Japan leads Asian stocks lower as investors assess coronavirus damage

Asian stock indices opened the first session of the week mixed but mostly lower, with Japan, China, New Zealand, and South Korea down, while Australia gained ground. 

Australian PM Scott Morrison encouraged against any gatherings of plus two people, while urging Australians not to go out unless it's necessary. 

US President Trump extended social distancing guidelines until the end of April as the death toll from the coronavirus continues to surge with a peak expected in two weeks. 

Trump previously called for opening up the economy by Easter but the rapid spread of the virus forced his to back down. 

The World Health Organization documented 638,000 cases so far in 202 countries and territories, with the death toll mounting to 30,105. 

Japan's TOPEX tumbled 3.64%, while Nikkei 225 slumped 3.50% to 18,710. 

China's CSI 300 swooned 1.31%, while Shanghai gave up 1.2% to 2,738. 

Hong Kong's Hang Seng slid 1.42%, as South Korea's KOSPI dropped 1.5% to 1,691. 

New Zealand's NZX 50 slipped 0.42%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 2.85% to 4,980.