Quarter of Italians on Lockdown as New Coronavirus Sweeps Globe

By Staff, Agencies

A quarter of Italy's population was in lockdown Sunday as the government announced a spike in deaths and took drastic steps to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus sweeping the globe, while Iran recorded another 49 deaths and the national airline suspended flights to Europe.

Italy's COVID-19 death count rose 133 inside 24 hours to 366, more than any other country outside China.

The outbreak has now claimed the lives of some 3,700 people and infected more than 105,000 in more than 100 countries and territories, with France notably announcing it has topped 1,000 cases with 19 deaths.

Italy's measures, in place until April 3, bar people from entering or leaving vast areas of the north, according to a decree published online.

Sunday saw Rome forced to close its blockbuster exhibition marking 500 years since the death of Renaissance master Raphael at its Scuderie del Quirinale presidential palace.

Relatively, Austria and Switzerland said they were monitoring the situation closely with both announcing the suspension of some transport links -- including direct flights from Vienna to Milan and Bologna from Monday, though Italy's borders with Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia remain open.

Italy's quarantine zones are home to more than 15 million people and include the regions around Venice and financial capital Milan. Cinemas, theatres and museums will close nationwide.