Here's a recap of major news that broke within the past few hours:
Australia's advises against mass gatherings of more than 500 people: Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the decision was made "based on the advice we have received today about the increasing number of cases and the evidence of community transmissions," and will come into effect Monday.
Australia has identified more than 140 coronavirus cases, Morrison said yesterday, and is an important test case as to whether warmer weather will help stop the virus from spreading.
Canada's first lady tests positive: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, tested positive for coronavirus, according to a statement from Trudeau’s office. She is feeling well, only has mild symptoms, and will remain in isolation, the statement said.
The Prime Minister has no symptoms but will be in isolation for 14 days, according to the statement. He is not being tested at this time because he is asymptomatic, and will continue his duties as normal.
Here's what Trudeau said on Twitter:
The impact on the sports world grows: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league's hiatus due to the coronavirus “will most likely be at least 30 days" and did not rule out the possibility of the season being canceled.
US Major League Soccer and the National Hockey League followed the NBA's lead and suspended play, while Major League Baseball has pushed back the start of its season.
And the PGA Tour announced late Thursday night that it is canceling The Players Championship taking place this week in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and other events through April 2. Formula 1 has also canceled the Australian Grand Prix after a McLaren team member tested positive.
In Europe, Callum Hudson-Odoi of the English Premier League soccer club Chelsea has tested positive for coronavirus, the team announced on Thursday. Arsenal announced that manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus earlier in the day.
The English Premier League is set to hold an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss future matches.
This post was updated to reflect that the Australian government is advising against mass gatherings.