'Red alert' in Europe about Covid-19 epidemic
The Covid-19 epidemic shows signs of spreading in many countries. The whole of Europe is also in a state of alarm.
According to statistics from Worldometers, updated at 7:30 a.m. on March 12, there have been 4,616 deaths and 126,122 cases of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection worldwide.
Statistics also show that Italy and Iran, the two largest Covid-19 outbreaks outside China, are at their most serious stage, with the number of new infections and deaths both rising to record highs. Meanwhile, the whole of Europe is also on alert.
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| An Iranian man sells masks to prevent the Covid-19 epidemic. Photo: AP. |
As of March 11, Italy recorded 196 more deaths, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 827, and 2,313 new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, bringing the total number of infections to 12,462. Italy has now become the largest Covid-19 outbreak outside mainland China, in terms of both the number of infections and the number of deaths.
Other European countries are also on alert. More European countries have joined the top 10 countries most affected by Covid-19. Yesterday alone, France recorded 15 deaths and 497 new cases. Spain recorded 19 and 582, respectively. Germany reported 1 death and 343 new cases. Switzerland recorded 1 death and 155 new cases.
Meanwhile, the number of new infections and deaths in Asia, especially China, is on the decline. China seems to have controlled the epidemic. Yesterday, the country recorded only 12 new infections. In Japan, there were 52 new infections and 3 deaths. However, the number of new infections in South Korea remains high at 242 cases.
Iran is the "hotbed" of Covid-19 in the Gulf region, behind Italy in the number of deaths due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As of the end of March 11, the country recorded 63 deaths, bringing the total number of deaths to 354 and 958 new infections, reaching the milestone of 9,000 infections.
In the US, there have been 1,300 cases of infection and 38 deaths, as of now. 23 states in the US and the capital Washington. DC have had to declare a state of emergency. According to CNN, President Donald Trump is considering a proposal to declare a national emergency against the Covid-19 epidemic, under the Stafford Act.
Many countries have recorded their first deaths from Covid-19, such as Indonesia, Ireland, Panama, Bulgaria, Albania, and Sweden. The Covid-19 epidemic has affected 122 countries and territories worldwide./.