Italy has now confirmed 219 cases of the virus, Angelo Borrelli, head of the country’s civil protection agency, said during a press briefing Monday.
Of the 219 tally, five people have died and one person has recovered, he said.
Borrelli said 91 of the cases were currently in isolation at their homes.
The northern region of Lombardy is the hardest hit, with 167 of the cases and four of the deaths, he added.
Fears in Europe: After the rise in numbers over the weekend, nearby European countries are getting nervous. Austrian authorities said they will meet today to study the situation and analyze if border controls with Italy are necessary.
- Conflicting reports in Iran: The country’s health ministry said there were 12 deaths as of Monday — but a lawmaker in the city of Qom put the death toll at 50.
- Northern Italy restrictions: 5 people have died in Italy — the site of Europe’s biggest outbreak — and restrictions have been imposed on some municipalities.
- Spike in South Korea: South Korea announced 231 new cases Monday, with the nationwide total surging past 830. More than half of those are associated with a branch of a religious group.