COVID-19 has now infected more than 214,000 people worldwide, and more than 8,700 fatalities. At least 83,000 patients have recovered.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging all countries to step up efforts to fight the virus and test everyone suspected of having COVID-19.
Communities around the world are bracing themselves for the worst. Nations are closing borders to contain the virus.
As new cases and fatalities keep climbing, the global response to the virus is also changing by the day.
Here's an update by region:
THE AMERICAS
The U.S. and Canada announced the closing of their shared border for nonessential travel.
The U.S. Congress passed an emergency relief package to boost the economy and give free COVID-19 testing for everyone.
Johns Hopkins University & Medicine is tracking the pandemic around the world. Its Coronavirus Resource Center reports more than 7,300 cases in the United States and 115 people fatalities.
U.S public health officials now report COVID-19 cases in all 50 states with West Virginia being the last state to report an infection. Cities such as San Francisco and New York City are in near-lockdown.
At a press conference this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians abroad to come back home. The Canadian government also passed an $82 billion aid package to help workers and businesses during the outbreak.
In Latin America, Argentina, Peru, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, Chile (AJ) and Haiti, have closed borders. Some countries have banned air travel; others, such as Venezuela and Peru are urging people to self-isolate
Hundreds of cases have been confirmed in Latin America. Johns Hopkins and the World Health Organization (WHO) both show Brazil with the highest number of cases in South America, though the numbers differ widely. John Hopkins reports 350 cases in Brazil. The WHO's latest publication, Situation Report - 57, shows Brazil with 234 cases.
AFRICA
COVID-19 has been slow in reaching African countries. While most of the continent remained unaffected for weeks, some countries are now seeing an increase.
Both John Hopkins and the WHO report the highest number of cases in South Africa, though, again, the numbers differ. John Hopkins reports 116 cases there. The WHO nearly half that with 62. Zambia reported its first two confirmed cases and Burkina Faso announced its first death.
Somalia, Madagascar, Chad, Guinea-Bissau and other countries have halted air travel and closed airports.
Other African countries are closing their borders and schools, and banning ships from docking, including a cargo ship, ironically named "MV Corona." The ship is anchored offshore from Cape Town because of a crew member suspected of having the virus. The crewman then boarded the cruise liner, MV Aidamira, which has more than 1,700 passengers and crew. Media reports say the cruise ship is also anchored off the coast of Cape Town.
EUROPE
In Europe, Italy has been the hardest hit by COVID-19 with more than 35-thousand cases. Outside of China, no other country has more confirmed infections.
More than 2,980 Italians have died.
The European Union has banned travelers from outside the EU. Belgium, Spain, Italy, France and others have implemented lockdowns, curfews and closed their borders.
A 30-day entry ban will not affect citizens of EU members going home, or workers who need to cross borders. The ban will not affect UK citizens. They are exempt because of the interim Brexit deal.
ASIA
Southeast Asia is experiencing a jump in cases after a gathering at a mosque on the outskirts or Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur.
According to the country's health minister, around two-thirds of Malaysia's 790 cases have been linked to this single meeting.
Around 16,000 people attended the four-day event, with roughly 1,500 foreigners attending.
Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines say they are implementing strict border controls.
Although South Korea has experienced success with its containment efforts, the country has seen a spike in new infections on Wednesday - with more than 90 confirmed cases.
Iran is another hard hit country.
According to Johns Hopkins, Iran has more than 17,300 cases and more than 1,130 deaths. On Tuesday, Iran's health minister reported 1,178 new confirmed cases in 24 hours, according to Al Jazeera.
Through a religious ruling, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has prohibited "unnecessary" travel in the country. (Para9)
Meanwhile in Wuhan, China, the original epicenter of the virus, has reported only one new case for two consecutive days.
As the number of new infections slows down in China, President Xi Jinping says he will send more medical experts and supplies to afflicted countries like Italy.