Meanwhile, France is one of the latest European countries to close all schools, universities and nurseries. More than 125,000 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in 118 countries around the world, according to the World Health Organization. Ireland, Spain, France, the Philippines, Portugal and Bolivia were among the countries to announce school closures on Thursday. All school trips abroad were banned, however, and anyone with a cough or high temperature was advised to self-isolate for seven days. UK PM Boris Johnson said this was "the worst public health crisis for a generation" and warned many families they would "lose loved ones before their time".

Source: BBC March 12, 2020 22:38 UTC