Coronavirus latest: Singapore bans tourists; Emirates suspends flights; Malaysia deploys troops

Global death toll passes 13,300 as Italy, the worst-hit country in the world, reported nearly 800 deaths in a single day

More than a billion people remained indoors in India for 14-hour curfew as Singapore banned all short-term visitors

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A sign is seen down a London street regarding self isolation. Photo: Reuters

Published: 12:46am, 22 Mar 2020Updated: 11:59pm, 22 Mar 2020

Nearly one billion people around the world were confined to their homes on Sunday, as US states implemented stay-at-home orders similar to those in Europe, India started a 14-hour curfew and Singapore banned all short-term visitors.

The measures came as deaths from the global coronavirus pandemic surged to more than 13,300.

More than one-third of Americans were adjusting to life in various phases of lockdown – including in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, three of the country’s most populous cities – with more states expected to ramp up restrictions.

The virus death toll soared to more than 13,300 worldwide as worst-hit Italy reported a one-day record number of deaths – nearly 800, with the country’s overall toll shooting past 4,800 with more than 53,000 cases.

On Sunday, mainland China reported 46 new cases, 45 of which were imported. The country confirmed six more deaths, five of which were from Hubei province, ground zero of China’s outbreak.

Mainland China has now recorded 81,054 coronavirus cases since the start of the outbreak, and 3,261 deaths, including six on Saturday. A total of 59,432 patients had recovered, according to the National Health Commission.