Latest COVID-19 developments in hard-hit countries

The U.S. has so far reported more than 160,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 2,953 deaths, according to the latest data from Johns Hopkins University. The highest number of cases and related deaths were reported in the state of New York: 66,497 cases and 1,218 deaths.

The U.S. Navy's hospital ship, the USNS Comfort, with 1,000 beds, arrived at a Manhattan port on Monday to help treat non-COVID-19 patients and ease the pressure on area hospitals.    

Italy is the second country with total cases surpassing 100,000. The hardest-hit European country reported 101,739 cases and 11,591 deaths as of Monday. The Italian health authority said the nationwide lockdown in place since March 10 would be extended until at least April, nine days beyond its original deadline.

The UK government announced a new plan to commit 75 million pounds to chartered flights to bring home tens of thousands of Britons stranded abroad due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

France has so far confirmed 44,550 cases and 3,024 deaths.

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has tested negative in her third coronavirus test, but she will continue to lead the government from home. There are now over 66,000 confirmed cases in Germany.