There are more than 80 countries that have reported novel coronavirus or coronavirus disease (COVID-19) deaths and confirmed cases, based on collated reports from wire news services.
So far, there are at least 3,245 deaths linked with the virus and about 95,000 confirmed cases in 81 countries and territories.
The countries that have registered the most number of deaths and confirmed cases are: mainland China (80,270 cases, 2,981 deaths), South Korea (5,621 cases, 32 deaths), Italy (3,089 cases, 107 deaths), Iran, (2,922 cases, 92 deaths) and Japan (287 cases, 12 deaths).
The nations that have been affected by the virus have various responses including closure of schools and suspension of scheduled activities.
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In Italy, all schools and universities were ordered closed until March 15 as the number of deaths from the virus passed the 100 mark.
The Italian Cup semi-final football match between Juventus and AC Milan has been suspended indefinitely.
Israel has implemented strict travel advisory on five European nations, namely: France, Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland. Non-residents are barred entry unless they can prove they can self-quarantine. Earlier, travel restrictions were imposed on Italy and several Asian countries.
On the Tokyo Olympics slated in July, the International Olympic Committee neither cancelled nor postponed the international meet after a meeting of its Executive Board.
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Medical supply, particularly surgical masks is low in many countries. Germany and Russia has implemented an extreme measure, as the countries imposed a ban on the export of protective medical gear such as masks and gloves.
The move is aimed at ensuring adequate supply is available for their health workers who deal with the outbreak.
France will requisition stocks of protective masks until May 31 while the infamous Louvre museum in Paris has reopened after management took steps to allay fears that caused staff members to stop work for two days.
The international film release of the upcoming James Bond movie, “No Time to Die,” has been delayed by seven months due to the virus scare.
In Australia, toilet paper seems to have flown from grocery shelves amid the panic buying brought about by the virus scare. As a result biggest supermarkets have implemented a limit on toilet paper purchases.
