The numbers: Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking cases reported by the World Health Organization and additional sources, puts the total number of cases worldwide at more than 244,500 with at least 10,000 deaths.
Californians ordered to stay home: Around 40 million residents have been told to stay home to prevent the spread of the virus — the first statewide order in the US. California is the most populous US state and is the country’s largest state economy. About 25 million Californians — over half the state’s population — could be impacted by the coronavirus, the governor estimates.
Argentina locks down: Argentina, home to 45 million people, is the latest country to enact measures ordering people to stay in their homes with limited exceptions. People are allowed to leave for basic needs like grocery shopping or doctor’s appointments but police will be patrolling the streets and those without a valid reason to be outside will be penalized.
Carmakers halt production in US: Japanese automakers Toyota, Honda and Nissan have all announced that their factories in the US will halt production in a bid to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Indonesia reports highest death toll in region: Indonesia’s coronavirus death toll hit 25 yesterday, the highest number of deaths for Southeast Asia. The Philippines currently has 17 fatalities, according to state news agency PNA, and Malaysia has two.
India stops export of masks: India has prohibited the export of masks, ventilators and raw textile materials for masks and coveralls. It comes a day after the country issued fresh guidelines banning all international commercial passenger flights from landing in India from March 22.
US travel advisory: The US State Department has issued a worldwide Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory due the coronavirus pandemic. In the US, there are at least 13,133 cases of the virus, and 195 deaths.
Italy death toll: The total number of fatalities reported in the country at the new epicenter of the outbreak has now surpassed China’s death toll. The number of deaths in Italy reached 3,405 on Thursday — 157 more than China’s toll, which stands at 3,248.
China no new domestic cases: Mainland China recorded 39 new cases of coronavirus — all imported from overseas — on Thursday. It’s the second consecutive day of no new domestically transmitted infections. It’s also the second day in a row of no new confirmed cases in Hubei province — ground zero for the pandemic.
Olympic Torch: The Olympic flame arrived in Japan on Friday, marking the beginning of official Olympic celebrations. The International Olympic Committee said it is “fully committed” to holding the Games but the next few weeks could prove decisive in whether it will go ahead this summer.