Strict measures barring travel and congregating affect some 60 million people across the country; synagogues in Milan and Venice are closed; Jewish life frozen for now

Multiple countries report their first coronavirus deaths; Italians grapple with new nationwide lockdown meant to halt spread of COVID-19

In using charged word that it had previously shied away from, UN health agency intent on shaking more lethargic countries into taking more aggressive steps against contagion

In America, caseload passes 1,000, and outbreaks stir alarm; Italy counts soaring deaths among elderly; markets across Asia drop despite Wall Street’s gains day earlier

European country now has more virus cases than anywhere but China; travel links with outside world thrown into chaos after shutdown

Conte bans almost all travel, pubs, eateries and cafes to close at dusk, ski resorts shut, schools and universities to remain closed amid skyrocketing infections

As fatalities nearly triple, PM Conte signs quarantine order for country's northern regions, putting some 15 million people into lockdown

Rome introduces month-long ban on entry and exit from Lombardy region including Milan and Venice; exceptions allowed for proven professional needs, exceptional cases, health issues

Riyadh halts Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Tehran nixes Friday prayers for a second week in latest efforts to curb spread of deadly pathogen

As the deadly virus spreads, impacting international travel, several programs from Italy to Thailand have already been cancelled and others are in jeopardy