The World Health Organization suggests each country should make decisions on how to protect public health proportionate to the level of risk in their country, according to CGTN Europe reporter Guy Henderson.

But governments also need to deal with the economic blow of the outbreak.

Bankers fear that cutting interest rates alone will not spur the world economy back into life after it has been hit by the coronavirus outbreak and that more government action is needed.

COVID-19 is sweeping around the world and as cases increase, people are being told to avoid public gatherings.

Interest rate cuts are often used to stimulate spending, but shopping malls across Europe are now looking deserted with people staying away on health grounds.

The World Bank has pledged a $12 billion loan package and the International Monetary Fund wants to see coordinated action from governments and central banks to deal with the crisis.