WHO classified coronavirus as global ‘pandemic’

The World Health Organization has formally declared the COVID-19 outbreak a “pandemic.”

There are more than 100,000 reported cases of coronavirus worldwide, and more than 4,200 deaths. Europe continues to be hard hit as the deadly virus spreads across Italy, Spain, France and Germany.

Italy has imposed a nationwide lockdown as cases there have topped 10,000, resulting in more than 600 deaths. Cases in the U.K. jumped to 456, the biggest daily spike since the outbreak began.

Governments in both Canada and the U.K. announced billion-dollar funding packages to combat the virus. In the United States, there have been more than 1,000 confirmed cases and 30 deaths.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said the country is “in the beginnings of spread.” Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to announce a ban of gatherings of more than 250 people.

Democratic candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders canceled election night rallies. Schools, colleges and universities are canceling classes or asking students to attend remotely.

Concerts and conferences, including Coachella and SXSW, have been postponed or canceled. The NBA, MLB, NHL and NCAA are discussing the possibility of playing games in empty stadiums and arenas.