The NCAA canceled its men's and women's basketball tournaments on Thursday because of the spread of coronavirus, putting an abrupt end to the season less than a month before champions were to be crowned.

All public school districts and Mayor-sponsored charter schools in Marion County will be closed beginning Friday, March 13 as a precaution against COVID-19.

Effective immediately, non-essential gatherings in the state will be limited to no more than 250 people. This includes churches, conference rooms and auditoriums.

The organization cited the evolving COVID-19 health threat for its decision and not wanting to contribute to spreading what has been labeled a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

Up until Tuesday, the CDC advised health care workers to use masks which filter out 95 percent of airborne particles. But, due to a shortage, it's now saying nurses can use simple surgical masks.

In response to COVID-19 concerns, the state of Indiana is doing more to protect vulnerable Hoosiers from the virus. More Indiana universities canceled in-person classes and the Indiana High School Athletic Association is limiting spectator access to tournament events.

IPS Superintendent Aleesia Johnson says the district is talking regularly with the Marion County Health Department and other district superintendents as it decides next steps to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The Indiana Department of Correction has suspended in-person visitations to eight prisons in response to the new coronavirus.

Wednesday's update by the state agency shows that seven Indiana counties now have patients with COVID-19, with Adams, Boone, Hendricks, Marion and Noble counties the other counties reporting cases.

In the Midwest, major universities are pivoting to online learning. Several jails and prisons are also suspending visits amid the outbreak.