Concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic saw global markets in freefall, with New York's Dow Jones industrial average posting its biggest loss since 1987, closing down almost 10 per cent to 21,200.62. Canada's main stock index plunged 1,761.64 points, or 12.34 per cent, to 12,508.45, with every sector in the red. European stock markets have had one of their worst days in history, with investors worried about a US travel ban that covers much of Europe.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says she and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have agreed to stay in constant contact in regards to the fate of our shared border and any travel restrictions. Last night, U-S President Donald Trump announced any foreign nationals who recently spent time in Europe will not be allowed entry, in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Freeland says she stressed Canada's very strong public health care system, and measures being taken to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Saskatchewan has announced its first presumptive case of COVID-19 the same day as the Juno Awards were cancelled over concerns about the virus. Doctor Saqib Shahab, chief medical health officer, says the individual is in their 60s and recently travelled to Egypt. Shahab says the person is in self-isolation at home and has had minimal contact with others. Saskatchewan Health officials want all travellers to watch for signs of a cough or fever for two weeks and start self-isolating if they experience any symptoms. So far at least 285 people have been tested for COVID-19.

The ongoing crisis situation of COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of Surrey Vaisakhi parade, which is considered as one of Metro Vancouver’s biggest public events. The organizers of day long celebrations, the largest Vaisakhi parade in the world, that draws in excess of 5,00,000 guests, have been closely monitoring the situation related to COVID-19 in the region. And keeping the situation in view, the organizers say the Surrey Vaisakhi parade will not go ahead on April 25. According to a release, the decision was difficult, and it was made after extensive consultation with regional and pr

An RCMP officer in British Columbia has been charged with 11 counts related to alleged indecent acts. A statement from the Richmond detachment says the incidents allegedly occurred near a school in Vancouver. Supt. Will Ng, the detachment commander for the Richmond RCMP, says senior Mounties were alerted early last year that an off-duty officer was the subject of an investigation by Vancouver police. Ng says the RCMP also launched an internal code of conduct investigation. The BC Prosecution Service has approved charges against Andrew Seangio, including 10 counts of indecent act and one count

Health Minister Patty Hajdu says Canadians looking at whether to travel for March break should consider staying home. Speaking to reporters before question period in the House of Commons today, Hajdu said her advice to Canadians considering travel during school spring break is that they should consider a ``staycation.'' Canadians are being encouraged to continue to check travel advisories before leaving for any international trips.

A daycare in a downtown Calgary office tower has closed after a child tested positive for COVID-19.Suncor Energy spokeswoman Erin Rees says the Pump-Kin Patch Child Care Centre is closed until March 23.She says families of children there have been told to self-quarantine until March 20.Suncor doesn't operate the daycare but the centre is located in Suncor's office building, and Rees says many employees have children that attend.She says the company is responding to the pandemic by cleaning more often, restricting business travel to high-risk areas and preparing for remote working.As of Wednesd

President Donald Trump says he is suspending all travel from Europe to the U.S. for 30 days beginning Friday as he seeks to combat a viral pandemic.Trump made the announcement Wednesday in an Oval Office address to the nation, blaming the European Union for not acting quickly enough to address the novel coronavirus and saying U.S. clusters were ``seeded'' by European travellers.Trump says the restrictions won't apply to the United Kingdom and the U.S. will monitor the situation to determine if travel can be reopened earlier.The White House has also cancelled a planned trip by the president to

Justin Trudeau and his wife Sofie Trudeau are in self-isolation after she exhibited flu-like symptoms on her return from London, U.K. The First Leaders meeting scheduled to begin today has been cancelled after this announcement. Trudeau was supposed to meet the premiers and indigenous leaders in Ottawa today for a two-day meeting to discuss various issues including COVID-19, national unity and financial crisis. Prime Minister Trudeau is not exhibiting any symptoms as of now and is isolating himself just for precaution as Sofie Trudeau awaits her test results.NDP leader Jagmeet Singh also tweet