The spread of the new coronavirus across the United States has been disrupting people's lives, forcing schools to shut and many employees to work from home.

A US education magazine estimates that roughly 120,000 public and private schools in 46 states and Washington DC have been closed temporarily, affecting 54.5 million students.

By Monday, New York, California, and 10 other states ordered all employees in non-essential businesses to work from home. Exceptions include police, medical personnel, and supermarket staff.

ABC News says another six states, including Massachusetts, are expected to implement a similar measure by Wednesday.

As of Monday, the US has reported a nationwide total of more than 41,000 cases, the third largest number of infections following China and Italy.

NHK