Italy announces stricter measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, cases declining in China

(Patria) – The number of coronavirus cases in Italy increased over the weekend, as did the number of deaths, which now stands at 366 in the country most affected after China.

In Italy, 133 new deaths were recorded in the last 48 hours, and the total number of reported cases is 6,387.

However, when 622 people who have recovered, as well as 366 deaths, are added to this number, the total rises to 7,375.

Italian authorities announced on Saturday that almost a quarter of the population in the northern parts of the country, including Milan and Venice, will be placed in quarantine until April 3, Euronews reports.

France, which has already recorded 19 deaths and a total of 1,126 reported infections, has banned public gatherings, and Romania has done the same.

At the same time, China is recording the lowest number of new daily infections since January, with 40 new cases and 27 deaths, the lowest number in the past month.

Iran, which has more than 5,800 cases and 145 deaths, has suspended flights to Europe.

Some European countries recorded a sharp increase in the number of infections over the weekend; in Spain alone, 159 new cases were reported in one day, bringing the total to 589 with 13 deaths.

California is preparing for the docking of the cruise ship Grand Princess, which was held at sea due to infection cases among passengers. Disembarkation, however, will not be allowed, and passengers will remain in quarantine.  

The situation is similar with a smaller Nile river cruise ship with 150 passengers and an Egyptian crew, all of whom are in quarantine in the city of Luxor due to 45 coronavirus cases.

The total number of infected Britons is 273, and this number increased sharply over the weekend when 64 new cases were reported.