People hoping to distract themselves from the current coronavirus situation with some retail therapy will have to do so online, as a slew of major retailers have made the decision to shut down operations across Canada and abroad in light of the growing global pandemic.

While we see measures like library, museum, school and arena closures to help slow the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus nationwide — following cities around the world that have gone into some form of lockdown — stores like Nike, Lululemon and Urban Outfitters have decided to temporarily shutter their locations for the health and safety of their customers and staff.

As such, we have decided to temporarily close all 258 Lush retail stores across Canada and the US from March 16 - 29. We are working through how we can best support our employees through these changes, ensuring regular pay for all staff during this period.

— Lush North America (@lushcosmetics) March 15, 2020

So far, large brands that have closed the doors of all their Canadian stores include Nike, Urban Outfitters and associated brands Free People and Anthropologie, Aritzia, Sephora, Lululemon, Lush, Abercrombie & Fitch and sister brand Hollister, Warby Parker, Levi's, Nordstrom, Under Armor, Patagonia, Apple, and GoodLife and its offshoot Fit4Less.

Many have also shut down stores across North America and Europe, if they have them. Some closures are for a number of weeks, and some are indefinite.

A number of small businesses, like restaurants, have also followed suit, while many malls have reduced their opening hours.

A letter to our Community:

To keep our people, our clients, our partners, and our communities safe, our boutiques will be closed until further notice. Should you need some normalcy https://t.co/8BIGg3jNeV and @aritzia will continue to be there for you. https://t.co/mZsAAJE4nV pic.twitter.com/6gSY7R5jzs

— aritzia (@ARITZIA) March 16, 2020

At the time of publication, 377 Canadians and counting have tested positive for COVID-19 across all provinces.

Prime Minister Trudeau, like many leaders, is urging Canadians to avoid overseas travel and is due to announce new restrictions on which airports will remain open for international flights today.

Officials around the world have instructed the public to self-isolate — or at the very least, avoid large crowds and socially distance — if at all possible to help inhibit community spread.