Public/Global Health

Italy announces biggest one-day increase for coronavirus death toll

Italy on Friday reported its largest one-day coronavirus death toll, as 627 people died from the disease in the country that has been rocked by the pandemic, The Associated Press reported.

Earlier this week, Italy surpassed China in most coronavirus-related deaths. Italy now has more than 47,000 confirmed cases of the virus and more than 4,000 deaths, according to John Hopkins University.

China still has the most overall reported cases, with more than 81,000, though the Chinese government said that Friday was the second consecutive day that the city of Wuhan, where the outbreak began, didn’t report a new case of the virus.

In the U.S., there are more than 16,000 confirmed cases of the virus and more than 200 related deaths. On Thursday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) issued a “shelter in place” order for the entire state, roughly 40 million people.

Under the order, Californians can still leave their homes for essentials such as groceries, medicine and solitary exercise, but all other discretionary travel is strongly discouraged.

Italy, on the other hand, is on complete lockdown. Residents need to get written permission from the government to leave their homes.

The Trump administration has banned all incoming travel from Europe, except for American citizens and legal residents.

Updated at 2:25 p.m.