The announcement, which was foreshadowed earlier last week by European diplomats, comes as daily infections of the novel coronavirus in Canada continue to see a general decline.

Calls were made to sack Johnson's senior adviser Dominic Cummings after he traveled 400 km to northern England while his wife showed COVID-19 symptoms.

"There exist concerns that our students and staff could be exposed to the virus in airports and other public spaces, while on tour, or potentially even endure lengthy quarantines."

Italy's first victim was a 76-year-old woman who was found dead at her home 50 km (30 miles) south of Milan on Thursday and tested positive for the coronavirus.