In Canada, Alberta and British Columbia are also urging all events with more than 250 people be cancelled.
British Columbia's health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, said the province is "strongly advising'' people to not travel outside Canada, including to the U.S, and said anyone who chooses to do so should self-isolate for 14 days upon return.
"That means no trips to Disneyland, no trips to Paris or Berlin or Boise,'' British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix said. "Anyone who chooses to travel outside of Canada must stay away from work or school or 14 days upon their return. That responsibility is what we owe to our fellow citizens.''
Henry said there has not been widespread community transmission of the virus in Canada, unlike in the U.S.
"We've been watching what's happening in Washington state and have been in contact with our colleagues in Washington state. What became apparent to me over the last 24 hours is the extent of the community spread in many, many, many different communities in the U.S.,'' Henry said.
Canada has more than 140 confirmed cases, with one death _ an elderly nursing home resident in British Columbia. The United States has had 40 deaths, with more than three-fourths of them in Washington state. As of Thursday afternoon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported about 1,260 U.S. illnesses.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney also asked people to self-isolate if they are returning from overseas.
"We are now recommending that anybody over the age of 65 to avoid traveling outside the province if they can avoid it,'' Kenney said.-AP-Photo: Vancouver Sun

Spring arrives early in Victoria where there are colorful blooms near the BC Parliament Buildings, Royal Roads University.

Canadian provinces cancel large events