Countries around the world are implementing measures to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, from national quarantines to closing schools. “Lockdown” isn’t a technical term used by public health officials, but Italy, China, El Salvador, New Zealand, Poland, Ireland, Denmark, and France have implemented the world’s largest and most restrictive mass quarantines.
More than 6,500 people have died and over 169,000 have been infected by the virus worldwide.Wuhan, China, where the virus first appeared, has been locked down for more than six weeks, and many other Chinese cities still face travel restrictions. Italy’s 60 million citizens were put under a strict lockdown last week after a jump in COVID-19 cases.
China implemented the largest quarantine in human history to try to contain the novel coronavirus, locking down at least 16 cities at the end of January.
In Italy, a nationwide lockdown went into effect on March 10 that restricts virtually all aspects of life for its 60 million citizens, including retail, leisure, worship, imprisonment, and travel.
Denmark became the second European country to impose a nationwide lockdown in response to the coronavirus.
Ireland announced Thursday it would impose a country-wide lockdown to contain the spread of the disease.
Spain, too, imposed a nationwide lockdown on Saturday.
France followed suit, closing non-essential businesses just a day before nationwide elections.
El Salvador’s president announced an Alerta Naranja — an orange alert — on Wednesday.
Poland announced it would undergo a countrywide lockdown on Friday.
New Zealand announced a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all individuals entering the country.
The next day, Australia also imposed a mandatory 14-day quarantine for incoming travelers.
On Sunday a cascade of government announcements imposed new restrictions across the world. Peru closed its borders and Morocco suspended international flights.
Kenya has closed schools and blocked non-residents from entering the country, becoming the first African nation to impose such measures.
Puerto Rico established a curfew and shuttered most businesses — some of the strictest precautions yet imposed in the US.
The Czech Republic closed most shops and restaurants for ten days and banned foreign travel starting Monday.
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