Europe surpassed China in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths as Italy reported its deadliest day.
On Wednesday, Italy reported 475 deaths from the virus. That’s the highest death toll reported in a day by any country since the virus originated in Wuhan, China, late last year. China recorded its highest single-day death toll of 150 on Feb 23.
That’s the highest death toll reported in a day by any country since the virus originated in Wuhan, China, late last year. China recorded its highest single-day death toll of 150 on Feb 23.
Chancellor Angela Merkel used a rare television address to urge Germans to abide by restrictions bringing social life to a standstill, calling the pandemic the country’s greatest challenge since World War II.
“This is serious – and you need to take it seriously,” Merkel said in a somber tone during a speech delivered to the nation on Wednesday evening. “There has been no such challenge to our country since German reunification ” ” no, since World War II.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on March 14 that Europe is the new epicenter of the pandemic.
The US so far has reported 3,774 cases and 69 deaths. While New York state accounts for the majority of the cases, Washington state has the most number of reported deaths.
Across Europe, schools and universities have been closed; lockdowns have become commonplace; non-essential businesses like cinemas, gyms, clubs, bars and restaurants have been shut; and companies have asked employees to work from home wherever possible.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa declared a state of emergency for 15 days as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country jumped 43 per cent in a day to 642 on Wednesday.
The coronavirus has now infected more than 200,000 people and killed more than 8,000 globally, with over 83,000 people having recovered from the infection, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
