Russia has banned the entry of any foreign travellers starting on March 18 until May 1.

Exceptions will be made for diplomats and residents.

Donald Trump was speaking at a White House conference.

Media representatives were put at a social distance with chairs between them.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 12.9% down, in the biggest daily drop since the outbreak began.

Largest one day drop since Black Monday crash in 1987.

This is something that is an invisible enemy," he said, "My focus is on getting rid of this problem. This virus problem. After that everything else is going to fall into place.

"We're gonna back the airlines 100 percent. It's not their fault. It's nobody's fault," he continued, adding: "Unless you go to the regional source."

In addition to 15 day lockdown starting on Tuesday, France face the following measures:

Punishments for those flouting regulations

The Army to help transport the sick to hospital

Military hospital to be used in Alsace, near the German border

Borders will close in line with other European Union countries

Postponement of second round of local elections but no date yet announced

Pledge that no business will be allowed to fail, regardless of size

French President Emmanuel Macron made a national address from the Elysee Palace.

France will enforce lockdown from midday on Tuesday March 17.

Residents ordered to stay at home, and can only leave for essential reasons.

Movements have been severely limited

"We are at war," he said.

UK health department latest coronavirus numbers:

As of 09:00 GMT on March 16, 44,105 people have been tested of which 1,543 were positive.

55 people who tested positive have now died (53 in England, one in Wales and one in Scotland.)

The Rugby Football Union has suspended all rugby in the UK.

The action should take place between March 17 and April 14 where rugby bosses will review the situation.

This includes the men's Premiership, women's Premier 15s and the European Champions Cup.

The quarter-finals of the European Cup were scheduled for the beginning of April and have now been postponed.

The RFU released a statement that read: "Rugby activity includes club training, league and cup matches plus rugby education courses from 17 March until 14 April subject to continued review.

"The decision has been taken following government advice in the interests of players, coaches, referees, volunteers, supporters and the wider rugby union community. Where possible, players at all levels are encouraged to maintain their own personal fitness and keep active during this time, while following government guidelines about safe distance and safe exercise environments. 

"The RFU will continue to review and monitor government advice and will provide detailed updates on the impact to the season in the coming weeks."

Europe's top tier rugby leagues, Pro 14 and Top 14, have also been suspended.

The Oxbridge boat race has been cancelled.

It was set to take place on March 29.

Robert Gillespie, the race chairman, released this statement: "This decision is based entirely on our concern for the welfare of our crews, our spectators, our staff and volunteers.

"Given the unprecedented situation our country and each of us as individuals faces, the public good far outweighs all other considerations. Cancellation of The Boat Race is therefore clearly the correct decision, but it is not without sad consequence. 

"Our thoughts are very much with the athletes who have worked so hard and made immense sacrifices to represent their University and are now unable to do so. To cancel is not an easy decision and we realise this news will undoubtedly disappoint all those who look forward to the Race each year – whether watching on the riverbanks, on TV or online."

British actor Idris Elba has tested positive for coronavirus.

He took to Twitter to share the news. He wrote: "This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus.

"Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing"

He has urged people to distance themselves from social occasions and to wash their hands.

A total of 53 people in the UK have now died after testing positive for the coronavirus, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.

Prime minister Boris Johnson has conducted a press conference about the action the UK is taking surrounding the coronavirus.

The government will no longer support social gatherings as of tomorrow. This includes going to pubs, clubs, theatres and restaurants.  

If one person shows symptoms or contracts the virus the entire household have to self-isolate for 14 days.

Over 44,000 people have been tested in the UK, of which 42,000 tested negative.

Johnson said that the virus is a few weeks ahead in London than the rest of the UK.

Johnson also advised against non-essential travel.