The toll of the viral pneumonia epidemic reached 2,592 deaths in mainland China on Monday after the announcement of 150 additional deaths, according to health authorities. In Italy there are at least 165 people infected and four dead.
New death spike in China
Health authorities announced on Monday 150 new deaths in mainland China, all but one in the central province of Hubei, cradle of the new coronavirus.
These figures show a worsening after the 97 new deaths announced Sunday. The National Commission (Ministry) of Health has also reported 409 new confirmed cases of contamination over twenty-four hours, most in Hubei, bringing to more than 77,000 the number of people infected in the country.
Turning out of quarantine in Wuhan
To the somewhat general surprise, while the figures for the coronavirus for the past few days are not reassuring, the authorities indulged in a funny turnaround this Monday morning. The mayor of the Chinese metropolis at the heart of the epidemic of viral pneumonia has indeed announced at first that non-residents in good health could be authorized, under conditions, to leave Wuhan before finally changing their mind three hours later.
Wuhan (11 million inhabitants) has been de facto in quarantine since January 23, after the discovery in December of a new coronavirus in a city market.
South Korea, the largest focus of coronaviruses outside of China
With 231 new infections in the country, the national death toll stands at 833 cases of coronavirus and seven deaths.
The number of sick in the country now exceeds that of the infection center of the liner Diamond Princess, in quarantine in Japan. South Korea has seen a rapid increase in the number of cases with more than 700 new infections in less than a week.
Most of the carriers have a link with the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in the city of Daegu (south of the country). On Monday, people linked to the sect represented 129 of the 231 new cases registered, the Korean Center for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement on Monday.
Iran takes drastic measures
Iran has taken drastic measures after recording fifteen new cases, bringing the total number of infected people to 47. Twelve deaths are to be deplored this Monday. The Islamic Republic announced on Saturday the closure of educational institutions in 14 provinces, including Tehran.
Likewise, all cinemas will be closed until Friday across the country and all cultural events and concerts canceled. All sports competitions have been canceled for the next ten days.
