New Delhi (NVI): The coronavirus is spreading more quickly in Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of the world than in China where the virus first emerged in the central city of Wuhan at the end of last year, reports said.
The number of new coronavirus infections inside China was for the first time overtaken by fresh cases elsewhere on Wednesday, with Italy, Iran and South Korea emerging as new hotspots for COVID-19.
The rise in Italy, the main focus of infection in Europe, represents a 25% surge in 24 hours. The outbreak has killed 12 people in the country so far.
Schools, universities and cinemas have been closed and several public events cancelled.
Eleven towns at the centre of the outbreak – home to a total of 55,000 people – have been quarantined.
Also, South Korea – the biggest cluster of infections outside China – reported a total of more than 1,200 infections and 12 deaths so far, according to media reports.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has banned foreigners from visiting the country’s most holy sites – Mecca and Medina.
The ministry of foreign affairs said the suspensions were temporary – but did not say when they would end.
The number of new deaths stood at 29, the lowest daily rate since January 28. A total of 2,744 people have died till now as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
