at least 54 countries now reporting infections. more and more countries taking steps to stop the spread. in fact, schools in japan, hong kong, and several other countries are now shut down. in fact, today was the last day for japanese students for at least a month. in italy -- look at this image tonight -- soccer games are being played in the completely empty stadiums. pope francis sending a message on coronavirus, now canceling some events, raising some alarm amid reports he now has a cold. abc's james longman tonight. >> reporter: tonight, precautions becoming more radical around the world. in lebanon, students sprayed with disinfectant, testing for fever on the spot. the w.h.o. raising the global risk assessment to its highest level, and a blunt warning. >> it's really not much of an excuse at this point to get caught unaware. this is a reality check for every government on the planet. wake up, get ready. >> reporter: switzerland taking drastic action, becoming the first country to outlaw any