Coronavirus: Italy’s crisis worsens, 627 deaths, 5,986 cases — in 24 hours

Italy has recorded a total number of 4,032 deaths from the coronavirus outbreak, with an unprecedented increase of 627 in 24 hours.

According to the Italian Civil Protection Agency, the country also recorded fresh 5,986 cases on Friday, bringing the total to 47,021 infections.

On Thursday, Italy’s death toll overtook China despite having a far less number of cases when compared to China’s 81,250.

At least 2,629 health workers in Italy have been infected by coronavirus, representing about eight percent of total cases.

The high mortality rate is as a result of its demographics, according to an adviser to the country’s minister of health.

Italy is said to have the second oldest population worldwide, those at greater risk of the virus.

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has also exceeded 260,000, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University.

So far, the disease has killed 11,113 persons while 87,363 have recovered.

Apart from China where the outbreak started in December, the other worst-affected countries are: Iran with 1,433 deaths and 19,644 cases; Spain, with 1,002 deaths and 19,980 cases; France with 372 deaths and 10,995 cases; and the United States with 205 deaths and 14,250 cases.