Disneyland closes its theme parks and cruise lines across the United States, Broadway shuts down and the PGA is cancelled as the Covid-19 coronavirus takes a stranglehold on the US economy.
In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in isolation after his wife tested positive for the virus on return from a visit to the UK.
In Australia, as he awaits test results for the virus, Australian bowler Kane Richardson has withdrawn from his squad to face the Black Caps in a stadium with no fans in the stands.
In New Zealand the markets have taken another dive and the Prime Minister is expected to make an announcement on heightened border restrictions over the weekend.
Fears about the coronavirus pandemic have also forced the cancellation or postponement of a number of high profile events, some at the eleventh hour.
While the WOMAD music festival in New Plymouth and a memorial service in Christchurch to mark one year since the mosque attacks will still go ahead this weekend, almost everything else won't.
This morning, the plug was pulled on this weekend's Pasifika Festival due to host tens of thousands of people, and the Corona Piha Pro Surf event featuring world champion Kelly Slater has been postponed indefinitely.
Concerts further along the calendar - including My Chemical Romance and Deftones - have also been postponed.
Amy Williams explains.
