Coronavirus: More people have died in Italy than epicenter China
The deadly coronavirus has taken more lives in Italy than it did in China, the country where it originated from in mid-December, 2019. The latest data suggests 3,405 people have died in Italy so far, 156 more than China's tally of 3,249. The number of people infected in Italy due to the virus, whose vaccine is still unavailable, stands at 41,035.
On Wednesday, 475 died, a day later, 427
As of now, entire Italy is in lockdown, an unprecedented but necessary move initiated to contain the virus' transmission. On Wednesday, the death toll witnessed its biggest ever surge with 475 people dying in 24 hours. The next day, COVID-19 took the lives of 427 people. Globally, coronavirus pandemic has taken 10,048 lives and 245,912 people are infected, according to Worldometers.
There are concerns about China's death toll
While Italy has passed a grim milestone, there are concerns over the reported number of deaths in China. The Communist Party, led by Xi Jinping, is accused of forging data and revealing a lesser death toll to prevent global backlash.
The lockdown will be extended
The restrictions imposed in Italy will go beyond April 3, the date fixed by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's administration. Speaking to a local newspaper, he said, "The total blockade will go on. The measures taken, both the closure of (public) activities and the ones concerning schools, can only be extended." Italians are only allowed to step out of their homes for groceries and medicines.
After Northern Italy, South is struggling with the pandemic
North Italy has been devastated due to coronavirus, with the worst affected region being Lombardy. But now, areas down like Lazio, Campania, and Puglia, are also seeing a surge in cases every day. The health authorities in Central and Southern Italy are now bracing for a tsunami of coronavirus cases. The virus was transmitted after people traveled from North, believe experts.
Meanwhile, Chinese experts aren't satisfied with Italy's measures
Meanwhile, Chinese experts who are helping Italy aren't too happy with the restrictions and said the Italian government was witnessing what they dealt with two months ago in Wuhan. Chinese Red Cross vice president, Sun Shuopeng, said lockdown isn't strict enough in Milan as public transportation is working and people are still having dinners/parties without wearing masks. He said Italians should stop all economic activities.
