The coronavirus is sweeping across the globe, and if someone had told us that the world would change so dramatically in just a few weeks, we probably wouldn't have believed them. It's like a scene from a movie about a zombie apocalypse that has come to life, and as the death toll and infection rate continues to rise, many countries have had to take extreme measures in an attempt to stop the spread of infection.

Countries have advised citizens to practice social distancing, to avoid seeing friends and family, and to stop going out. Others have closed schools and all nonessential businesses, and then, some are on total lockdown. Below are ten countries with the strictest rules for its citizens amid the coronavirus.

10 Norway Has Closed Its Borders As It Tries To Get A Handle On The Outbreak

In an attempt to prevent further spread of COVID-19, Norway decided to close its borders to foreigners. According to Forbes, all those who are not Norwegian citizens or hold a valid residency permit in the country are not permitted to enter. These measures have not been seen within the country since World War II.

9 Italy Has Put The Country On Lockdown Restricting Many Aspects Of Life

Italy is the country that has been the worst affected in Europe, and the death toll has surpassed China (making it the highest in the world). The country has had to take extreme emergency measures and has been put on lockdown. According to BBC, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has ordered citizens to stay home, and they will need to have permission for essential travel.

8 China's Draconian Approach To The Virus Has Really Paid Off

The coronavirus outbreak started in Wuhan, China, and when the numbers began to rise, the government adopted a strict approach (although initially slow to respond, Time reports). Millions of citizens were put on lockdown, and although this had a social and economic impact, it seems to have worked. Time notes that two months after the lockdown, Chinese health officials announced they had passed the peak.

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7 Public Gatherings Are A Thing Of The Past In France!

France has also been severely affected by the coronavirus, and as the number of infected individuals continues to rise, the emergency measures have had to become more strict. Prime Minister Édouard Philippe announced bans on public gatherings and proposed that outdoor exercise must be done alone or with the individuals' children, once a day, France24 reports.

6 Ireland Was Quick To React To Corona Virus, Shutting Down All Schools And Some Businesses

The United Kingdom was slow to react to the coronavirus, but in comparison, its neighbor, Ireland, did not waste its time implementing measures to stop the spread. Compared to some countries, their rules may be less extreme, but Ireland closed down all schools, asked people to work from home, and stated that nonessential indoor visits should be avoided, BBC reports.

5 It Will Be A Long Time Before Things Go Back To Normal In Spain After The Nationwide Lockdown

Spain is the second-worst affected European country in terms of the coronavirus infections and death toll. As such, they followed Italy's lead in imposing a nationwide quarantine, asking people to stay home except for essential items, work, and medical appointments. According to The Washington Post, the emergency measure was implemented on March 14 and was set to remain for 15 days.

4 El Salvador Says No To Foreigners!

El Salvador is yet another county that has taken strict measures to try and stop the spread of the novel coronavirus and has declared a national curfew for 30 days, National Post reports. The country has also prevented foreigners from entering amid the coronavirus, with France24 noting that President Nayib Bukele has said, "any foreigner who is not a resident or diplomat in Salvadoran territory" would be prohibited.

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3 All Nonessential Businesses In Poland Have Closed Amid The Corona Virus Pandemic

The Polish government has taken measures to keep its citizens safe. Prime minister Mr. Mateusz Morawiecki announced on March 13, the country would prohibit international travel, and nonessential businesses would close. Bars, casinos, and restaurants would also close in a bid to prevent the spread.

2 If You Enter New Zealand, You Must Quarantine Yourself For 14 Days

The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, announced that all those entering the country, including New Zealanders, would have to self-isolate. Although at the time of her announcement, the country had only a handful of coronavirus cases, she stated (via BBC), "I make no apologies. This is an unprecedented time."

1 The Increasing Number Of COVID-19 Cases In Belgium Has Resulted In The Country Limiting Contact And Travel

Belgium has an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, and the country is not messing around. According to Reuters, on March 17, the country announced that schools and universities would close, and those who could should work from home. Citizens were also told not to leave home except to buy food, or for medical reasons. The measures are intended to be in place for at least eight weeks.

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