To halt the spread of the novel coronavirus, some cities countries are taking a drastic measure: Stopping the population from entering or leaving certain areas, otherwise known as lockdown. Italy was the first in Europe (now the pandemic's epicenter, according to the WHO) to institute the policy, but a whole slew of countries followed suit over the weekend. Here's a list of places around the world that have come under lockdown, or partial lockdown measures, so far: ItalyTweet may have been deleted After an early lockdown in the north of the country, as of March 9, the whole of Italy is essentially under quarantine with strict limits on travel and gatherings. Nonessential shops and businesses are closed Italians are fighting the isolation with music. FranceTweet may have been deleted Despite protests against France banning large gatherings, the country took its lockdown measures a step further by shutting down theaters, restaurants, and stores Saturday — all before elections, at that. SpainTweet may have been deleted The Spanish government also instituted a lockdown on Saturday, citing the fact that Europe is the new epicenter of COVID-19. Spain currently has the highest rate of infection after Italy. IsraelTweet may have been deleted Israel's government announced Saturday that it will limit transportation, employment, and schools amid the coronavirus. DenmarkTweet may have been deleted Denmark has closed its borders to stop the spread. While the lockdown is currently in effect through April 14, Danish citizens and green card holders will still be allowed entry into the country. IrelandTweet may have been deleted The Irish government closed schools, childcare facilities, and cultural institutions as of Thursday. Gatherings above 100 people are banned. ManilaTweet may have been deleted While it doesn't extend to the entire country of the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte has locked down Metro Manila, a region of 12 million people. TaiwanTweet may have been deleted Taiwan was praised for its quick response to the coronavirus. The country implemented travel restrictions and other harsh measures in late January; as a result, the entire nation has suffered only one coronavirus death so far. SingaporeTweet may have been deleted Singapore implemented harsh restrictions in late January to curb the spread of the virus, with great success: There have been zero deaths thus far. The island nation has imposed travel restrictions on China, Iran, South Korea and Italy; its prime minister now warns that the epidemic could last for a year. ChinaTweet may have been deleted The epicenter of the coronavirus, China's Hubei province, was locked down for 50 days — but the quarantine is starting to lift as the country adjusts to its new normal. |
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