Coronavirus spreads to at least 5 new countries

Japan now taking drastic measures ahead of Tokyo Olympics - NBC's Kelly Cobiella reports

TOKYO, Japan (KYMA, KECY) - More countries are losing ground in the fight against the spread of coronavirus.

It has now reached five new countries: New Zealand, Denmark, Brazil, The Netherlands, and Nigeria. The number of countries with confirmed cases is now up to 49.

In Japan, a woman tested positive for the second time after doctors thought she'd recovered. The Japanese government is now taking drastic measures, advising schools to stay closed for a month. Tokyo Japan has no shut its doors.

Tokyo's Olympic preparations are now under threat as well. The Torch Relay is due to reach Japan next month ahead of the summer games, but officials are now considering scaling back the ceremony to limit crowds.

It's a strategy being adopted all across Asia. Members of the U.S. military based in Korea are running extra screenings after a soldier tested positive for the coronavirus. The Navy's 7th Fleet, based in Japan, says it's taking "precautionary measures" and keeping some ships at sea for two weeks.

Other countries are scrambling to cut public gatherings. Saudi Arabia has halted pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina. And in Italy, a football match when ahead in an empty stadium. Fans had to watch from bars outside the arena.

Another big concern for healthcare workers - a patient's dog in Hong Kong has tested positive for the virus. That dog is now being tested further. Scientists say it's a "weak positive," so they're trying to figure out whether the dog actually carries the virus, or if its nose and mouth came in contact with the bug while sharing the same environment as its infected master.

It's important to note there's no scientific evidence pets can carry the coronavirus.