Novel coronavirus

Our latest reporting on the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Mar 04

Louvre bans cash over virus fears

The Louvre museum in Paris is no longer accepting cash as part of new measures to persuade employees worried about catching the coronavirus to return to work. But the Bank of France said refusing cash is illegal and unnecessary.

Mar 04

Virus halts pilgrimages to Mecca, Friday prayers in Iran

The coronavirus outbreak is disrupting Islamic worship in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia banned its citizens and other residents of the kingdom from performing the pilgrimage in Mecca and Iran canceled Friday prayers in major cities. The decisions affected both…