ROME: Feb 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) —The number of coronavirus cases in Italy has jumped to 400, amid international efforts to contain the spread of the deadly outbreak.
The rise in Italy, the main focus of infection in Europe, represents a 25% surge in 24 hours.
Several European countries announced new cases traced to Italy.
The worst-affected areas are in the industrial north of the country – Lombardy, the region around Milan, and Veneto near Venice. The outbreak has killed 12 people in the country so far.
Government officials have sought to reassure the public, and insisted steps were being taken to prevent the spread of the disease.
Schools, universities and cinemas have been closed and several public events cancelled.
Eleven towns at the centre of the outbreak – home to a total of 55,000 people – have been quarantined.
There are fears that the outbreak may tip Italy into economic recession.
EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides told reporters after meeting the Italian health minister in Rome: “This is a situation of concern, but we must not give in to panic.
“There are still many unknowns about this virus and in particular its origin and how it spreads.”
In the past two days, Austria, Croatia, Greece, Norway, Switzerland, Georgia and North Macedonia reported their first coronavirus cases. Many of them involved people who had been to Italy.
More cases were also announced in Spain, France and Germany. Ireland postponed Six Nations rugby matches with Italy in Dublin that were to be held on March 7-8.
In the UK, where 13 cases have been reported, tests for coronavirus are being increased to include people displaying flu-like symptoms. — NNN-AGENCIES
