The Bulgarian Ministry of Health announces that it will ban gatherings of more than 15 people and will close theatres, cinemas, and gyms on March 22 as well as kindergartens, schools, and most non-essential shopping malls due to an increase in deaths from COVID-19. (Bulgarian News Agency)
Kyiv MayorVitali Klitschko announces a three-week lockdown in the city beginning on March 20 which will close all cultural institutions and many non-essential shopping and entertainment malls due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. (Ukrinform)
Chile reports a record 6,200 cases in the past 24 hours, which is the largest single-day total since June. (T13)
Due to the large number of cases, several cities are put under lockdown, including downtown Santiago. Almost 9 million people will be under quarantine as of March 27. (La Tercera)
North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hu says his country will continue to reject talks with the United States until the latter stops "its hostile policy". (Yonhap News Agency)