Countries opt for mass closures to stem spread of coronavirus
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), across 118 countries more than 125,000 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19
Countries around the world have closed schools, cancelled sports events and cultural institutions to stem the coronavirus outbreak.
All major sporting events have been suspended in the US and the Broadway performances are off for a month, reports the BBC.
France is one of the latest countries to announce closure of all schools, universities and nurseries. French President Emmanuel Macron described the outbreak as France's most serious health crisis for a century.
The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has begun 14-day self-isolation after his wife was tested positive for coronavirus. Trudeau hasn't yet shown any symptoms.
Australia's Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has been admitted to hospital after testing positive.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), across 118 countries more than 125,000 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19; with the total number of deaths being more than 4,600.
On Thursday, Ireland, Belgium, Spain, France, the Philippines, Portugal and Bolivia announced school closures. Schools in France will be closed from Monday for at least 15 days.
In the UK, the government said such measures were being considered but that the scientific advice was that "this could do more harm than good" at this stage. All school trips abroad were banned. Anyone with a cough or high temperature was advised to self-isolate for seven days.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said this was "the worst public health crisis for a generation" and warned many families they would "lose loved ones before their time".