Measures tightened worldwide and new bans introduced in fight against coronavirus

(Patria) – In addition to Italy, France and Spain are imposing isolation for around ten million of their citizens, while most countries are ordering self-isolation for foreign nationals arriving at their borders.

Most countries have banned public gatherings and all events have been cancelled, while medical experts are urging 'social distancing' to the greatest extent possible.

China has tightened measures against foreign nationals arriving at Beijing airport, as for the second day it records a higher number of imported cases of infection than those spreading locally. As of March 16, all those arriving in Beijing are immediately transferred to quarantine for 14 days.

China has so far reported 80,984 cases and 3,203 deaths. Several major cities have been completely locked down and extremely strict measures are in place.

Meanwhile, Spain, the second most affected European country, on Saturday ordered a two-week partial ban on movement for its 47 million residents. Spain records 6,250 cases of infection and 193 deaths.

France, where 4,500 people have fallen ill, is closing shops, restaurants and cultural venues from Sunday, and the population has been ordered to stay at home after the number of cases doubled in 72 hours. Despite this, local elections were held.

Great Britain is only now preparing to ban mass gatherings, and also plans to isolate residents over 70 for a period of 4 months.

South Korea is testing hundreds of thousands of people and has activated a system for tracking potential virus carriers based on mobile phone and satellite technology, Reuters reports.