Some popular tourist hotspots such as Rome have become nearly deserted after citizens were ordered to stay inside to stop the virus spreading. 

Limits on public gatherings have been set as low as 50 people in Berlin and New York City, with Donald Trump suggesting a limit of ten for the U.S. as a whole. 

But schools, bars and restaurants are still open in London, where the UK government has been much more reluctant to impose draconian measures.  

Some cities such as San Francisco are threatening people with fines or imprisonment if they venture out illegally, while other authorities are still only offering guidance.  

In some countries such as Italy, the national government has taken command of the crisis and ordered shutdowns across the country.