Coronavirus cases surge to 400 in Italy
The number of coronavirus cases in Italy has jumped to 400, amid international efforts to support the spread of the deadly outbreak.
The rise in Italy, the key focus of infection in Europe, represents a 25% surge in 24 hours.
Several European countries announced new cases traced to Italy.
Also on Wednesday, the World Health Organization said that for the very first time the virus was spreading faster outside China, where it originated.
Globally, a lot more than 80,000 people in about 40 countries have already been infected with the new coronavirus, which emerged in December. The vast majority remain in China.
Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, has killed a lot more than 2,700 people up to now.
What is the problem in Italy?
Late on Wednesday, authorities reported a complete of 400 cases - a rise of 80 from Tuesday night.
The worst-affected areas are in the commercial north of the united states - Lombardy, the region around Milan, and Veneto near Venice. The outbreak has killed 12 persons in the country up to now.
Government officials have sought to reassure the general public, and insisted steps were being taken to prevent the spread of the condition.
Schools, universities and cinemas have already been closed and several public events cancelled.
Eleven towns at the centre of the outbreak - home to a complete of 55,000 people - have already been quarantined.
There are fears that the outbreak may tip Italy into economic recession. The BBC's Mark Lowen in Milan says fear 's the reason for the city's empty cafes and many hotel cancellations.
EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides told reporters after meeting the Italian health minister in Rome: "That is a situation of concern, but we should not surrender to panic.
"You may still find many unknowns about this virus and in particular its origin and how it spreads."
What about the rest of Europe and beyond?
In the past two days, Austria, Croatia, Greece, Norway, Switzerland, Georgia and North Macedonia reported their first coronavirus cases. Most of them involved people who was simply to Italy.
More cases were also announced in Spain, France and Germany. Ireland postponed Six Nations rugby matches with Italy in Dublin that were to be held on 7 and 8 March.
In the united kingdom, where 13 cases have been reported, tests for coronavirus are being risen to include persons displaying flu-like symptoms.
Outside Europe, Algeria, Brazil and Pakistan also reported their first coronavirus infections. The Brazilian case marked the arrival of the virus in Latin America.
In Iran - the main hotspot in the centre East - a total of 19 deaths and 139 cases have been reported during the past week. The federal government said on Wednesday it had no plans to quarantine any cities and towns. despite fears of a regional epidemic.
Iranian officials have asked people not to head to Qom, the centre of the outbreak, but have not shut a shrine in the city that attracts an incredible number of Shia pilgrims each year.
Also on Wednesday South Korea - the largest cluster of infections outside China - reported a complete of more than 1,200 infections and 12 deaths up to now.
