March 16, 2020
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has sickened at least 153,517 people and killed 5,735, according to the latest World Health Organization data release 15 March 2020. The total number of cases of infection is believed to be higher than what has been reported due to limited testing.
Countries around the world have restricted travel and are urging citizens to avoid crowds which could spread the virus. The Grasswire team is bringing together information from around the world highlighting how governments and private organizations are reacting to the disease.
Verified government information sources
- World Health Organization and daily Situation Reports
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Coronavirus testing
Limiting the spread of viruses and diseases
Virgin Atlantic announced in a statement that the airline will reduce its schedule by “approximately 80 percent” per day by March 26, resulting in approximately 75% of the company's fleet being parked. That number could rise to 85% at certain points in April. Staff will be asked to take eight weeks of unpaid leave over the next three months with the cost spread over six months to “drastically reduce costs without job losses.”
HSE official advice on anti-inflammatory medication pic.twitter.com/z8UUt4qAAL
— Fergal Bowers (@FergalBowers) March 16, 2020
I’ve never seen Times Square so quiet at 10:30 am pic.twitter.com/oDaXZHBBr9
— Jane King (@MarketJane) March 16, 2020
Tunisia, which has 20 confirmed coronavirus cases, is closing its land border with Libya, which has no confirmed cases but has itself halted most travel.
1. South Korea reported only 74 #Covid19 cases on Monday. Their outbreak now stands at 8,236 cases & 75 deaths. pic.twitter.com/RYzW6IeXhP
— Helen Branswell 🇺🇦 (@HelenBranswell) March 16, 2020