The European Union sealed its borders on Wednesday, barring travellers from outside the bloc for 30 days to try to slow the rapid spread of the virus. Europe has now recorded 3,437 deaths - including 2,503 in Italy - leapfrogging Asia's 3,384 fatalities, according to an AFP tally. There are more than 79,000 cases across Europe, with Italy, Spain and France leading infections and fatalities. EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen told Germany's Bild newspaper that politicians had initially underestimated the virus threat. Australia's government urged citizens to not travel abroad and banned gatherings of more than 100 people as cases topped 500.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 18, 2020 15:56 UTC