Italian PM signs decree to quarantine 16 million people, northern Italy under lockdown

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signed a decree putting most of rrn Italy under lockdown as death toll due to vel coronavirus continues to rise. Museums, atres, cinemas, and or entertainment venues have also been closed all over nation due to decree signed by Conte on March 8. Italy reported largest daily increase in fatalities with 49 people dying to virus within 24 hours, taking toll to over 230. growing threat of dely virus has forced government to put 16 million people of rrn Italy, including Lombardy region and 14 or provinces, under lockdown. According to media reports, earlier draft of decree h considered keeping region under quarantine until April 3 but re has t been any official confirmation.

Re: US Reports 19 More Coronavirus Deaths, New York Declares State Of Emergency

Anuncing government decree in a news conference after 2am (local time), Conte said that Italy is facing a national emergency. Italy has w recorded most number of deaths due to COVID-19 after China which has reported 27 new deaths. In China, nearly 3,100 people have lost ir lives owing to dely disease and most numbers of cases are from Hubei province of China and city of Wuhan, epicentre of outbreak.

Re: Maldives Confirms First Two Cases Of Coronavirus, 2 Islands Under Lockdown

'Encourd by accelerated research'

World Health Organisation (WHO) said that y are continuing to recommend that all countries make containment ir highest priority. Speaking at a daily media briefing, WHO Director-General Tedros ham Ghebreyesus said that y are encourd by accelerated research as part of response. WHO has received applications for 40 diagstic tests, 20 vaccines are in development and many clinical trials of rapeutics are underway.

“Even as we test rapeutics, we need to ensure that supplies of those medicines are available should y prove effective. WHO has been monitoring potential risk of a disruption to medicines supplies as a result of COVID19 epidemic,” said Ghebreyesus.

Re: Arctic Winter Games Canceled Because Of Coronavirus Concerns

Re: Assam Quarantines 127 People After American Tourist Tests Positive For Coronavirus