Notes

Despite the extreme quarantine measures taken by Chinese officials to stem the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronvirus, or Wuhan virus, the infectious, flu-like affliction continues to spread worldwide at an unprecedented rate. As of March 2, 2020, there are more than 90,000 reported cases in at least 53 countries, with more than 3,000 deaths globally.
This is a sharp increase from the 7,711 instances of the virus, including 200 deaths in China, and the 100 cases reported in 19 countries worldwide, just four weeks ago. To prevent the disease from becoming a pandemic, nations worldwide are imposing strict measures, such as travel restrictions and school closures. Here are a few that went into effect over the past week
United States
United States
In two televised press conferences on February 27, 2020, and February 29, 2020, President Donald Trump and other health experts assured Americans that the risk of contracting the disease was still extremely low in the US. They urged citizens not to panic and continue with their day-to-day lives. The US leader also assured Americans that he would devote all the resources necessary to curtail the spread of the infection, which has, as of March 2, 2020, afflicted 90 residents, six of whom have died. So far, all of the fatalities have occurred in Washington state. "We'll spend whatever is appropriate. Hopefully, we won't have to spend so much because we really think that we've done a great job in keeping it down to a minimum," the president said.
The US leader also appointed Vice President Michael Pence to oversee the effort to fight the virus. "Mike will be working with the professionals, doctors, and everybody else that is working. The team is brilliant. I spent a lot of time with the team the last couple weeks," he said. "But they are brilliant, and we're doing really well, and Mike is going to be in charge, and Mike will report back to me."
As an added precautionary measure, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is urging Americans to avoid traveling to countries most impacted by the outbreak. These include China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy.
South Korea
Outside of China, the largest outbreak of the Wuhan virus has been reported in South Korea. As of March 2, 2020, there are 4,335 confirmed cases and at least 22 infection-related deaths. To prevent it from spreading further, government officials have announced that suspected patients caught breaking the mandated two-week quarantine will face up to a year in prison or a 10 million won ($8,200) fine. They also want individuals who have come within 7 feet (2 meters) of a coronavirus patient to self-quarantine by staying home for two weeks. Those who comply will be provided financial assistance to compensate for the lost wages.
Additionally, though most of the reported cases have been in the cities of Seoul and Daegu and the neighboring North Gyeongsang province, the country's leaders are urging all citizens to stay indoors as much as possible. They have also closed all schools and postponed the start of the new term by three weeks, from early March to early April.
IRAN
Iran currently has the highest number of confirmed Wuhan virus cases outside Asia — 1,501, including 61 deaths, as of March 2, 2020. The government is urging locals to stay at home and to avoid mass gatherings, including funerals for coronavirus victims. The authorities also imposed a ban on members of the public visiting patients at hospitals across the country.
"The safest place is our homes and our cities," Health Ministry spokesperson Kianoush Jahanpour said in a televised address. "We have to reduce our visits, even attending funerals, and of course, those people who are mourning will feel guilty if they find that their ceremony causes the disease to spread."
Italy

© Night Lantern / CC BY-SA 4.0/ Creativecommons.org Italy has reported hundreds of confirmed cases of the Wuhan virus (red) and many more are suspected (blue)
Italy, which has reported 1,600 cases, including 34 coronavirus-related fatalities, has cordoned off eleven towns and villages where most of the infections have occurred. Two impacted regions include Lombardy and Venato, whose respective capitals, Milan and Venice, are popular business and holiday destinations. The regions' estimated 100,000 residents have been asked to remain in their homes for two weeks as authorities scramble to contain the spread. The officials have also stopped people from entering or leaving the affected areas, suspended all public events, and closed down tourist attractions, such as museums.
Japan
Japan, which currently has more than 910 infections, including eight deaths, has not yet seen as rapid a jump in new cases as some of the other countries. To keep it that way, on February 27, 2020, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe requested the closure of all elementary, middle, and high schools until spring break, which starts in late March. Though the timing, which coincides with the end of Japan's school year and final examinations, is unfortunate, the country's leader believes it is necessary.
"The coming week or two is an extremely important time," Mr. Abe said. "This is to prioritize the health and safety of the children and take precautions to avoid the risk of possible large-scale infections for many children and teachers who gather and spend hours together every day."