麻豆约拍

Japan's health minister was forced to apologise for failing to contain the virus, which has spread throughout the region since the outbreak in Hubei province in China.

In South Korea, the coronavirus alert has been raised to the "highest level" as confirmed case numbers keep rising while Italy has imposed a strict lockdown in outbreak hotspots.

Correspondent Jenny Hill reports.

(Photo: A mother and a child wearing protective masks are seen at the Ueno park in Tokyo. Credit: Reuters)