people arriving from European countries and five Asian countries.
Where are schools being shut?
The UN's educational, scientific and cultural body, Unesco , says 49 countries now have school closures in place in response to the coronavirus outbreak.The most recent countries and states to announce school closures are:
- Switzerland is closing all schools until at least 4 April. Previously, only schools in the region of Ticino - on the border with Italy - had been closed.
- Officials in Pakistan's Sindh province have brought forward school summer holidays, so that schools and universities will now be closed until 31 May. Exams that were due to be held now have been postponed. Schools have been closed in the province since 27 February, when the country's first coronavirus case was confirmed in Karachi.
- Most schools across Germany will be closed from Monday. A number of states announced the closures on Monday, including North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg, while others had already closed educational institutions. Out of Germany's 16 states, 10 have now closed schools.
- Seven states in the US are closing schools. Ohio, Michigan, Oregon, Maryland, Kentucky and New Mexico are all shutting schools from Monday for two weeks, while Washington state, the epicentre of the US outbreak, has closed schools in three counties in the Seattle area until 24 April.
Spain declares state of emergency as cases jump
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic which will come into effect on Saturday.It follows news earlier today that the number of deaths recorded in Spain jumped 40% in one day to 120. The number of confirmed infections has now reached 4,209.
The state of emergency - or "state of alarm" - allows the government to take wide-ranging measures, these include:
- limiting the movement of people or vehicles
- ordering evacuations
- prohibiting access to certain areas or places
- intervening in areas of industry and farming
The government will be able to implement the emergency measures for a maximum of 15 days, but will then require Spanish parliamentary approval to extend them.
Mr Sanchez announced the planned move in a televised address to the nation in which he said that the number of cases in Spain could reach 10,000 by next week.
Ukraine closes borders to foreign visitors
- Ukraine has become the latest country to announce travel restrictions.
It says it will close its borders to all foreign nationals from Sunday, initially for two weeks.
On Thursday the country closed schools and universities nationwide and banned all major public events, while Ukraine's Orthodox Church told worshippers it was acceptable not to kiss icons.
The latest move was announced shortly before the country reported its first death due to Covid-19. Only two other cases have been recorded there so far.
As we reported earlier, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have closed borders to foreigners except those with residence permits and Malta has announced mandatory quarantines for all new arrivals
Earlier this week, the US announced a ban on travel from the 26 European countries which are in the EU's Schengen border-free area .
Meanwhile, Austria says it will introduce health controls on its borders with Switzerland and Liechtenstein, as it has already done on its frontier with Italy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has criticised unilateral travel bans but backed moves to provide health screening at borders.
Pakistan shuts land borders and limits flights
Meanwhile Pakistan is shutting all of its land borders and limiting international flights for 15 days, its foreign minister says.The country has also closed all schools nationwide.
"It has been decided that all borders will remain closed for 15 days," minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told Pakistani networks ARY and Dunya TV.
"International flights will operate only out of Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports."
The country borders China, where the coronavirus originated, and Iran, one of the worst-hit countries.
Pakistan itself has reported 21 cases of the coronavirus and no deaths.
Hong Kong to quarantine arrivals from Europe
Hong Kong will make all travellers from Europe stay in quarantine for 14 days, its government says.The new measures will come in on 17 March.
Hong Kong has also issued a red outbound alert for European countries, urging members of the public to avoid non-essential trips and adjust their travel plans.
Europe, including the UK, has a total of 29,398 cases, more than half of which are in Italy.
UK insurance firms halt sale of travel cover
Two of the biggest UK insurance firms, Direct Line and Churchill, have halted the sale of travel insurance to new customers because of the coronavirus, PA news agency reports.A statement from Direct Line Group, on behalf of both firms, said: "Due to the impact coronavirus is having across the world we have experienced a huge increase in demand for travel insurance.
"Our priority is to protect and service our existing customers and therefore we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily suspend the sale of travel insurance to new customers so that we can focus on our existing customers."
Axa, another large firm, has put a notice on its website saying: "If you purchase a new policy now, it will not cover any trip cancellation or disruption in relation to coronavirus."
And Aviva said earlier this week it was adjusting its cover in light of the pandemic, so customers can no longer select add-on cover for "travel disruption" or "airspace closures".
Canada MPs suspend parliament
All parties agree to adjourn parliament for five weeksJessica Murphy, BBC News, Toronto
In Canada, all federal parties have agreed to adjourn parliament amid the coronavirus pandemic.
MPs passed the suspension motion on Friday morning.
Parliament had a scheduled break next week but will now only return on 20 April.
The House of Commons can still be recalled if needed to handle any emergency coronavirus measures, said Liberal House leader Pablo Rodriguez.
"The priority for the government is the health and the safety of all Canadians," Mr Rodriguez said.
Tunisia orders all arriving travellers to self-isolate
Tunisia’s ministry of health has ordered all incoming travellers from any country in the world to immediately self-isolate upon arrival to the country, without exception.This latest preventative measure against the spread of Covid-19 is a step-up from earlier in the week when this was only a requirement for those coming back from the worst-affected areas.
It’s a move that puts a lot of faith in people to individually comply, because in reality they cannot monitor this on a large scale of this kind. Breaking quarantine rules is a criminal offence here – if you are caught.
The rules are changing fast, in Tunisia and elsewhere on the continent. It appears the authorities are trying to strike a balance between prevention and containment, and avoiding more stringent measures like further suspension of flights to avoid the severe economic impact that comes with even tighter controls.
The new Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh is due to address the nation at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT) – there’s no telling what he will announce tonight, but many Tunisians will be watching closely.
Bundesliga suspended until 2 April
- More European domestic football has been postponed. This time in Germany.
The Bundesliga and second tier, Bundesliga 2, have been suspended until 2 April, the league said in a statement. The decision was taken "in view of the dynamics of today's events with new coronavirus infections and corresponding suspected cases" linked to the leagues, it said.
Elite football in Britain has already been suspended until at least 3 April as a result of the spread of coronavirus.
Football has also been suspended in Italy, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Portugal and the USA.
Palestinian police enforce strict restrictions
Palestinian police have been enforcing strict restrictions on movement in Bethlehem, which has been placed in lockdown.Miami's mayor tests positive after Brazilian meeting
Miami's mayor has tested positive for coronavirus, four days after coming into contact with a Brazilian government official who has since also tested positive.Mayor Francis Suarez asked that those who had come into contact with him to take preventative measures.
“If we did not shake hands or you did not come into contact with me if I coughed or sneezed, there is no action you need to take whatsoever,” he said.
“If we did, however, touch or shake hands, or if I sneezed or coughed near you since Monday, it is recommended that you self-isolate for 14 days, but you do not need to get tested."
The mayor is one of many US politicians, including Donald Trump and Republican Rick Scott, who interacted with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his staff - including the infected press secretary - during a trip to South Florida last week.
Mr Bolsonaro has tested negative for the virus. Mr Trump has so far resisted getting a test done.
Iran to clear streets
ran has ordered its security forces to clear the streets of citizens nationwide over the next 24 hours to allow them to be checked for coronavirus."During the next 10 days, the entire Iranian nation will be monitored once through cyberspace, by phone and, if necessary, in person, and those suspected of being ill will be fully identified," Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri said.
The country has one of the highest numbers of cases outside China, and there has been concern about how the government is responding.
The country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said earlier this month that the virus would not impact the country for long and would disappear.
Louisiana 'postpones Democratic primaries'
Louisiana has postponed the Democratic presidential primaries scheduled for April, becoming the first state to do so as fears over the pandemic intensify, US media report.The state now plans to hold the elections in June and July
Costa suspends cruises
Cruise company Costa is postponing all its cruises globally until 3 April. Several of its ships have been prevented from docking in recent weeks over cases of coronavirus. On Tuesday people were allowed to disembark from Costa Fortuna in Singapore, after being denied entry in Malaysia and Thailand. Meanwhile Canada says all cruise ships carrying more than 500 people will be unable to stop in the country until 1 July.Six Oxford University students test positive
One of the world's leading universities has cancelled or postponed all exams scheduled for the Easter holidays due to an outbreak.The University of Oxford says it made the decision to change exam dates between next Monday and 2 April after six students were diagnosed with coronavirus.
In a memo to staff and students, vice-chancellor Louise Richardson said the institution "intends to remain open until instructed to do otherwise" and was "advising all domestic undergraduates to return home for the break unless they have a compelling reason to stay".
Canada advises against all non-essential travel
Justin Trudeau is advising Canadians to postpone or cancel all non-essential international travel outside of Canada.The federal government is now looking at ways to support Canadians and small businesses financially affected by the pandemic, said the prime minister.
It would be introducing a "significant fiscal stimulus package in the coming days", he said.
Mr Trudeau's address comes amid a host of new measures being taken by the government to limit the domestic spread of the virus.
All cruise ships carrying over 500 passengers will not be able to dock in Canada until 1 July.
Canada will also be limiting the number of airports where international flights can land in order to improve screening of travellers.
As of Friday, there were 157 cases of the coronavirus in Canada. One death has been linked to the virus.
A number of provincial governments have taken their own steps in recent days to limit contagion.
Ontario has closed all public schools, and many schools in Quebec have also been shut.
British Columbia and Quebec have banned all public gatherings of over 250 people.
Louisiana official confirms delay to primaries
Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin has confirmed earlier media reports that the state is postponing its Democratic - and Republican - presidential primaries to help limit the spread of coronavirus.Elections had been due to take place in Louisiana next month, but have now been pushed back to June and July, Mr Ardoin told a news conference on Friday. He added that all voting equipment would be disinfected before the rescheduled primaries.
"The law provides for extraordinary measures to be taken when facing disasters," Mr Ardoin said.
What's the impact on airlines?
With international travel down dramatically and numerous countries closing their borders, how is the pandemic affecting airlines?- The airline trade body warned that multiple airlines could collapse within two to three months
- British Airways says there will be job losses - the CEO warned his industry is facing a "crisis of global proportions like no other"
- German company Lufthansa has grounded two-thirds of its fleet, and may ask for state aid from European governments
- Norwegian Air warned it could collapse without government aid - on Thursday it said it will lay off 11,000 employees as part of losses ongoing before the coronavirus outbreak
- US airline Delta says it's in talks with the White House over financial support
Detroit doctors visit homeless shelters
A doctor in Detroit, US has told the BBC about visits she made to homeless shelters on Friday to try to protect the city's large homeless population from coronavirus."Homeless people are at increased risk (about double) from Covid-19 compared to the general public because of their lack of access to soap, water and basic hygiene," Dr Asha Shajahan explains.
Homeless shelters are closing because volunteers have been termporarily banned, she said, meaning the homeless may have less access to medical attention.
She visited two shelters with a group of doctors and students in Detroit, which has more than 8,000 homeless people.
"At a women and children’s shelter we offered medical services and were available for questions about how to properly wash your hands, what to do if you think you have symptoms," Dr Shajahan explained.
If someone shows symptoms, they are sent to a triage centre.
Homeless people are at higher risk of poor mental health outcomes during an outbreak - anxiety could be exacerbated by social distancing, and they may fear getting help at clinics or shelters.
"We had a shelter patient with seizure disorder who was afraid to go to the hospital because of Covid-19,” she added.
Neglecting homeless populations could also lead the further spread of coronavirus, Dr Shajahan warned.
Denmark closes its borders
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced her country will close its borders at 12:00 local time (11:00 GMT) on Saturday, until 13 April.While Danish citizens will still be allowed to enter, those of other nationalities will need a valid reason to travel to Denmark to be allowed in.
It will still be possible to transport food, medicine and other necessary goods to Denmark, the government says.
Wales cancels planned hospital surgery appointments
The Welsh health minister has announced that all elective operations and non-urgent outpatient appointments in the nation are to be cancelled , to help the NHS there cope with an expected increase in the number of conoravirus-related admissions.Vaughan Gething said he expected a "larger number of people requiring high levels of care is highly likely over the coming weeks". Access to cancer treatments and dialysis for kidney failure would not be affected, he added.
BBC Wales health correspondent Owain Clarke said the move would affect those patients who needed to stay in intensive care after their operation, and that to see the Welsh government act in this way was "unprecedented".
Access to UK Parliament to be curtailed
Officials at the UK's Houses of Parliament have announced that access by visitors will be restricted from next Monday.House authorities say that public tours will end and Members of Parliament are to be discouraged from bringing in visitors.
The public can still watch Parliamentary proceedings in the Houses of Commons and Lords and be able to meet MPs in the central lobby. School visits can also still go ahead.
London Marathon postponed until October
Organisers of the London Marathon have said all runners who had a place in this year's race will be contacted on Friday to inform them of the decision to postpone the event until 4 October.The marathon, which had been due to take place on 26 April, attracts about 40,000 runners each year.
Hugh Brasher, event director, said: "The world is in an unprecedented situation grappling with a global pandemic of Covid-19 and public health is everyone's priority.
"We know how disappointing this news will be for so many - the runners who have trained for many months, the thousands of charities for which they are raising funds and the millions who watch the race every year.
'My brother-in-law didn't make it'
David Clemson spoke to the BBC in the past week about his brother-in-law, Franco, who was in intensive care in hospital in Italy after contracting the coronavirus.Mr Clemson emailed on Friday to say that, sadly, Franco had died.
"The horrible thing is that these people die without their family around them," he said.
"Due to the restrictions there can be no funeral and most of his nearest and dearest are in quarantine.
"People must take this virus seriously, it has no respect for anyone.”
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