ROME: All of Italy under lockdown, reeling financial markets and rioting prisoners made clear on Monday how the global coronavirus epidemic was extending its reach into all aspects of social and economic life.
Over 9,000 people have become infected in Italy in little over two weeks, out of a global total of more than 110,000 in over 100 countries. Some 3,900 people have died across the world, the vast majority in mainland China.threat of a pandemic has become very realBut he welcomed Italy's tough measures, noting that just four countries - China, South Korea, Italy and Iran - accounted for 93 per cent of cases worldwide.
A source also said top Wall Street executives had been invited to the White House on Wednesday for talks on the coronavirus. In neighbouring Ireland, acting Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said a 3 billion euro coronavirus package had been agreed. In Spain, schools were closed in the town of Labastida near Vitoria in the Basque country after nearly 150 cases of coronavirus were identified nearby out of around 1,000 nationwide.In the Gulf region, where most cases stem from travel from Iran, the emphasis has been on border control. Saudi Arabia said it would fine people who did not disclose health information and travel details at entry up to US$133,000.
South Korea reported 165 new cases, bringing the national tally to 7,478, while the death toll rose by one to 51.