Sri Lanka, March 15 -- The total number of COVID-19 infections worldwide has risen to 156,000 by now while 5,819 deaths have been reported.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has tested negative for the novel coronavirus.

Trump submitted to the test after coming in contact with several members of a Brazilian presidential delegation visiting his Florida resort who have since tested positive for the virus.

The United States meanwhile said it was stepping up its fight against the coronavirus and extending a European travel ban to include the United Kingdom and Ireland, while acknowledging that some domestic travel curbs are also being considered.

Spain followed Italy and imposed a near total nationwide lockdown to fight the spread of c...