UK imposes lockdown amid accelerating COVID-19 pandemic

Britain has joined over 1.7 billion people globally under lockdown orders as the World Health Organization warns that the COVID-19 pandemic is "accelerating".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced unprecedented peacetime measures in Britain, including the closure of non-essential businesses and a ban on gatherings of more than two people.

Globally, governments are implementing stay-at-home directives to combat the virus, which has claimed over 16,500 lives and infected more than 378,000 people worldwide.

China's Hubei province, the origin of the virus, is set to lift travel restrictions after two months of lockdown, offering a sign of hope.

The economic impact of the pandemic is severe, prompting unprecedented financial interventions from central banks, including the US Federal Reserve's unlimited bond-buying program.

Despite a rebound in Asian markets following the Fed's announcement, US politicians are still debating a multi-trillion dollar stimulus package.

Italy, the hardest-hit European nation, reported a slight decrease in new infections and daily deaths, though its cumulative death toll exceeds that of China.

The US Federal Reserve has launched an unlimited bond-buying program and will lend directly to small and medium-sized businesses.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a global ceasefire to protect vulnerable populations in conflict zones.

There are increasing calls to postpone the Tokyo Olympics, with Japan's prime minister acknowledging a delay might be inevitable.