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The coronavirus "is the worst public health crisis for a generation", the Prime Minister has said as he set out measures that could "cause severe disruption for many months".

Boris Johnson said that "we should all be thinking about our elderly relatives."

590 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the UK, as two more fatalities take the number of people to die in UK hospitals to 10.

The rise in confirmed cases is the largest day-on-day increase since the outbreak began. One week ago, on March 5, the total number of cases stood at 115. Thursday's total of 590 is more than five times greater than the equivalent figure one week ago.

12:20AM Follow the latest updates

That's all the news for today from the Global Health Security team.

Follow all the latest news on Friday here.

11:29PM Australian Grand Prix cancelled

The Australian Formula One Grand Prix has been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak only hours before the first practice session was scheduled to get underway at Albert Park.

In a statement on Twitter, the organisers said:

"Last night a member of the McLaren Racing team tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. A further seven individuals returned negative results, confirming that they do not have the COVID-19 virus. "Additionally, a ninth individual has been assessed and tested for the COVID-19 virus, with the results of this test pending. This individual is not associated with any Formula 1 team, the FIA or associated suppliers. "Our first priority is the safety of everyone including attendees, our personnel, all event partners and members of the local community. "Further information regarding refunds for ticket holders will be communicated in due course."

11:03PM How did coronavirus spread around the world?

Earlier today Donald Trump banned people from the EU (apart from the UK) from flying to the US.

Although it was certainly a move that raised eyebrows in Europe, it reinforced the reality that as a global pandemic coronavirus does not stop at borders.

Our global health security and data teams have put together a live tracker of the reported cases from around the world.

You can keep an eye of how the pandemic is sweeping the globe here.

10:42PM Premier League to hold emergency meeting

In a statement they said:

"In light of Arsenal’s announcement tonight confirming that their first-team coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for COVID-19, the Premier League will convene an emergency club meeting tomorrow morning regarding future fixtures. The Premier League will make no further comment until after that meeting."

10:34PM Arsenal manager Arteta tests positive for coronavirus

Arsenal have announced their manager Mikel Arteta has contracted the coronavirus. The whole first-team squad will now be placed in self-isolation.

A club statement read:

"Our London Colney training centre has been closed after head coach Mikel Arteta received a positive Covid-19 result this evening. "Arsenal personnel who had recent close contact with Mikel will now self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines. "We expect this to be a significant number of people from Colney, including the full first-team squad and coaching staff."

10:24PM Bulgaria to declare a state of emergency

Bulgaria plans to declare a state of emergency to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov has said as the country's confirmed cases rose sharply to 23.

The Balkan country confirmed its first death of a patient diagnosed with the virus on Wednesday, and on Thursday the number of confirmed cases jumped to 23 from 7.

Borissov said after a meeting:

"The government will ask the Parliament to declare a state of emergency which will allow the closing of schools, kindergartens and universities."

10:15PM Belgium to close schools, cafes and restaurants until April

Belgium's government has ordered schools, cafes, restaurants and some shops to close due to the coronavirus, following decisions by France and other European countries to limit all but essential activities.

Belgium's caretaker Prime Minister, Sophie Wilmes, told a news conference: "there is no lockdown," stressing that supermarkets and pharmacies would remain open and other shops would only be required to close on weekends.

"We want to avoid the Italian situation and avoid lockdowns."

Earlier today Belgian Catholic churches suspended public services until next month for fear of spreading the coronavirus.

Sophie Wilmes is Belgium’s first female prime minister as the head of the country’s caretaker government. credit: OLIVIER HOSLET/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

10:06PM Rory Stewart backs calls to postpone London Mayoral election.

Independent London mayoral candidate Rory Stewart has said he welcomes the Electoral Commission's recommendation to postpone May's elections.

With London's number of cases up to 136 as of today, it has a rate of 15 cases per million - higher than any other region in the UK.

Currently Kensington and Chelsea has had the most confirmed cases of coronavirus in the capital - you can check how your borough is affected here.

09:54PM Should you self-isolate even though you have no symptoms?

Coronavirus appears to hit those with certain medical conditions the hardest, with those with underlying health conditions among those who have died so far in the UK.

Our writer, Lela London, explains why she has felt the need to self-isolate because of her health condition, despite not having symptoms of the virus:

As a type 1 diabetic, my self-destructive immune system places me among those most at-risk for coronavirus complications. And that can mean... how to put this?... death. As of this morning, I am officially self-isolated. And I worry it’s too little too late.

You can read her piece here.

09:39PM US politicians self-quarantine after meeting aide of Brazilian president

Lindsey Graham, the US senator and friend of Mr Trump, said he would self-quarantine out of “an abundance of caution.”

Mr Graham was at Mar-a-Lago last weekend with a Brazilian official who has tested positive.

Fabio Wajngarten, the communications secretary of President Jair Bolsonaro, has tested positive for the virus.

The mayor of Miami, Francis Suarez, and the mayor of Miami-Dade, Carlos Gimenez, both announced they were self-quarantining, after being in the company of Mr Wajngarten earlier this week.

09:30PM Has the Government got its coronavirus strategy right?

As other countries across Europe, such as Ireland, have announced that they are closing schools and stopping gatherings - should the UK be following suit?

Paul Nuki, our global health security editor, talks you through the science behind the Government's decision and whether they have made the right call.

The Prime Minister, the chief medical officer, and others insist they are simply following the science. They are not shying away from tough decisions but nor are they bending to political pressure as others have. Acting too early, they stress, poses as much risk as acting too late, and the Government will act but only at the right moment. So who’s right? Is the Government playing a straight bat? Or are there other agendas at work?

You can read more here.

09:23PM Baseball becomes latest US sport to be suspended

The baseball season in America will be delayed by two weeks.

The 162-game Major League Baseball season had been scheduled to start on March 26 with all 30 teams taking the field.

The move by MLB followed a decision by the NBA to suspend the basketball season when a player tested positive for coronavirus.

The New York Yankees played a spring training game against the Washington Nationals earlier today. credit: Julio Cortez /AP

09:16PM More on New York's state of emergency

Harriet Alexander, our US correspondent, has this from New York:

Bill de Blasio,the mayor of New York, has declared a state of emergency, and predicted there would be 1,000 confirmed cases in America's biggest city by next week. “It’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better,” he warned during a City Hall news conference. “These overall numbers are striking and troubling,” he said. Mr de Blasio warned that he expects the crisis to last at least six months, with more time needed to recover. “This will not be over soon. It’s going to be a long, tough battle,” he said.

09:11PM Where in the UK have cases of coronavirus been detected?

Since the first cases of coronavirus were detected the disease has now spread to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Our data team have pulled together the latest official figures to show you where the hotspots are in the UK.

You can check here to see how many cases have been detected in your local area.

08:58PM Disneyland in California to close

This will be only the fourth shutdown in the iconic theme park’s history.

The resort has only ever shut its doors following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, following 9/11, and the California earthquake of 1994.

A Disney spokesman said it would close from Saturday.

Families in hotels at the park will have until Monday to vacate credit: Jae C. Hong /AP

08:50PM Merkel orders cancelling of all events of more than 1,000 people

Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, called on organisers of non essential events gathering hundreds of people to cancel them to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

Merkel said all events of under 1,000 people should be cancelled.

"That is a call to all," she said, noting that "where possible, social contact must be avoided".

08:43PM Worrying news for Government ministers

Philip Jansen, the BT Group chief executive, is understood to have met with members of the government earlier this week.

Earlier this week, Nadine Dorries, a health minister confirmed that she had tested positive for coronavirus.

08:36PM The coronavirus 'belt': Britain is right in the centre of virus danger zone

Our traditionally temperate climate could be the perfect breeding ground for Covid-19, say researchers.

According to the study, the UK climate will create the perfect breeding ground for the virus if temperatures and humidity follow a similar pattern to last year.

You can read more here from Sarah Knapton, our science editor.

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08:29PM New York declares 'state of emergency'

Bill de Blasio, the Mayor of New York City, has declared a state of emergency to fight the coronavirus outbreak.

The move allows him to use new powers as the number of confirmed cases rose to 95 cases in the city. He told at a news conference:

"The last 24 hours have been very, very sobering. "Literally yesterday morning feels like a long time ago."

08:23PM Euro 2020 on verge of being postponed

Footballing body Uefa is expected to vote on postponing Euro 2020 in the hope of avoiding stopping its own European competitions and domestic leagues.

The governing body on Thursday called an emergency summit of all European football stakeholders in a desperate bid to limit the damage inflicted on them by the deadly pandemic that has thrown the planet into chaos.

You can read more about this here from Ben Rumsby, our sport investigations reporter.

Evangelos Marinakis, the president of Olympiakos football club, said he had coronavirus, two days before tonight's Europa League clash with Wolves. credit: LOUISA GOULIAMAKI /AFP

08:09PM Sudan suspends flights despite not reporting any cases of virus

The country has halted flights as well as closing its land border with Egypt to prevent the arrival of the new pandemic.

Arrivals from China, Iran, Italy, Spain, Japan and Egypt were suspended, according to the statement from the council of ministers.

Sudan would also stop granting visas to nationals of these five countries worst affected by COVID-19.

07:56PM Coronavirus symptoms: what to do if you think you're infected

Earlier today it was revealed by Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government’s chief scientific advisor, that the number of the people infected at the moment could be as high as 10,000.

With this number most likely to continue to rise, here is our must-read guide to what to do if you think you're infected with coronavirus.

07:41PM What does 'squashing the sombrero' mean?

In Boris Johnson's press conference earlier today, he said that the Government's plans to tackle coronavirus will '"help us delay and flatten the peak, squash that sombrero."

An odd phrase, but perhaps an accurate one. Here is a graphic to show what the Prime Minister was referring to:

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07:36PM Churches across Rome to shut until April

Catholic churches across Rome will close because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 1,000 people across Italy.

The decree by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Pope Francis' vicar for the Rome archdiocese, will remain in effect until at least April 3.

07:22PM Macron closes schools and urges over 70s to stay at home

French President Macron has said that coronavirus is the country's worst health crisis in a century as he announces fresh measures to slow the spread of infection.

He urged people over 70 to stay at home, in addition to saying that French schools are to close from Monday due to coronavirus.

The latest death toll in France stands at 61 credit: LUDOVIC MARIN /AFP

07:07PM Coronavirus could live in air for hours and on surfaces for days, study suggests

The new coronavirus can survive in the air for around three hours and on certain surfaces for as long as three days, a new study has found.

The findings could help to explain why the virus is proving so hard to contain.

Read more here from our Sarah Newey and Paul Nuki, from our Global Health Security team.

06:54PM Broadway is a no-show from Friday

Josie Ensor, our US correspondent, is in New York where the city's Governor has imposed new precautions:

Andrew Cuomo, New York's Governor, has just announced more measures to keep residents of one of the country's most populous states safe: Starting from Friday at 5pm, the city's famous Broadway theatres will be closed. Broadway is New York's largest tourist industry. Gatherings with 500 people or more will also no longer be permitted anywhere in New York state. Additionally, for facilities with an occupancy of 500 or fewer, Mr Cuomo is reducing the legal capacity by 50 per cent.

Broadway is New York's largest tourist industry credit: Charles Sykes /AP

06:49PM In-person UK EU trade deal talks scrapped over coronavirus fears

EU negotiators will not travel to London next week for the second round of talks on a post-Brexit trade deal due to the coronavirus outbreak, it has been announced.

In a joint statement, the EU and UK negotiating teams said they were looking at "alternative ways" of continuing the negotiations, including video conferencing.

"Given the latest Covid-19 developments, UK and EU negotiators have today jointly decided not to hold next week's round of negotiations in London, in the form originally scheduled," the statement said. "Both sides are currently exploring alternative ways to continue discussions, including if possible the use of video conferences."

06:43PM Biden accuses Trump of 'falling back on xenophobia' and "colossal failure'

This just in from Nick Allen, our Washington editor:

In a speech Joe Biden, the presumptive Democrat presidential nominee, accused Donald Trump of "falling back on xenophobia" and trying to "cover up" the extent of the outbreak to protect the stock market. He said: "The virus has laid bare the severe shortcomings of the current administration. "The failure on testing is colossal. It's a failure of planning, leadership and execution." He added: "We'll never solve this problem if we fail to look beyond our borders. We should be leading, coordinating, the global response." Mr Biden said: "The coronavirus does not have a political affiliation."

06:36PM Latest Government health advice from today

Boris Johnson's speech earlier today laid out new health advice for you to follow.

Here is a recap of the main points:

If you have any coronavirus symptoms, however mild, remain at home for at least seven days.

All those over 70 with serious medical conditions should avoid going on cruises .

. Children and students should avoid going on international school trips .

. If you have symptoms, use the NHS website , rather than calling 111 if possible.

, rather than calling 111 if possible. Remember to keep washing your hands.

Try to do everything you can to protect elderly relatives - here is our latest Q&A on just how to do that.

06:19PM Coronavirus kills in an average of 18 days, according to Chinese study

A study of patients in China shows median time to discharge was 22 days while average time to death was 18.5.

It was also discovered that patients who survived were infectious for up to 37 days, far longer than previously thought.

Read more from Sarah Knapton, our science editor

Since the beginning of the outbreak, China has had over 80,000 confirmed cases and over 3,000 deaths from coronavirus credit: STR/AFP

06:13PM Republic of Ireland confirms 27 more cases

Another 27 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland, the Department of Health has confirmed.

Twenty-two cases are associated with local transmission, two are associated with community transmission and three are associated with travel.

Three of the new cases are in intensive care units bringing the total number of patients in ICU to six.There are now 70 confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland.

06:03PM India reports first death

A 76-year-old man who recently died tested positive for the novel coronavirus, an India state health minister reported Thursday, marking the country's first fatality from the virus.

The man "has been Confirmed for #COVID19. The necessary contact tracing, isolation & other measures as per protocol are being carried out," B Sriramulu, health minister for Karnataka state, wrote on Twitter.

06:03PM Evening summary

Good evening, if you’re just joining us, here is a run-down of today’s key events:

The Prime Minister has said that the coronavirus "is the worst public health crisis for a generation" , as he set out measures that could "cause severe disruption for many months" .

, as he set out measures that could . 590 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the UK, as two more fatalities take the number of people to die in UK hospitals to 10 .

people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the UK, as two more fatalities take the number of people to die in UK hospitals to . Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government’s chief scientific advisor said the number of the people infected at the moment could be as high as 10,000.

Mr Johnson said “many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time.”

Schools will not be closed and mass gatherings including sporting events will not be postponed for the time being.

and mass gatherings including sporting events will not be postponed for the time being. The FTSE 100 Index has suffered its biggest one-day fall since 1987 after falling 10.9 per cent to 5287.48 as coronavirus fears continued to buffet markets across the world.

Index has suffered its after falling 10.9 per cent to 5287.48 as coronavirus fears continued to buffet markets across the world. Italy’s death toll has topped 1,000.

death toll has topped Donald Trump said that the UK was excluded from the travel ban because of their "strong response".

because of their "strong response". Justin Trudeau , the Canadian Prime Minister is self-isolating along with his wife as they await their coronavirus test results.

, the Canadian Prime Minister is self-isolating along with his wife as they await their coronavirus test results. The Electoral Commission has written to the Government recommending that May’s local and mayoral elections should be postponed.

05:55PM Algeria registers first death

Algeria has registered its first death from the novel coronavirus, the health ministry announced Thursday, as schools were closed for three weeks.

The man, aged 67, had heart disease, the ministry's director general, Djamel Fourar, told reporters.

Another five new COVID-19 cases have been recorded, bringing the total number of confirmed cases on Algerian soil to 24, the ministry said.

A 25th case - and the first registered in the country - was an Italian who tested positive in February but has since left Algeria. Of the five new cases, two are Algerians who had been in France.

They have been hospitalised in the Souk Ahras area of eastern Algeria and the Kabylie region, also east of Algiers. The three others were being treated in a hospital in the Blida area, southwest of the capital, the health ministry said.

Seventeen members of the same family in Blida have also been infected with the virus, in connection with confirmed cases among Algerians living in France.

The man whose death was announced Thursday was related to the family from Blida, Fourar said.

The health ministry urged Algerians returning from countries with high infection rates to postpone "family visits unless absolutely necessary".

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, for his part, ordered all Algerian schools to close from Thursday until April 5, his office said.

05:50PM Key points: What did Johnson say?

Prime Minister Johnson has just finished his press conference following the Cobra meeting.

But what are the key takeaways?

The coronavirus is the worst public health crisis for a generation and will cause severe disruption for months.

The UK peak is 10 to 14 weeks away and the UK trajectory is four weeks behind that of Italy.

The Prime Minister defended the UK's approach to the pandemic, which has been less dramatic than actions taken by the US, Italy or Ireland.

The UK was already likely to have between 5,000 and 10,000 coronavirus cases.

Delaying the disease by a few weeks will strengthen the NHS considerably, but it is not possible to stop everyone from contracting the virus.

Consideration is being given to banning sporting events, but schools will remain open for the time being. International school trips should be cancelled.

People over 70 with serious medical conditions should not go on cruises.

The most dangerous period is some weeks away and extreme measures, potentially including isolating the elderly and vulnerable, will not be implemented until the peak of the outbreak.

Sir Patrick Vallance said a 20-25 per cent reduction in the peak of the epidemic could be possible by getting people to stay at home for a week if they have mild symptoms.

Prof Chris Whitty said that people staying at home with mild symptoms for seven days would not be tested for the coronavirus. He said tests would be prioritised based on severity and symptoms, but he added that geography and travel history would no longer come into consideration.

Those with mild symptoms should not call 111 unless symptoms deteriorate, Whitty said.

The importance of thorough hand washing cannot be understated.

05:38PM Sir Patrick: UK peak 10 to 14 weeks away

Sir Patrick said:

"So we think that the peak may be something like 10 to 14 weeks away. It may be a bit longer. You would want to try and make sure that the elderly are protected during the peak area. "About 95 per cent of people would be predicted to get the infection at a 9 or 10 weeks either side, and 50 per cent of people at a 3 or 4 week period either side of the peak."

05:34PM Those without sick pay will be protected

Mr Johnson will do "everything" he can to protect those who are not necessarily eligible for statutory sick pay.

He said: "We will do everything that is necessary to make sure that when we ask people to do something tough and difficult, like staying at home, that you are not disadvantaged."

05:30PM Government planning for 80 per cent to be infected

And it's back to Prof Whitty again, who revealed that the government's "top planning assumption" is for 80 per cent of the country's population to be infected.

He said: "But that is an entirely speculative number. The overall mortality rate is in our view one per cent or less overall although higher in older and vulnerable groups."

Prof Whitty added: "Just as people would not normally if they had a minor sprain or other problem call an ambulance, it is important that people with minor symptoms do not call 111. however if symptoms deteriorate we do want them to call 111."

05:27PM Elderly staying at home could reduce death rate by 30 per cent

Sir Patrick is back. He says quarantining the elderly at the peak of the pandemic could reduce death rates across the UK by 20 to 30 per cent.

People over 70 with serious medical conditions should not go on cruises.

05:25PM Mr Johnson defends UK's response

Mr Johnson defended the UK's approach to the pandemic, which has been less dramatic than actions taken by the US, Italy or Ireland.

"The measures that I have discussed today... staying at home if you think you have the symptoms, your whole household staying at home, looking after the elderly - making sure the elderly and vulnerable stay at home - these are the three most powerful defensive lines," he said.

"We think it's very important to maintain public trust and confidence in what we are doing, throughout this challenging time, always to be guided by the best possible scientific advice."

05:23PM Mass gatherings will not yet be banned

For the time being, mass gatherings of people will not be banned. Mr Johnson said there is little medical need at this point to cancel events across the country.

He said: "On the issue for instance of mass gatherings, sporting events and so on, it is very important that we're guided by the science."

05:21PM Asking elderly to isolate must not be taken lightly, says Mr Johnson

Mr Johnson is now answering questions. He has said that asking elderly people to stay at home needs to be well timed with the epidemic's peak.

He said: "So you need to make sure we move that period where we're asking older people, vulnerable people, to go through a pretty difficult period of isolation, to coincide with the moment they're at the most risk of exposure.

"That's one of the reasons we're not triggering that draconian measure now."

05:18PM UK likely to have up to 10,000 cases

Sir Patrick said the UK was likely to have between 5,000 and 10,000 coronavirus cases.

"Currently we are on a trajectory that looks as though it is about four weeks or so behind Italy and some other countries in Europe," he said.

"There are currently 590 cases that have been identified in the UK and there are more than 20 patients in intensive care units.

"If you calculate what that really means in terms of the total number, it is much more likely that we have between 5,000 and 10,000 people infected at the moment. That is still a relatively small number."

05:14PM Hand washing is vital

Chief medical officer Chris Whitty is now speaking.

He stressed the importance of hand washing, saying: "We cannot emphasise too much the point about washing hands. That is actually an incredible powerful public health intervention."

05:12PM Universal household isolation could be necessary soon

Dr Patrick Vallance has advised against universal household isolation for the time being, but says it could come later.

He said: "With the idea of households going into complete isolation that comes a bit later. At the moment most people would not have the coronavirus. You may have to do the whole thing again, and then the effect of that wains. People don't want to do that time and time again.

"It's not possible to stop everyone getting it and it's also not desirable, because we need to have some immunity to protect ourselves in the future."

05:09PM Peak seen in Italy could hit UK in four weeks

Dr Patrick Vallance, chief science adviser, is now speaking.

Dr Vallace has explained that the UK's current trajectory "looks as though we're about 4 week behind Italy and some other countries in Europe".

Pointing to a graph, he explained that we are currently at the bottom of the curve where not too much is happening. More than 20 patients are currently in intensive care units, but this will rise.

05:05PM Millions of people needed to respond to virus

Mr Johnson said: "We're going to need to mobilise millions of people to help and support each other.

"We're not just going to be, as you saw yesterday, supporting the economy, we will be providing money and many other forms of support, and helping the community to support each other."

05:03PM Schools will not be closed at this time

Mr Johnson said: "We are not, and I repeat not, closing schools at this time."

05:02PM Delaying peak will leave NHS stronger

According to Mr Johnson, delaying the peak of the virus will mean the NHS is in a stronger state to face the challenge it poses.

He added that the most dangerous period is "not now, but some weeks away depending how fast it spreads".

Mr Johnson said: "From tomorrow if you have coronavirus symptoms, however mild, either a new continuous cough or a high temperature, then you should stay at home for at least 7 days to protect others."

04:59PM 'Many more families will lose loved ones'

Mr Johnson has said "many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time".

He added: "We have a clear plan that we are now working through and we are now getting onto the next phase in that plan. This is now not just an attempt to contain the disease as far a as possible, but to delay its spread and thereby minimise suffering."

04:57PM Virus is 'global pandemic', says Johnson

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has started his press conference following a Cobra meeting on the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: "It is now a global pandemic."

04:56PM The FTSE 100 Index suffers biggest single day fall since 1987

The FTSE 100 Index has suffered its biggest one-day fall since 1987 after plummeting 10.9 per cent to 5237.48 as coronavirus fears gripped the market.

Read more here.

04:53PM Fast and Furious movie release pushed back

The release of the ninth Fast And Furious movie has been pushed to next year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A statement on the franchise's Twitter page said:

"We feel all the love and the anticipation you have for the next chapter in our saga. "That's why it's especially tough to let you know we have to move the release date of the film. It's become clear that it won't be possible for all of our fans around the world to see the film this May. "We are moving the global release date to April 2021, with North America opening on April 2. While we know there is disappointment in having to wait a little while longer, this movie is made with the safety of everyone as our foremost consideration. "Moving will allow our global family to experience our new chapter together. We'll see you next spring."

04:49PM Government asked to push back local elections

The Electoral Commission has written to the Government recommending that May’s local and mayoral elections should be postponed due to the coronavirus.

The watchdog said “we are in unprecedented times” in their letter to Chloe Smith, Minister for the Constitution and Devolution.

04:48PM US cases increase to 1,264, with 36 deaths

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday reported 1,264 cases of the coronavirus, an increase of 277 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 7 to 36.

04:47PM Strong UK borders a factor in travel ban exemption, Donald Trump says

The US president has said the reason the UK was not included in his Covid-19 travel ban was down to its strong borders.

Donald Trump also indicated the 30-day prohibition on flights to the United States from continental Europe could be extended.

The president was speaking during a meeting with Irish Premier Leo Varadkar in the White House in Washington DC.

Ireland and the UK are not covered by the far-reaching travel restrictions announced by the president on Wednesday. Mr Trump said one of the reasons the UK was not included in the travel ban was because of its borders.

"It has got very strong borders and they are doing a very good job," he said.

04:41PM Labour scales back leadership announcement

Jeremy Corbyn's successor as Labour leader will now be announced at a scaled back event as the party postpones and alters meetings due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Labour said on Thursday that the final leadership hustings of the race was being cancelled, while the party's Welsh conference and Scottish women's conference were being postponed.

The party said the "well-being of our members and staff", and contributing to the "collective effort to protect public health" were behind the decision.

The winner of the race between Sir Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy will still be announced on April 4 as planned, but it will no longer be at a "special conference".

Labour's decision was announced shortly after the UK moved onto the next stage of its response to Covid-19, with potential restrictions being imposed to delay the spread of the disease.

04:37PM Belgian churches suspend mass

Belgian Catholic churches have suspended public services until next month for fear of spreading the coronavirus, the council of bishops announced Thursday.

At the same time, the Great Mosque of Brussels cancelled Friday prayers and smaller Muslim places of worship were advised to follow local health advice.

For Belgium's majority Roman Catholics, the bishops said that marriages, funerals and baptisms could go forward with "limited attendance".

"Churches will remain open for prayer and personal meditation," the Church said, in a statement from its leader in Belgium, Cardinal Jozef De Kesel.

But public services will be suspended until at least April 3, meaning they could restart in time for Easter Sunday on April 12, virus permitting.

Belgium has one of the fastest growing outbreaks in Europe. Three elderly people have died.

04:30PM WHO let the dogs out

In better news, the World Health Organization has announced that dogs cannot contract Covid-19.

Dogs previously held in quarantine can now be released credit: China News Service

04:25PM Norwegian Air makes half its staff redundant

Norwegian Air will scrap 4,000 flights and temporarily lay off around half its employees, public broadcaster NRK reported on Thursday, citing unnamed sources.

Travel restrictions and falling demand due to the coronavirus outbreak are increasingly hurting the airline industry's ability to fly.

04:23PM Brazilian who met Trump tests positive

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's communications chief, who met Donald Trump during an official weekend visit to the US leader's Florida resort, has tested positive for the new coronavirus, the government said Thursday.

The Brazilian president's office "has taken and is taking all necessary preventive measures to protect the health of the president and all staff that traveled with him to the United States" last Saturday to Tuesday, it said in a statement, confirming the far-right government's chief spokesman, Fabio Wajngarten, had tested positive for COVID-19.

Wajngarten had posted a picture of himself meeting Trump on Instagram on Saturday, both with hats reading "Make Brazil Great Again." Vice President Mike Pence was also in the photograph.

04:18PM Prime Minister Boris Johnson set to address nation

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will address the nation from Downing Street following a Cobra meeting on the coronavirus pandemic at 4.30pm.

Mr Johnson is expected to announce the UK is moving from the containment phase to the delay phase. New policies will be announced to slow the spread of the virus in a bid to push the peak back to the summer.

The meeting will sign off on "social distancing" measures, and distribute advice on how to stay away from others.

You can watch live via the video at the top of this article.

04:13PM European health body warns against public gatherings

European countries should consider banning large gatherings and encourage businesses to let employees work from home, European public health experts have urged.

In its latest briefing the European Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said that countries in the European Union and the UK were quickly moving to a situation of "sustained community transmission" of the coronavirus so "social distancing measures were necessary to reduce the intensity of the outbreak and to allow health systems to prepare.

The ECDC said mass gatherings should be suspended, businesses should introduce working from home, cancel meetings and ban nonessential travel.

It also said that governments should consider closing schools, taking into account the impact of the need for day care and the impact on grandparents who may end up caring for children.

04:07PM Prime Minister Justin Trudeau self-isolating

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is self-isolating as his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau waits for COVID-19 test results.

A spokesman said Mr Trudeau “will spend the day in briefings, phone calls and virtual meetings from home, including speaking with other world leaders”.

04:01PM Brazilian official who met Trump tests positive

A Brazilian official who recently met President Donald Trump has tested positive for COVID-19, AFP reports.

03:55PM FTSE 100 has biggest fall since 2008 financial crisis

The FTSE 100 has lost more than 10 per cent of its value, the biggest intraday fall since the 2008 financial crisis.

More than half a trillion pounds has been wiped off the FTSE 100 index in less than three weeks, bringing the London market to its lowest level since 2012.

Read more on our business live blog here.

03:50PM Scottish Government advises cancellation of gatherings of more than 500

Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government has decided to advise the cancellation of gatherings of more than 500 people from the beginning of next week. The decision to advise cancellations did not happen at a UK level, she said.

She said a clear definition will be provided, but the advice relates to gatherings that potentially have an impact on emergency services.

The press conference was told she would not consider church services in that way, but football or rugby matches - due to their size and need for dedicated ambulance services - should be reconsidered.

Ms Sturgeon said:

"Progressively, the next few weeks are going to have services under acute pressure. I feel an obligation to remove as many unnecessary burdens as I can. "These are not easy judgments, they are difficult and complex judgments. That's why they've got to be kept under review, informed by the best science."

03:48PM Nicola Sturgeon reveals Cobra meeting details hour early

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has revealed key points from today's Cobra meeting during a press conference at the Scottish Government headquarters in Edinburgh.

The statements come an hour early. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was due to reveal the guidance at a Downing Street press conference later today.

Ms Sturgeon said the UK has moved from the contain phase into the delay phase, where the objective is to slow down the spread of coronavirus and reduce numbers infected at the peak.

She added that schools will not be closed, but overseas school trips should be cancelled.

Ms Sturgeon said:

"Closing schools has a very direct effect on the ability to keep key workers at work. There is also a view that closing schools will lead to children gathering in more informal settings. "If it gets to the stage where the advice is to close schools, this is not something that would be for a week or two weeks. This would be something that was advised to last throughout the peak of this infection, and that is potentially until the summer period."

Another key focus will be to protect those groups in society that early data suggests is more at risk, she said. From Friday, anyone with symptoms indicative of coronavirus should self-isolate for seven days.

03:43PM Prime Minister to hold coronavirus press conference

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold a press conference at 4.30pm today in Downing Street after the Cobra meeting on coronavirus.

We will keep you posted with live updates here and on our politics live blog.

03:40PM LSE moves classes and summer exams online

London School of Economics and Political Science is switching to online classes only from 23 March, and all summer term exams will be replaced with online assessments, the university has said.

03:36PM Trump says didn't notify EU on ban because 'it takes time'

US President Donald Trump defended his decision to announce a suspension on arrivals from the EU without informing European governments, telling reporters Thursday there wasn't enough time.

His remarks came after the presidents of the European Commission and European Council reacted with anger to the suspension Trump announced "unilaterally and without consultation" on Wednesday.

"I didn't want to take time," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about the criticism. "It takes time... We had to move quickly."

"When they raise taxes on us... they haven't consulted with us," he added.

The president conceded that the 30-day suspension targeting European countries in the EU Schengen visa-free area would have "a big impact" on the economy.

03:32PM The Royal Family 'Keep Calm and Carry On'

As the threat of coronavirus sweeps across the UK, the Royal Family embrace the typically British 'Keep Calm and Carry On' approach.

The Queen, Prince Charles, the Cambridges and the Sussexes have all continued to fulfill their duties despite the pandemic.

03:29PM Philippine president imposes travel limits and quarantines

The Philippine president announced Thursday that domestic travel to and from metropolitan Manila will be suspended for a month and authorized sweeping quarantines in the crowded capital to fight the new coronavirus.

President Rodrigo Duterte also banned large gatherings in the metropolis, suspended most government work and extended the suspension of classes by a month in new restrictions announced in a nationwide TV address. Domestic travel by land, air and sea to the metropolis will be suspended starting Sunday.

With police and military generals sitting behind him, Duterte warned that violators and officials who refuse to enforce the temporary restrictions will face arrest and possible imprisonment.

"This is not martial law. It's not even something extraordinary," Duterte said, stressing that the restrictions are only aimed at fighting the virus. But he warned that "if things deteriorate, the military and police will maintain order."

Health officials have confirmed 52 cases of the virus, and two people, a Chinese and a Filipino, have died.

03:24PM German foreign minister condemns Trump travel ban

Heiko Maas, Germany's foreign minister, has commented on President Trump's travel ban.

Mr Maas said neither Europeans or Americans will be able to "cope" with the sweeping measures, reports Jörg Luyken from Berlin.

Mr Maas said: "The hint made during the announcement that the ban was the result of failures made in Europe, indicates that less than objective reasons played a roll in the decision.

"We won't cope with this, neither us nor the Americans, if decisions are made which are flavoured with blame. We need international cooperation now more than ever."

03:18PM Three more Oxford students test positive

Three more students at the University of Oxford have been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

In a statement, the university said:

"All three are in self-isolation and are being provided with all necessary support and medical advice. This brings the total number of confirmed cases at the university to five students. "Our priority is providing support for affected students and their families, as well as offering support and information to other university staff, students, visitors and the local community. "(Public Health England) is currently assessing the most-recently diagnosed individuals and contacting those who had close contact with them. "All close contacts will be issued with health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed cases. PHE will also be advising the university on any necessary next steps. "The university continues to monitor the coronavirus situation and will adjust its response as necessary. Contingency planning is under way and as a result some upcoming events are being cancelled for a range of reasons."

03:11PM Trump: UK excluded from travel ban because of strong response

President Trump has said he excluded the UK from his sweeping Europe travel ban because the UK is doing a "good job" on the coronavirus.

03:09PM Wales: Six more test positive

A further six people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Wales, bringing the total of cases in the country to 25, Public Health Wales says.

03:09PM Czech Republic steps up response

The Czech Republic on Thursday declared a 30-day state of emergency and closed its borders to people from 15 "risk countries" to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The government also banned its citizens from entering the so-called risk zones, which include France, Germany and Britain. Gatherings of more than 30 people were also barred in the country, which has so far confirmed 96 cases and no deaths.

"We are also banning theatre, music, film and other performances, sports, cultural, religious, community, dancing, traditional events and other meetings," Prime Minister Andrej Babis said.

Restaurants will shutter from between 7pm GMT and 5am GMT and all gyms, swimming pools, clubs and libraries will also be closed to the public. Schools, theatres, cinemas and galleries have already been closed across the Czech Republic.

The state of emergency will be in effect from 1pm GMT on Thursday, while the ban on events takes effect on Friday morning.

In announcing the new sweeping measures, the prime minister listed the "risk countries" as China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Spain, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, Denmark, and France.

03:02PM Pentagon public tours cancelled

All public tours of the Pentagon have been cancelled, the US Department of Defense press office has said.

Alyssa Farah released a tweet saying: "As of this morning, all public Pentagon tours are canceled until further notice.

"We regret the inconvenience to our more than 2,000 visitors a week, but our key priorities are the health of our people & ensuring our ability to continue executing vital national security missions."

02:55PM BBC could scale back output

The BBC could be forced to scale back its output if the public broadcaster is hit by the virus.

BBC director general Tony Hall has told MPs there is a chance some services could be "out of action" for periods if their newsrooms suffered an outbreak of the coronavirus.

Lord Hall said the BBC is "intent on keeping absolutely everything open", but they "could imagine a local station or some other part of our news operation being out of action for a period".

02:53PM How has Trump's coronavirus position changed?

As news of the mystery coronavirus in China broke, Donald Trump was quick to react implementing a travel ban on arrivals from China.

The US President was criticised for downplaying the threat of Covid-19 following which he announced a travel ban from Europe and financial measures in Congress - watch the video below to see how his position has changed.

02:50PM Dutch ban big public events

The Netherlands on Thursday banned events of more than 100 people in response to the coronavirus epidemic and told people with respiratory symptoms to stay home.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte said people who could work at home should do so and companies should rotate staff to reduce a further spread of infections.

The government also said schools would remain open. The measures will remain in place at least until March 31.

02:47PM UK increase is largest since outbreak began

Today's rise in confirmed cases in the UK from 456 to 590 is the largest day-on-day increase since the outbreak began.

It is a jump of 134, which is 29 per cent up on the equivalent figure for Wednesday. It is also the first time the day-on-day increase has been in three figures.

One week ago, on March 5, the total number of cases stood at 115. Today's total of 590 is more than five times greater than the equivalent figure one week ago.

02:43PM Bring your own hazmat?

Shows on New York's Broadway are offering low cost tickets - but only if you wear hazmat suit.

02:31PM Stormont ministers to meet in Belfast

Stormont ministers will meet in Belfast later to discuss the coronavirus crisis.

First Minister Arlene Foster, Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill, health minister Robin Swann and chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride are all anticipated to be involved in the discussions.

It comes after the ministers dialled into a Cobra meeting in London, and as schools, colleges and childcare facilities prepare to close for two weeks in the Irish Republic.

02:23PM BREAKING: 590 people test positive for coronavirus in UK

As of 9am 12 March 2020, 590 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in UK, an increase of 134 compared to 2pm yesterday.

A total of 29,764 people have been tested. with 29,174 of these negative.

02:20PM Two patients die at hospitals in London area

Two more patients have died in the UK after testing positive for the coronavirus.

One 89-year-old patient died at Charing Cross Hospital, while a woman in her sixties died at Queen's hospital in Romford.

A spokesperson for Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust said:

“We can confirm that, sadly, an 89-year-old patient who was very unwell with underlying health conditions has passed away at Charing Cross Hospital. “The patient had tested positive for coronavirus. Our thoughts and condolences are with the patient’s family.”

Tony Chambers, Interim Chief Executive, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust said:

“We can confirm that a patient, who was in her sixties, and who tested positive for COVID-19 has sadly died at Queen's hospital. She had been very unwell with significant other health conditions. “Our thoughts and condolences are with the patient’s family at what is undoubtedly a very distressing time. “We ask that the family’s privacy is respected”.

02:16PM BREAKING: Two more UK deaths

Two more deaths have been reported in the UK

02:11PM Leicester players showing signs of the coronavirus

A number of players at Leicester City F.C. have shown symptoms, it is reported.

02:11PM Finland recommends ban on meetings of more than 500

Finland is recommending cancelling public meetings of more than 500 people until the end of May due to the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Thursday, as the government prepares for the possibility of a third of Finns becoming ill.

Under Finnish legislation, Marin said the government was not able to ban all public meetings unless emergency powers were activated, meaning local authorities are in change of enforcing the recommendation.

The announcement came after country confirmed cases had jumped by 50 in a day to a total of 109, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare said, and after the Foreign Ministry recommended citizens avoid travelling anywhere in the world now.

02:09PM Three more test positive in Leicestershire

Leicestershire County Council has said three more people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the county - bringing the total up to five.

Public Health England is contacting people who may have had close contact with the new cases - all three of which are family members of a previously confirmed case, the council added.

Mike Sandys, director of public health for the council, said: "It's important to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low.

"We are working closely with colleagues in health to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Leicestershire are protected."

02:08PM Scottish cases almost double

Scotland says the number of coronavirus cases have almost doubled to 60 from 36 day before.

02:00PM BREAKING: Czech Republic bans travellers from 15 countries

The Czech Republic has banned travellers from 15 countries, including France, Germany, UK.

01:49PM FTSE plunges 9pc on worst day since financial crisis

Losses are only getting worse on the FTSE 100. The blue-chip index is now down 9pc, heading for a new worst day since the financial crisis – or even longer than that if current falls continue.

Meanwhile, the European Central Bank held interest rates, but announced a range of measures aimed at improving liquidity and supporting businesses.

Wall Street trading has been frozen after shares plunged 7pc shortly after the open.

For live updates, follow our business blog here.

01:46PM Health Secretary Matt Hancock arrives for Cobra meeting

Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Home Secretary Priti Patel have arrived for the Cobra meeting, driving in through an entrance at Downing Street.

Also arriving for the meeting were Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.

Matt Hancock arrives in Downing Street credit: AP

Mr Williamson did not respond to questions about closing schools following news that Ireland will shut schools across the country from 6pm this evening until March 29.

Mr Shapps reiterated that the government would continue to follow the "scientific advice," after the announcement that the US is suspending all travel from countries in continental Europe.

01:41PM Czech government declares state of emergency

The government of the Czech Republic has declared a state of emergency due to the spread of the coronavirus.

01:38PM Irish Defence Forces suspend non-essential activities

The Irish Defence Forces have suspended all non-essential activities.

In a statement, they said all personnel have been notified of the "impending change to our force posture".

"Our focus now is to maximise our preparedness to respond to requests for assistance from the Civil Authorities," the statement reads.

"Protecting our personnel is our priority and is key to maintaining our capability to provide support to communities and civil authorities, when requested."

01:33PM Cobra meeting begins

The Prime Minister is holding an emergency Cobra meeting where ministers are expected to agree to move into the "delay" stage of the process.

Moving to delay would mean social distancing measures could be brought in, such as restricting public gatherings and issuing more widespread advice to stay at home.

Downing Street said it was taking a UK-wide approach, indicating that Northern Ireland would not be following the steps taken in Ireland.

01:29PM Today in pictures

Here is how the crisis is playing out worldwide.

A cyclist pedals by the deserted Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's oldest active shopping mall, in downtown Milan credit: AP

A bus is disinfected with ultraviolet rays in Shanghai credit: AFP

A few inmates are seen wearing face masks to protect against COVID-19 inside Manila City Jail credit: Getty Images AsiaPac

Secretary of State of Health Matt Hancock arrives for a meeting to address the government's response to the coronavirus outbreak credit: REUTERS

In Seattle Judie Shape, center, who has tested positive for the coronavirus, has visitors credit: AP

01:20PM Live music industry thrown into chaos

Cancellations and uncertainty have left Britain's thriving live music scene fighting for survival.

“Catastrophic” and “absolutely horrific” are just some of the words insiders use to describe the potential impact of the pandemic on the UK’s live concert scene.

What comes next? Read more here.

01:14PM Bristol University student tests positive

A student at the University of Bristol has tested positive for the coronavirus, the university has said.

Professor Sarah Purdy, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience at the University of Bristol, said: "Public Health England has confirmed that a student from the University of Bristol has tested positive for Covid-19 coronavirus after returning to Bristol from abroad.

"The student followed Public Health England (PHE) advice and self-isolated in private accommodation before they displayed symptoms.

"PHE has advised us that they will trace anyone who was in contact with the student after they experienced symptoms to ensure they are offered appropriate advice. "

01:10PM Coronavirus-hit Princess cruise operator suspends global operations

Princess Cruises, the operator of two coronavirus-stricken ships, said on Thursday it would suspend global operations of its 18 cruise ships for two months, sending shares of its parent company Carnival Corp down 22 per cent in premarket trading.

The Grand Princess was denied entry to San Francisco Bay last Wednesday en route back from Hawaii as authorities learned some passengers and crew had developed flu-like symptoms, and that patrons from an earlier cruise to Mexico aboard the same ship had tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Diamond Princess cruise ship, which at one point had the highest number of infections outside China, was quarantined off the coast of Japan for the disease in February. Of those on board about 700 people became infected, and six have died.

The cruise line said the suspension was out of an abundance of caution.

"It is our intention to reassure our loyal guests, team members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all who sail with us," said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises.

01:04PM Situation in Spain escalates

The coronavirus outbreak in Spain is escalating, reports James Badcock in Madrid.

Compared to Wednesday at midday, cases of Covid-19 infection across Spain have risen by 50 per cent, from 2,002 to 2,968. The death toll now stands at 84, a sharp rise from 47 at midday on Wednesday.

Madrid, by far the worst-affected Spanish region, had reached 1,388 cases by midday today, with 38 people having died of coronavirus infection. This compares to respective figures of 1,024 and 31 on Wednesday.

Spain is heading towards a national shutdown of schools and universities, as the Basque Country, Catalonia and Galicia all announce generalised closures, adding to Madrid and La Rioja, which have already closed the doors on all places of learning.

Spain’s king and queen have been tested for Covid-19, with the results not yet released. Queen Letizia was at an event with Equality Minister Irene Montero, who has been infected with the virus, last Friday.

12:57PM Lunchtime summary

To call this morning hectic is an understatement. But if you're just joining us, here's a run through of what you need to know:

Ireland will close all schools, colleges and childcare facilities, encourage people to work from home and ban indoor gatherings of more than 100 people to try and contain the coronavirus. Norway has also said it will close all schools.

will close all schools, colleges and childcare facilities, encourage people to work from home and ban indoor gatherings of more than 100 people to try and contain the coronavirus. has also said it will close all schools. The UK's CMO's have publiushed a letter warning doctors they will have to make significant changes to the way they work if the coronavirus "becomes an established significant epidemic in the UK".

they will have to make significant changes to the way they work if the coronavirus "becomes an established significant epidemic in the UK". Reaction is rolling in to Trump's European travel ban - experts suggest it will have a limited impact on stopping transmission, EU politicians accused him of making them a "scapegoat" for the US outbreak and the markets have tumbled. Rishi Sunak , has also waded in - he said on the radio this morning that Trump was wrong to close the borders.

- experts suggest it will have a limited impact on stopping transmission, EU politicians accused him of making them a "scapegoat" for the US outbreak and the markets have tumbled. , has also waded in - he said on the radio this morning that Trump was wrong to close the borders. Also in the US - New York has cancelled the St Patrick Day parade, Washington state has banned gatherings of more than 250 people and the White House has suspended tours for the public.

has cancelled the St Patrick Day parade, has banned gatherings of more than 250 people and the has suspended tours for the public. In Scotland , Nicola Sturgeon said there was a "big question mark" over large events as they tie up resources from emergency services that are needed elsewhere.

, Nicola Sturgeon said there was a "big question mark" over large events as they tie up resources from emergency services that are needed elsewhere. After declaring a pandemic yesterday the WHO's chief has insisted that countries must not give up and the outbreak is "controllable".

has insisted that countries must not give up and the outbreak is "controllable". Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have been hospitalised with the coronavirus in Australia.

and his wife Rita Wilson have been hospitalised with the coronavirus in Australia. Lewis Hamilton said it is "shocking" that the Australian Grand Prix is going ahead, while McLaren have announced they are withdrawing from the race after a team member tested positive.

said it is "shocking" that the Australian Grand Prix is going ahead, while McLaren have announced they are withdrawing from the race after a team member tested positive. Also in Sport, Spain's La Liga has been suspended.

has been suspended. Austria, Poland and Greece have reported their first deaths. In Greece the Olympic torch was also lit behind closed doors.

was also lit behind closed doors. Tour operator Viking cruises have suspended all cruises until the end of April.

have suspended all cruises until the end of April. China has taken several people into custody as part of their investigation into the how hotel that was being used as a quarantine facility collapsed - 29 people died.

has taken several people into custody as part of their investigation into the how hotel that was being used as a quarantine facility collapsed - 29 people died. But let's end on some good news: new cases in Hubei, where the outbreak started, are down to single digits for the first time.

12:54PM China declares peak of virus in country has passed

The global coronavirus pandemic could be over by June if countries mobilise to fight it, a senior Chinese medical adviser said on Thursday, as China declared the peak had passed there and new cases in Hubei fell to single digits for the first time.

Around two-thirds of global cases of the coronavirus have been recorded in China's central Hubei province, where the virus first emerged in December. But in recent weeks the vast majority of new cases have been outside China.

Chinese authorities credit strict measures they have taken, including placing Hubei under near total lockdown, with preventing big outbreaks in other cities, and say other countries should learn from their efforts.

"Broadly speaking, the peak of the epidemic has passed for China," said Mi Feng, a spokesman for the National Health Commission. "The increase of new cases is falling."

Zhong Nanshan, the Chinese government's senior medical adviser, said: "My advice is calling for all countries to follow WHO instructions and intervene on a national scale. If all countries could get mobilised, it could be over by June."

12:49PM How would the UK cope with mass school closures?

As the UK braces itself for mass school closures to battle the coronavirus, we look at what impact it could have for pupils and teachers.

Education expert Murray Morrison, founder of Tassomai, says a closure over exam season would be disastrous - but insists that many schools are prepared for some level of home learning.

12:42PM Iran asks IMF for emergency funding

Iran has asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for emergency funding to help it fight the coronavirus outbreak that has hit the Islamic Republic hard, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Thursday.

The escalating outbreak in Iran - the worst-affected country in the Middle East - has killed 429 people and infected 10,075. The outbreak has damaged Iranian businesses and is bound to hit its non-oil exports after many neighbouring countries and trade partners shut their borders.

The IMF managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, "has stated that countries affected by #COVID19 (coronavirus) will be supported via Rapid Financial Instrument. Our Central Bank requested access to this facility immediately", Zarif said in a tweet.

Iranian Central Bank chief Abdolnaser Hemmati wrote on his Instagram page that "in a letter addressed to the head of IMF, I have requested five billion US dollars from the RFI emergency fund to help our fight against the coronavirus".

12:37PM Spain death toll increases to 84

Spain's deathtoll from the coronavirus has risen to 84 on Thursday from 47 on Wednesday, the health ministry said.

The ministry reported the number of cases rose to 2,968 up from 2,140 on Wednesday.

12:36PM London mayoral election in May expected to go ahead

Sadiq Khan said he had been assured there was "no logical reason" why the Covid-19 outbreak should lead to the cancellation of the London mayoral election in May.

And, in contrast to his Independent rival Rory Stewart, the Labour London mayor backed the Prime Minister over his decision not to issue firmer social clampdowns, such as shutting schools, to prevent spread of the deadly virus.

Mr Khan, speaking on LBC radio, said the chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty had briefed him to advise that the May 7 election would likely be able to take place.

"One of the questions I asked the chief medical officer was, is this election still going to take place?" said Mr Khan, who is vying for a second term at City Hall. His advice was quite clear. He said there is no logical reason to postpone or cancel the elections."

Prof Whitty, according to Mr Khan, has recommended concerned voters switch to a postal vote and suggested ballot box pencils be washed regularly to ensure polling station voting can commence.

12:30PM Government backs plan to stop spread of fake news

The UK government has announced an initiative to combat the spread of fake news about the coronavirus in Africa and South East Asia.

False claims and conspiracy theories have spread rapidly on social media, touting ‘cures’ like drinking bleach or rubbing mustard and garlic into your skin.

These pose a serious risk to health and can speed up the spread of the virus, by stopping people taking simple practical, preventative steps like washing their hands, the Department for International Development said.

The international development secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said: “Misinformation harms us all. By tackling it at source we will help stop the spread of fake news – and coronavirus – worldwide, including within the UK.”

12:26PM White House suspends tours

The White House has temporarily suspended public tours due to the coronavirus.

12:22PM Poland confirms first death

Poland has recorded its first death from the coronavirus outbreak in the western city of Poznan, its deputy mayor said Thursday.

The 57-year-old female teacher, who had recently been hospitalised in critical condition with pneumonia, was put into an artificial coma and on a ventilator but "unfortunately she died not long ago," Poznan deputy mayor Jedrzej Solarski told reporters.

Poland currently has 46 other confirmed cases of the coronavirus, according to the health ministry.

The woman's husband and daughter are among those hospitalised with the coronavirus but their conditions are not critical. Other family members, including the woman's two sons, have not been infected.

12:19PM The Who cancel UK rock tour

The Who have cancelled their UK tour due to the coronavirus, just four days before they were due to take to the stage in Manchester.

The group, famous for tracks like "My Generation" and "Substitute", said the three-week tour would go ahead later in the year.

"Haven't reached this decision easily, but given the concerns about public gatherings, we couldn’t go ahead," guitarist and singer Pete Townshend said in a statement on Thursday.

12:18PM BREAKING: Scottish Government likely to ban gatherings of 500 or more

Nicola Sturgeon has just told First Minister's Questions that the Scottish Government is likely to advise that from next week mass gatherings of 500 or more people should be cancelled

12:17PM McLaren withdraws from Australian GP after member tests positive

The McLaren Racing team has withdrawn from this weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix after a team member tested positive for coronavirus, the team said on Friday.

The positive test at McLaren follows four crew members of fellow Formula One team Haas being quarantined due to the outbreak.

"The team member was tested and self-isolated as soon as they started to show symptoms and will now be treated by local healthcare authorities," McLaren said in a statement. "The team has prepared for this eventuality and has ongoing support in place for its employee who will now enter a period of quarantine. The team is cooperating with the relevant local authorities to assist their investigations and analysis."

Both Haas and McLaren are Britain-based teams. Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton said it was "shocking" that the Australian Grand Prix could go ahead amid the threat of the coronavirus and suggested organisers had put financial concerns ahead of people's health.

Thousands of fans poured into Albert Park on Thursday as race-week kicked off with practice and qualifying for lower-profile motor sport circuits.

The Chinese Grand Prix, which was scheduled for April, has been postponed while the Bahrain GP, the second stop in the F1 calendar, has banned fans from attending the March 22 race.

12:14PM Russia’s parliament orders lawmaker to be quarantined

Russia’s parliament has ordered a lawmaker to be quarantined after he ignored government recommendations to self-isolate and attended a session featuring President Vladimir Putin, reports out Moscow correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva.

Sergei Katasonov, a lawmaker from the Liberal Democratic Party, returned from holiday in France over the weekend and ignored the official recommendations aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, the party leader, said on Thursday. Anyone arriving from France, China, South Korea, Iran, Italy and several other countries receive government guidelines ordering them to self-isolate for two weeks. Mr Katasonov was at the chamber on Tuesday when Mr Putin visited the Duma to endorse a proposal to let him run for presidency again in contravention of the current legislation. Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin on Thursday ordered to cancel the building pass for Mr Katasanov who had finally agreed to stay at home. “We need to respect the law and regulations, and we need to start from ourselves,” Mr Volodin said.

12:09PM Teesside primary school shuts over coronavirus fears

A primary school has closed its doors following the coronavirus outbreak.

The Oak Tree Academy, in Stockton , has shut after taking advice from Public Health England, on Thursday. The school, on Newham Grange Avenue, sent a text out to parents at around 10am asking them to collect their children from school as soon as possible.

The text read: "Following advice from Public Health we are closing the school today as a precautionary measure.

"Please collect your child as soon as possible. Both gates are open. We will be in contact later today. Thank you for your support and understanding.

"Please do not ring the school unless it is an emergency. We are very busy, but both gates are open and you need to collect your child ASAP."

The closure comes a day after the first cases of the coronavirus were confirmed on Teesside by health officials. Two people from Stockton are being treated for the illness, say Public Health England.

12:03PM Paris Saint-Germain fans gather outside stadium

Paris Saint-Germain fans gathered in their thousands outside the club's stadium to celebrate their victory over Dortmund.

The match was held behind closed doors to avoid the further spread of the coronavirus, but that did not deter these fans from gathering to celebrate.

11:57AM Norway to close all schools

Norway will announce the closure of all kindergartens and schools to curb the spread of the coronavirus, following a similar step by neighbouring Denmark, news agency NTB reported on Thursday.

Prime Minister Erna Solberg is due to hold a news conference at 1pm GMT.

11:55AM Where do British travellers face restrictions?

Here are the temporary measures British travellers need to be aware of:

Italy: All tourist arrivals banned until at least April 4. British nationals already inside Italy are allowed to return to the UK. Those who do return from Italy are advised to self-isolate on arrival back in the UK, even if they do not have symptoms.

Iran: The FCO warns against all but essential travel to the majority of Iran, and against all travel to its eastern and western borders. It is also advising anyone who has returned from Iran in the last 14 days to stay indoors and avoid contact with other people, even if no symptoms are present.

Bhutan: On March 6, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan announced it was closing its borders to all tourists for at least 14 days.

Vietnam: Its visa-waiver programme for British and other European nationals will be suspended from March 12. Anyone who has visited China, Iran, Italy or Daegu city and Gyeongsangbuk province in South Korea in the previous 14 days will be refused entry.

China: The FCO advises against all travel to the province of Hubei, the capital of which is Wuhan, where the illness originated. All those able to leave China are advised to do so.

South Korea: The FCO advises against all travel to the cities of Daegu, Cheongdo and Gyeongsan.

The Maldives: Four islands in the popular honeymoon destination are now off-limits.

India: The north-eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Sikkim have banned entry of foreign nationals with effect from March 8.

Israel: All arrivals entering Israel from overseas must now undertake home quarantine measures for 14 days.

Saudi Arabia: Authorities have temporarily suspended travel to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina for the purposes of pilgrimage until further notice.

For more in depth information, read our analysis here.

11:45AM Flame for 2020 Tokyo Olympics lit in Greece amid lockdown

The Olympic flame for the 2020 Tokyo Games was lit in ancient Olympia on Thursday amid an unprecedented health lockdown as Greece registered its first death from the coronavirus.

With spectators banned, an actress dressed as an ancient Greek high priestess lit the flame using the rays of the sun reflected off a concave mirror, launching a week-long torch relay in Greece before the flame is handed to Tokyo organisers on March 19.

Japan last hosted the summer Olympics - also in Tokyo - in 1964. Now it seeks to use the 2020 Olympics to show the world it has regained its creative flair and innovative energy, but also as a means to highlight reconstruction following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Fukushima.

"Japan will demonstrate its groundbreaking innovation and boundless creative energy with regards to sustainability, technology and human-centred growth," Bach said.

"The Olympic Games... will again be a symbol of hope and confidence for all Japanese people."

But with the coronavirus causing devastation in world sport, doubts are increasingly being raised over whether the Olympics can be held as scheduled from July 24 to August 9.

Organisers have insisted the Games will go ahead as planned and the IOC has said there has not yet been any talk of cancellation or postponement.

The IOC has said it will coordinate closely with the World Health Organization, which has now officially classified the outbreak as a pandemic.

11:40AM Trump travel ban 'irresponsible scapegoating', says EU leaders

Donald Trump was accused of playing politics with the Coronavirus outbreak yesterday after he restricted travel from the EU’s borderless Schengen zone, but exempted the UK, our Europe Editor Peter Foster reports.

As Europe awoke to the overnight news from Washington, some EU political leaders reacted with fury to the decision which was described as “irresponsible” and “scapegoating”.

The Finnish prime minister Alexander Stubb was among the first to react, taking to Mr Trump’s favourite social media outlet to express his dismay at the selective decision.

Read more about their reactions here.

11:37AM Pence: Thousands more US cases expected

Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday said thousands more coronavirus cases are expected in the United States, and officials are seeking to ramp up testing.

He gave no details on how such screening would be expanded.

Pence, in an interview on NBC's "Today" program, said commercial laboratories including Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp) and Quest Diagnostics Inc would be key in expanding testing in all 50 US states.

11:34AM India bans tourists

India has barred the entry of all foreign tourists for one month, starting tomorrow, in a bid to contain the coronavirus.

11:31AM Republic of Ireland announces nationwide shut down

The Republic of Ireland will close all schools, colleges and childcare facilities in an attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus, Leo Varadkar has announced.

Teaching will be done online or remotely, and state-run "cultural institutions" will close.

Anyone entering Ireland will be informed of the measures and asked to self-isolate if they are displaying symptoms, the Irish premier added. Working from home will be encouraged but where people do congregate in offices break times should be "staggered".

Meetings should be done remotely but restaurants, cafes and other businesses can stay open.

Indoor gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor meetings of more than 500 will be cancelled.

In a press conference in Washington on Thursday morning, Mr Varadkar said: "People should seek to reduce social interactions as much as possible."

Mr Varadkar is visiting Washington to mark St Patrick's Day.

11:28AM BREAKING: Ireland announces school closures

Ireland has announced school closures.

11:24AM Spain's La Liga suspended

Spain's La Liga has announced that "at least" the next two rounds of matches due to be played over the next two weekends are suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak. The matches were already due to be played behind closed doors.

11:19AM 'Stay at home', Iranians warned, as cases surpasses 10,000

Iran has reported 75 new deaths from the coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said, bringing the death toll to 429 in the worst-hit country in the Middle East.

"We have identified 1,075 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, meaning that there are 10,075 infected people in the country. The death toll is 429," Health Ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said, according to Reuters.

The outbreak has infected a host of senior officials, politicians, clerics and members of the elite Revolutionary Guards in Iran, the fourth worst-affected nation after China, South Korea and Italy.

At least seven officials and politicians have died since Feb. 19, when Iran announced first infections and two deaths from the virus.

Iran's clerical rulers have been struggling to contain the spread of the virus, despite the closure of schools and universities and the suspension of religious, cultural and sports events across the country.

Iranian officials have repeatedly urged people to avoid unnecessary trips and stay at home.

"Stay at home. Don't go shopping. You are making our job more difficult by ignoring the advice," Health Minister Saeed Namaki told Iranians on a live programme.

11:07AM Deep clean relics and bring your own communion cups, says Russia's Orthodox Church

Russia’s Orthodox Church is urging believers to be vigilant in the face of the spreading coronavirus, Nataliya Vasilyeva reports from Moscow.

The Church’s Holy Synod in a statement late on Wednesday warned against a “light-hearted attitude” to coronavirus and called on Russians to follow medical advice and take the necessary precautions such as using disinfectants and washing hands at all times.

The Church’s main administrative body called on its parishes to start cleaning icons with disinfectant to prevent the spread of the virus and encouraged believers to bring their own cups for communion.

The Church issued the statement just two days after the relics of John the Baptist were flown in from Israel to St. Petersburg, attracting crowds of believers.

At least 6,000 people have already gone to pray at the relics currently on display at the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city where nearly 130 people are in hospital with suspected coronavirus waiting for test results.

Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg credit: Peter Kovalev/TASS

11:00AM Deliveroo launches contactless drop-offs

Sky has reported that Deliveroo are launching a "no contact drop-off service" in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The company said in a statement:

"Customers have always had access to restaurant hygiene ratings on the Deliveroo app, but now we're going one step further. "As well as providing restaurants with additional packaging and stickers to sea the delivery bags, we're also launching a no-contact drop-off service which will mean you can request in the app that your rider leaves the food on your doorstep - removing the need for direct contact for both parties."

10:52AM Dr Tedros: 'We have to double down'

The director general of the World Health Organization has urged countries not to give up in the fight against the coronavirus, Anne Gulland reports.

The day after WHO finally described the outbreak as a pandemic (more on what that means here), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said countries had to carry on trying to contain the disease:

"Let me be clear: describing this as a pandemic does not mean that countries should give up. The idea that countries should shift from containment to mitigation is wrong and dangerous. On the contrary, we have to double down. "This is a controllable pandemic. Countries that decide to give up on fundamental public health measures may end up with a larger problem, and a heavier burden on the health system that requires more severe measures to control."

He added that there were still 77 countries and territories with no reported cases, and 55 countries and territories that had reported 10 cases or less.

"And all countries with cases have unaffected areas. You have an opportunity to keep it that way. Prepare your people and your health facilities."

10:47AM CMO: Doctors will need to be 'flexible'

The chief medical officers from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern have published a letter instructing doctors to adjust the way they work to tackle the coronavirus if it "becomes an established significant epidemic in the UK".

The letter warns that the health system could be put "under extreme pressure", especially if there are widespread staffing shortages, and says doctors and nurses will need to be "flexible" as a result.

"It may entail working in unfamiliar circumstances or surrounding, or working in clinical areas outside of their usual practice for the benefit of patients and the population as a whole. "This can be stressful and you may have concerns about both the professional practicalities and implications of working in such circumstances. "We need to stick to the basic principles of being a good doctor... "Clinicians may need to depart, possibly significantly, from established procedures in order to care for patients in the highly challenging time-bound circumstances of the peak of an epidemic."

Prof Chris Whitty, England's CMO, tweeted the entire letter - you can read it below:

10:38AM Spain minister tests positive

Equality Minister Irene Montero has tested positive for Covid-19, the Spanish government has announced.

All government members are undergoing tests, and Ms Montero’s husband, deputy PM and Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias is in quarantine. The couple have three very young children.

The announcement was made barely two hours before the government was to convene a special cabinet meeting to discuss an emergency plan of action to respond to the coronavirus crisis.

Although the meeting would go ahead, it would only include those ministers whose presence was essential, and all of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's upcoming appointments would be conducted by videoconference, the statement said.

The statement came as Spain struggles to handle a quadrupling of cases in three days, taking the number of infections above 2,000 and 48 dead, with Madrid the worst-hit area accounting for more than half of the cases.

10:36AM China: US is "immoral and irresponsible"

China is accusing the US of not doing enough to contain the outbreak, even after President Donald Trump announced an unprecedented (and controversial) ban on inbound Europe travel, Sophia Yan reports.

Beijing criticised US officials for being "immoral and irresponsible" after White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien accused China of a slow initial response, saying it had probably cost the world two months when other nations could have been preparing for the outbreak.

Geng Shuang, a spokesperson at China's foreign ministry, responded:

"We wish that a few officials in the US would at this time concentrate their energy on responding to the virus and promoting cooperation, and not on shifting the blame to China."

10:30AM Keeping the coronavirus out of space

Russian authorities are taking precautions not to let coronavirus spread all the way into space, Nataliya Vasilyeva reports from Moscow.

The next crew to the permanently manned International Space Station is due to launch next month, and space officials say that the astronauts will have to ditch long-standing pre-launch traditions in order to minimise the risk of catching coronavirus.

American Chris Cassidy and Russia’s Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner - who are due to blast off from the Russia-leased launchpad in Kazakhstan on 9 April - have been barred from leaving Star City outside Moscow where they’re wrapping their preparations for the mission, Pavel Vlasov, head of the Cosmonaut Training Centre, told the Interfax news agency on Thursday.

Ever since Yuri Gagarin’s maiden flight into space in 1961, the training and final preparations for going into space have added on a myriad of traditions both while the astronauts and cosmonauts are still in the Moscow region and over in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, immediately before the launch.

This time, the astronauts will not be allowed to go on a traditional walk near the Kremlin walls or visit the cottage of Sergey Korolyov, the father of the Soviet space programme.

The Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, just outside Moscow, has also cancelled all guided tours and ordered all of its employees returning from abroad to self-isolate for 14 days, Mr Vlasov said.

Astronauts are no strangers to self-isolation. They are put in quarantine for a week just before the flight to make sure they are fit for their mission and speak to reporters at their traditional pre-launch press conference behind glass.

10:26AM Viking cruises suspended

Luxury cruise operator Viking has suspended its cruises until the end of April over fears about the spread of coronaviurus.

Torstein Hagen, Viking's Norwegian billionaire chairman, issued a video message on Thursday morning informing customers that all cruises would be cancelled:

"Recently, an increasing number of ports including Venice, Monte Carlo, and even Bergen have been temporarily closed to cruise ships. "Some countries are imposing restrictions on public gatherings and visitors. "Viking has made the difficult but in our view absolutely necessary decision to suspend operations until May 1."

A Viking guest in South East Asia was recently exposed to COVID-19 and quarantined.

Guests with cancelled cruises will be issued with a cruise voucher or a refund, Mr Hagen said.

A Florida couple onboard the Grand Princess cruise ship, which saw 21 infections, have filed a $1m lawsuit against the boat’s operator, Princess Cruises, for failing to protect passengers

10:00AM Nicola Sturgeon: 'big question mark' over large events

There is a "big question mark" over whether large-scale events such as football matches should go ahead as Scotland tackles the coronavirus outbreak, the First Minister has said.

Nicola Sturgeon said she believes the time has come to move into the delay phase for battling the virus, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson set to sign off on such plans during an emergency Government meeting today. (More on that here from Laura Donnelly).

She said that while cancelling mass gatherings does not have a significant impact on reducing the spread of the virus, such events tie up resources which could be used elsewhere.

Ms Sturgeon told ITV's Good Morning Britain:

"Mass gatherings, football matches for example, they need to be policed, they need to have emergency medical ambulance cover. "We are going into a period where our emergency services, our NHS in particular, will be under significant challenge and significant pressure, we may see all of our workforces affected by high absentee rates because of sickness so there's a wider issue here about whether cancelling those kind of events is the right thing to do to reduce pressure on our front-line emergency workers. "From a wider resilience point of view, then I think there is a big question mark over whether large-scale events like that, whether it is sensible to allow them to proceed at the moment. "We're looking very carefully right now at whether large-scale events, whether it would be right and sensible given the situation we are facing right now to allow them to go ahead."

09:53AM 'I can't go to the hairdresser? But I made an appointment a week ago!'

In Italy, where a curfew exists because of the coronavirus, people have been coming up with some desperate excuses when stopped by the authorities, writes Erica Di Blasi in Turin.

Take this one, proffered by a woman in Turin. "Where am I going? To the hairdresser," she told police who stopped her car.

"Don't you know that you are breaking the law?" they asked her. "People need a good reason if they want to leave home - and going to the hairdresser is not one of them."

The woman did not back down. "I booked the appointment a week ago," she said by way of explanation. She was let off with a warning.

From today all businesses deemed non-essential are to close. Only stores deemed essential, such as groceries and pharmacies, will remain open. Hairdressers and beauticians will not, to the dismay of some Italians at least, count as essential.

Piazza Del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele are deserted, and shops and bars are closed during the Coronavirus emergency lockdown, in Milan credit: Andrea Fasani/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

09:46AM Lebanon to ban all UK travel on Sunday

Abbie Cheeseman has the latest from Beirut:

Lebanon will ban all travel to and from the UK as of Sunday, as well as 10 other countries that have had significant coronavirus outbreaks, Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced last night, giving Lebanese nationals and diplomats four days to return,

Air, land and sea travel from Italy, Iran, China and South Korea were all placed under an immediate ban that came into effect last night, while Mr Diab told reporters citizens in the UK, France, Egypt, Spain, Germany and Iraq are being given a four day grace period to return before all travel is halted.

Lebanon’s third death from coronavirus was confirmed this morning while the total number of infections rose to 68.

The 79-year-old had been suffering from cancer according to local media and had contracted the infection from the first patient who died of the virus on Tuesday, a 56-year-old who had travelled from Egypt to Lebanon.

A member of Lebanese security checks a visitor's temperature at the entrance of the governmental Serail in the southern city of Saida, on March 11 credit: Mahmoud ZAYYAT / AFP

The second death, which was registered just hours before the prime minister announced the lockdown on Wednesday, was a 56-year-old male who had contracted the virus from a foreign priest, Lebanon’s Daily Star reported.

Schools and universities have been closed since the beginning of the month while bars, nightclubs and exhibition centres had been forced to close over the weekend.

Just before Mr Diab’s speech restaurants and cafes were also told to close, sparking further economic concern amid the most severe economic crisis Lebanon has seen in decades.

Hospital workers at Rafik Hariri University Hospital, the main centre dealing with the virus, have declared an open-ended strike this morning in protest of poor working conditions and non-payment of their salaries.

09:37AM 'Travel bans have a poor record on preventing spread'

Experts are reacting to the news overnight that President Donald Trump has introduced an unprecedented travel ban on most EU countries.

Paul Hunter, Professor in Medicine at the University of East Anglia, said the ban will "do little if anything to reduce the burden of infection within the US".

“It is uncertain what the US intends to achieve with the recently announced travel ban to the Schengen area of Europe. Many of us have been pointing out since the COVID-19 epidemic began that travel bans have a poor record on preventing the spread of epidemic diseases. “At best travel bans only delay the spread of an epidemic by a short while. The paper published on the 6th March in Science by Chinazzi and colleagues from the US, China and Italy provided further evidence of this opinion and showed that the travel ban in China only delayed the spread internally by 3 to 5 days. Chinazzi also showed that international travel bans are only modestly effective at controlling international spread for a while. “Introducing an international travel ban at a time when the US is now one of the countries with the most rapidly accelerating internal transmission rates will do little if anything to reduce the burden of infection within the US.”

09:34AM Madrid considers a lockdown

The president of the Madrid region Isabel Diaz Ayuso has said that the Spanish government was considering locking down Madrid as a measure to stem the coronavirus spread in the country, where 2,277 cases have been confirmed.

"From what we have seen in the past hours, the possibility of closing down Madrid is under consideration," Diaz Ayuso said on Tele 5 local TV channel.

But yesterday the Spanish government denied that it had any plan for such a lockdown, Reuters has reported, so if it comes to pass an announcement would be a significant change in policy.

An empty metro entrance in Madrid, after the government shut schools and universities in the region on March 11 credit: Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images

09:27AM Edging closer to a 'nightmare scenario'?

The Financial Times has reported that there is a suspected coronavirus case in a camp for internally displaced people in northern Iraq.

For weeks, experts have been warning that the virus could spread like wildfire in crowded camps that are already overstretched.

On Tuesday the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, and Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, wrote in The Telegraph that migrants and refugees are particularly at risk during the outbreak:

"Migrants and refugees – regardless of their formal status – must be an integral part of national systems and plans for tackling the virus. Many of these women, men and children find themselves in places where health services are overstretched or inaccessible. "They may be confined to camps and settlements, or living in urban slums where overcrowding, and poorly-resourced sanitation, increases the risk of exposure."

Read the full article here.

09:21AM Iran asks IMF for $5 billion

Iran has asked the International Monetary Fund for emergency funding to help it fight the coronavirus outbreak, which has hit the Islamic Republic hard, Reuters has reported.

In a tweet Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that the IMF managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, "has stated that countries affected by #COVID19 will be supported via Rapid Financial Instrument.

"Our Central Bank requested access to this facility immediately," he added.

Iran's Central Bank chief, Abdolnaser Hemmati, added via Instagram: "In a letter addressed to the head of IMF, I have requested five billion U.S. dollar from the RFI emergency fund to help our fight against the coronavirus".

09:14AM The numbers

Taking a break from the constant news developments, here's a snapshot of the numbers this morning:

126,392 people have been infected with the virus worldwide and 4,639 people have died. As it stands, 68,288 people have recovered from the disease.

people have been infected with the virus worldwide and people have died. As it stands, people have recovered from the disease. In Italy , the worst hit country outside China, 12,464 people have been infected and 827 have died.

, the worst hit country outside China, 12,464 people have been infected and 827 have died. Iran has now reported 9,000 cases and 354 deaths, while South Korea has 7,869 cases and 66 deaths.

has now reported 9,000 cases and 354 deaths, while has 7,869 cases and 66 deaths. Elsewhere in Europe , France, Spain and Germany are hovering around the 2,000 mark while Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK have confirmed between 450 and 650 cases.

, France, Spain and Germany are hovering around the 2,000 mark while Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and the have confirmed between 450 and 650 cases. 1,312 people in the US have been diagnosed and there have been 38 fatalities so far.

Our interactive map has a full breakdown:

View more!

09:06AM Philippine President tested

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is being tested for Covid-19 and his top economic advisers are going into quarantine after a sudden spike in infections in the Southeast Asian nation, Nicola Smith reports.

The country’s central bank, finance department, Senate and Asian Development Bank all closed on Thursday for disinfecting, reported Bloomberg.

Although the president, who is 74 and in a vulnerable age group, has no symptoms of the virus, he opted to undergo the test as a precaution, Salvador Panelo, his spokesman confirmed on Thursday. He may have been in contact with officials who had a brush with carriers of the infection.

At least two senators will also go into isolation after a guest at a hearing on March 5 was confirmed to have the virus.

President Duterte is due to address the nation on Thursday night amid growing fears about the spread of the virus and news of a second death.

09:00AM From Russia with love

Russia has sent test kits for the novel coronavirus to countries including Iran, North Korea and ex-Soviet states.

The state health watchdog said in a statement that Moscow had sent 800 test kits to ex-Soviet states including Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, as well as to Iran, North Korea and Mongolia.
