Coronavirus Update: Latest Figures On The Crisis As Cases Soar In Italy

Global health officials continue to be on alert over the coronavirus crisis, with 78,854 reported cases and a death toll that has reached 2,465. Most of the cases and deaths have been in mainland China.

“Our biggest concern continues to be the potential for COVID-19 to spread in countries with weaker health systems,” said director-general of the World Health Organization Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Cases have soared in Italy, with three confirmed cases Friday morning to over 130 by Sunday. Italy now has the largest coronavirus outbreak in Europe.

The Italian government has called for drastic measures, with 50,000 people in about two dozen towns in northern Italy being asked to stay at home to prevent the spread of the virus. Venice has also called off its famous Carnival celebrations.

In other parts of the world, Pakistan and Turkey have decided to close their borders with Iran due to coronavirus concerns. Iran currently has 43 known cases of the virus.

In South Korea, 602 people have been infected with the virus, with many of the cases tied to a controversial religious group. South Korea’s neighbor, North Korea, has said that there are no coronavirus cases on its territory.

The coronavirus originated at an animal and seafood market in the city of Wuhan, with China putting millions of its citizens on lockdown in response to the health emergency. Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Sunday that the virus will "inevitably have a large impact on the economy and society" but the effects of the crisis will only be “short term.”