ECONOMIC FALLOUT
The Indonesian government has prepared a 120 trillion rupiah ($8.1 billion) stimulus package to support its economy as the spread of coronavirus disrupts global activities.
Spain placed four towns under quarantine and announced measures to tackle the economic impact.
Canada will spend C$1 billion ($728 million) to fight the spread of coronavirus and stands ready to do more, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
Italy will ramp up spending to help the economy, earmarking 25 billion euros ($28.3 billion) to tackle the growing crisis, its Prime Minister said on Wednesday.
Japan’s government is expected to cut its assessment of the economy in a monthly report due later this month.
MARKETS
Global stock markets crashed, ending a years-long bull run, with coronavirus panic selling hitting almost every asset class and leaving investors nowhere to hide. [MKTS/GLOB]
EVENT CANCELED, POSTPONED, PARED BACK
Top Japanese government officials said they were determined to hold “safe and secure” Olympics on schedule, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said Tokyo should consider delaying them for a year because of the pandemic.
Walt Disney Co will close its theme parks in California and Florida and its resort in Paris from this weekend through the end of the month, the company said on Thursday.
The impact of the coronavirus on sport swept into the southern hemisphere, with the cancellation of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix adding to an unprecedented shutdown of elite events and competitions around the globe.
The World Trade Organization’s major biennial meeting, due to be held in Kazakhstan in June, was canceled, dealing a blow to its efforts to update the global rules of commerce.
Bob Dylan’s upcoming concerts in Japan have been canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak, the tour organizer said.
The Australian Formula One Grand Prix was canceled on Friday due to worries about the coronavirus outbreak.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics torch was lit behind closed doors in ancient Olympia.
India ordered upcoming international cricket matches to be played in empty stadiums.
The World Endurance Championship (WEC) has canceled Sebring 1,000 Miles race in Florida.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) said on Wednesday it was suspending the season until further notice after a Utah Jazz player tested positive.
A meeting of G20 Agriculture and Water ministers scheduled for March 17-19 in Saudi Arabia has been postponed.
FIFA has postponed its annual Congress, due to be held in Ethiopia in June, for three months.
The inaugural edition of the multi-nation Fed Cup finals that were scheduled to be held in Budapest next month was postponed on Wednesday.
The world figure skating championships, scheduled to be held in Montreal from March 16-22, have been canceled.
The International Weightlifting Federation postponed the European championship from April to June.
