In the 17th century, doctors believed they could protect themselves from the plague with bird-like beaks that were stuffed with herbs, spices and dried flowers.

Businesses have been tightening precautions, with Walmart becoming the largest U.S. retailer to require customers to wear face coverings at all of its stores.

In the U.S., places including Washington state are delaying timetables for reopening their economies.

A Tokyo woman complained of a sore throat five days after eating sashimi.

The outbreaks occurred at Marine Corps. Air Station Futenma, which is at the centre of a relocation dispute, and Camp Hansen, Okinawan officials said.

An amusement park in Japan is urging riders to put on their best 'serious face' while riding the park's largest coaster.

Across the country, about 3.6 million people were advised to evacuate, although evacuation is not mandatory and the number of people who actually took shelter was not provided.

Army troops and other rescuers worked their way through mud and debris along the flooded Kuma River, where many houses and buildings were submerged nearly to their roofs.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud roar after the early-morning meteor lit up the sky over Tokyo.

Helicopters and boats rescued more people from their homes in the Kumamoto region.