AROUND THE GLOBE
THE coronavirus pandemic has infected more than one million people worldwide and over 63,000 deaths have been recorded. Here is the latest on the situation from around the world: ITALY The virus-ravaged Lombardy region is now requiring residents to wear a protective mask when they go outside in a bid to further trim infections.
The order from Lombardy governor Attilio Fontana lasts until April 13.
It mirrors similar orders in recent days from two other northern regions – Veneto and Alto Adige – which require protective masks for residents, particularly if shopping in stores and markets.
While all of Italy is under lockdown, Lombardy has passed tight restrictions on movement and business operations in an effort to curb infections. FRANCE France’s health director has said that 7560 people have died of coronavirus-related issues in the country since the start of the epidemic, including at least 2028 in nursing homes.
Jerome Salomon added that France has experienced 441 more deaths in hospitals in the last 24 hours.
He also said that 28,143 people were currently in hospital – of which 6838 are in intensive care, accounting for a rise of 176 people in 24 hours in intensive care. Among the critical patients, 35 per cent are under 60.
but Salomon said: “The number of people being cured is also increasing very quickly.” CHINA Chinese health authorities reported 30 new coronavirus cases yesterday, including 25 people who had arrived from overseas. The other five cases were in southern China’s Guangdong province, which borders Hong Kong.
China has clamped down on international arrivals, banning most foreigners from entering and limiting foreign airlines to one flight per week. CARIBBEAN According to figures released last week by the government of Sint Maarten, 23 people have tested positive and two have died during the outbreak. The half-island nation has a population of 41,000. SRI LANKA The Indian ocean island has been under a countrywide curfew since March 20. Five people have died due to the virus and the total number of confirmed cases have risen to 166. Officials said 2961 prisoners have been released on bail since March 17.