Covid-19 : latest developments worldwide

With new tools and key developments, here is the latest in the coronavirus crisis.

UPDATE: #CoronaVirus

• 79 dead in Italy
• 92 dead in Iran
• 9 dead in US
• WHO: 92K cases, 3,110 deaths 🌎
• Saudi suspends all Umrah
• Iran cancels Friday prayers
• Germany: “Global Pandemic”
• First case in Poland & at Brussels’ EU agency https://t.co/0Rin18knO7

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) March 4, 2020

– More than 3,200 dead –
Across the world, 3,245 people have died from the virus. Nearly 95,000 have been infected in 81 countries and territories, according to AFP’s latest toll based on official sources at 1700 GMT Wednesday.

The main countries affected: mainland China (80,270 cases, 2,981 deaths), South Korea (5,621 cases, 32 deaths), Italy (3,089 cases, 107 deaths), Iran, (2,922 cases, 92 deaths) and Japan (287 cases, 12 deaths).

– Italy closes schools –
Italy closes all schools and universities until March 15 as its number of deaths from the virus passes the 100 marks.

The Italian Cup semi-final football clash between Juventus and AC Milan is called off indefinitely.

– Israel gets tougher –
Israel imposes tough new travel restrictions on five more European nations — France, Germany, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland – barring entry to non-residents unless they can prove they can self-quarantine. Restrictions have already been imposed on Italy and several Asian countries.

– No ‘cancellation, postponement‘ –
The International Olympic Committee says neither “cancellation nor postponement” are foreseen for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics over the coronavirus, after a meeting of its Executive Board.

– Scramble for masks –
Germany and Russia ban the export of protective medical gear such as masks and gloves to ensure their health workers have enough to deal with the outbreak.

France says authorities will requisition stocks of protective masks until May 31.

– Louvre reopens –
The Louvre in Paris, the world’s most visited museum, reopens to the public after management took steps to allay fears over the coronavirus spread, which caused staff to stop work for two days.

– James Bond delayed –
The makers of the new James Bond movie — “No Time to Die” — due for global release next month say it will be delayed until November amid fears over coronavirus fears.

– Rationing toilet paper –
Australia’s biggest supermarket announces a limit on toilet paper purchases after a spate of panic buying.