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CORONAVIRUS: Virus Outbreak Sends Northern Italy Into Lockdown

As the total number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus worldwide ticks over to 78,997 this morning, Italy has gone into lockdown after the number of cases in the country doubled between Friday and Saturday.

As the total number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus worldwide ticks over to 78,997 this morning, Italy has gone into lockdown after the number of cases in the country doubled between Friday and Saturday.

Italy now has 157 confirmed cases of the virus with three deaths recorded.

According to reports from The Guardian today, 50,000 people from 11 Northern Italian towns have been in lockdown since Friday night.

Police have been patrolling the streets issuing fines to anyone caught entering or leaving outbreak areas.

Karry On - Costsaver

The BBC also revealed this morning that Italian officials have cut short the Venice Carnival as they try to control the outbreak.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced said the “extraordinary measures” were needed to try and contain the virus.

Smartraveller has not updated its travel advice for Australians travelling to Italy following the spike in cases. The government authority still suggests exercising normal safety precautions in Italy.

Italy has by far the most cases of Coronavirus in Europe. Germany has 16 cases with no deaths while France has 12 confirmed cases and no deaths.

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Italy

Smartraveller advises that Australians talk to their doctor before travelling with young children, babies or an elderly person, if they are pregnant, have a weak immune system, or have a chronic medical condition.

Travel advice for all countries is being regularly updated.

“There is a heightened risk of sustained local transmission in some countries, including at this stage Japan and South Korea”.

Smartraveller

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Image: World Health Organisation

South Korea remains a hot spot for the virus behind only the epicentres of China and the Diamond Princess cruise ship. 602 people have been diagnosed with the virus in South Korea with six fatalities.

Back home in Australia, 22 people have the virus but no one has died from the illness.

The international health emergency continues to affect the travel industry from cancelled flights and cruises to increased nerves from travellers about to embark on international trips.