A medical professional, supported by New York Army National Guard members, collects swabs to test for coronavirus disease
(Photo : Reuters/National Guard)


Coronavirus has taken the world by storm after China first confirmed its existence almost three months ago. COVID-19 has spread to more than 162 countries, infecting more than 182,555 people and killing 7,166. Territories across the globe are scrambling to contain and stop the spread of the virus.

Here are all the latest updates on coronavirus per nation.


North America


The United States of America

President Donald Trump has released new guidelines to slow the spread of coronavirus on Monday. The guidelines, which include the closing of schools and limiting mass gatherings of more than 10 people, will be in effect for the next 15 days.

The President also urged the public to avoid unnecessary contact with other people as well as non-essential traveling.

The new guidelines will be reviewed after 15 days.

Four patients have also received the first batch of coronavirus vaccine as part of the first human trials at the Kaiser Permanente research facility in Seattle.

Scientists, including the team from Moderna Therapeutics who were responsible for the vaccine, are fast-tracking the research.

Read More: 

- President Trump Announces Strict Guidelines to Combat COVID-19

- A Vaccine Against Coronavirus Is Being Tested On Humans For The First Time

- A Website That Allows You to Track COVID-19 in Real Time

Canada


Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the closing of Canada's borders on Monday. Non-Canadian citizens or permanent residents will not be allowed to enter the country in an attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus.

American citizens are exempted from the new measure.

Mexico

Hugo Lopez-Gatell, Mexico's Deputy Health Minister, has recommended the closing of borders to Americans in an interesting plot twist on Monday. In a news conference, Gatell said the stronger restrictions were to prevent citizens from the United States to spread the virus in Mexico.

The pandemic, however, was not enough to stop thousands of people from attending the Vive Latino which is considered one of the most important music festivals in the country.

Attendees had their temperatures checked and were observed for possible symptoms. Organizers also sprayed antibacterial gel into the air.

Well-known artists such as Guns 'n Roses were among the festival's performers.

Read More: 

- Plot Twist! Mexico Wants to Close the Border

- Mexico Holds Huge Music Festival Despite Coronavirus Concerns

Costa Rica

President Carlos Alvarado has declared the State of Emergency in the country following a rising number of coronavirus cases.

Costa Rica will be closing entry to foreigners and non-residents starting midnight on Wednesday. All citizens or residents who arrive in the country will be subject to a two-week quarantine.

The restrictions will be mandated until April 12.

Europe


France

French President Emmanuel Macron
(Photo : Reuters/Eric Gaillard)

French President Emmanuel Macron announced new restrictions on movement with will start on Tuesday and last for 15 days. He urged all citizens to stay inside their homes. Anyone who fails to adhere to the new restrictions may face punishment.

Germany

Angela Merkel

(Photo : Reuters/Pool)

Germany is the latest country to close its borders amid the coronavirus outbreak. Authorities have closed all borders connected with France, Austria, and Switzerland. The measure is expected to last for a month.

The borders will reportedly be open only for commercial purposes such as transportation of goods and people commuting for work.

The country has also closed all its schools and universities. Chancellor Angela Merkel also announced the closure of non-grocery, cultural, and entertainment venues. Large gatherings have been banned until further notice.

Italy

Medical personnel wearing protective face masks help patients inside the Spedali Civili hospital in Brescia, Italy

(Photo : Reuters)

Italian health officials and authorities continue to grapple with the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country. Infected patients often die alone as no visitors are allowed in the wards. Citizens are no longer allowed to leave their homes.

Medical physicians decide who will occupy empty beds based on age and pre-existing medical conditions, as well as family.

High numbers of cases have forced doctors to observe triage--- the process of choosing who has a greater chance of survival if given medical care.

Also Read: The Battle for Life Between Italy's Old and Young

Austria

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz

(Photo : Reuters/Pool)

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced restrictions on movement in public places. Authorities also placed a ban on gatherings involving a group of more than five people.

The government said citizens can only leave their homes for work or to buy necessary supplies.

Asia


South Korea

South Korean soldiers in protective gear make their way while they disinfect buildings downtown in Daegu, South Korea

(Photo : Reuters)

The country has reported 84 new coronavirus cases as well as 6 new deaths. South Korea has been reporting less than 100 new cases for the last three days.

Health officials said it was the result of aggressive testing where one out of every 200 citizens were asked to go through a screening policy to help slow the spread of the virus.

The South Korean government is now easing up on military restrictions as the number of COVID-19 cases drop.

Philippines

President Rodrigo Duterte announced stricter implementations of a community quarantine in a bid to contain coronavirus. Luzon, the country's most populous island which now has 142 confirmed cases, has been placed in a lockdown.

Military forces were tasked to guard the borders, as well as keeping people off the streets. All establishments except supermarkets, banks, outsourcing companies, and pharmacies will be closed.

All land, air and sea travel have also been suspended.

The restrictions will be in place until April 14.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong authorities have announced all visitors coming into the country will be placed under quarantine. The new rule will be implemented starting midnight on March 19.

The local government also urged Hong Kong citizens to avoid all non-essential travel.

India

The culture ministry of India has decided to shut down the iconic monument Taj Mahal which sees thousands of visitors every day.

Several other monuments and museums will be shut down until March 31. The ministry will review the decision after the shutdown period to see if the heritage sites are safe to open once again.