Italy’s death toll from coronavirus tops 2,500

The death toll in Italy from the coronavirus rose above 2,500 on Tuesday.

Italy’s health ministry reported 2,503 deaths and a total of 31,506 confirmed cases of the virus.

Italy has been the hardest hit nation in Europe from the virus, which originated in China. 

At the moment, more than 26,000 people are positive for the virus in Italy and nearly 3,000 people have been healed, the country’s health ministry said.

Italy is on lockdown, with officials ordering the closure of nonessential businesses as the nation grapples with the global pandemic. 

More than 195,000 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed globally, according to data complied by Johns Hopkins University.

Globally, at least 7,868 people have died from the virus, according to Johns Hopkins. 

The number of deaths reported by Italy are the most in any country other than China, where more than 3,000 people have died.