Italy records the highest number of COVID-19-related fatalities in the world, but in one small Italian town, scientists say they've managed to halt the spread; and with Australians being urged to socially distance themselves, how can people experiencing homelessness do the same?

The World Today

FRI 20 MAR - Italy death toll surpasses China

Italy has become the official centre of the crisis, surpassing the death toll in China, and as more countries in Europe and South America announce border closures, thousands of Australians are frantically trying to get home.

Aussie travellers cut off by border closures struggling to get home

Italy has just overtaken China as the country with the most coronavirus-related fatalities. But according to an expert on the ground, the situation in Italy isn't dire everywhere.

'We tested everybody': Italy's town of Vo defies the COVID-19 trend

Australia's major banks have announced action to protect households and consumers from the economic fallout from the coronavirus.

Banks defer loan repayments for small businesses, NAB extends offer to residential borrowers

Most researchers say pregnant women don't appear to be at a greater risk from COVID-19, but with some perinatal classes cut and services like mother's groups abandoned, some new parents are worried about the months ahead.

New parents worried about a loss of services due to COVID-19

The death toll is still on the rise in Australia. This morning, there was another COVID-19-related death recorded in New South Wales. So, is enough being done here at the moment?

Sixth NSW COVID-19 fatality as 81yo woman dies in Sydney

If you're infected by COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who is, the steps are pretty straight forward — you have to self-isolate. But what if you're homeless?

Homelessness services rush to roll out COVID-19 contingency plans

Qantas is temporarily standing down two thirds of its workforce, while suspending all international flights from later this month; time's ticking for the Australians stuck overseas as the border closures continue; unlike Australia, the UK is now moving to close schools within days.

THU 19 MAR - Qantas to stand down 20,000 workers

In terms of the staff affected, that amounts to about 20,000 people, who've been asked to take paid and unpaid leave.

Qantas to temporarily stand down two thirds of workforce

Time's ticking for the Australians stuck overseas as the border closures continue not to mention the slashing of international flights as we've heard.

Many Australians still stranded overseas

While Australians here are being asked to wash their hands and maintain a distance from one another, other countries are in lockdown. In France, people have to carry a special document if they leave their homes.

Europe: Life in lockdown

Tasmania has declared a state of emergency and the Premier has announced that anyone arriving in the state will have to go into quarantine for 14 days.

14 day quarantine for anyone crossing Tasmanian borders

The gates won't shut entirely though, with the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing that children of key workers will still be able to attend.

UK moves to close schools within days

We've come to a point now where we're being inundated by the harrowing statistics of the coronavirus pandemic. It's hard enough to grapple with this information as an adult but what do we tell children?

How to talk to children about COVID-19

Restrictions on aged care visits, international flights grounded and tighter limits on public gatherings: the latest on Australia's response to the coronavirus pandemic; and as many Australians rush home from overseas, what about those choosing to staying behind?

WED 18 MAR - A biosecurity emergency

The World Today is a comprehensive current affairs program which backgrounds, analyses, interprets and encourages debate on events and issues of interest and importance to all Australians.

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