Worst Hit By Coonavirus After China, Death Toll In Italy Crosses 2,100; Spain Nationalises All Hospitals

The crisis on account of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) worsened in Italy on Monday (16 March) as the European nation witnessed 349 new deaths, taking the tally of total deaths witnessed so far in the nation to 2,158, reports Times of India.

The death tally in Italy stands at second highest after China where the epidemic began. It should also be noted that the total tally of deaths in Italy has doubled since last Thursday (12 March) when the tally had crossed the 1,000 mark for the first time.

As of now, Italy is home to more than 27,980 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The tally stood at a much lower 15,113 just four days ago.

Meanwhile, Italy's bordering European nation of Spain is also witnessing a massive surge in the number of confirmed cases and deaths on account of COVID-19. Given the circumstances, the Government in Spain has gone as far as to nationalise all private hospitals and healthcare providers, reports Business Insider.

Further, Spain, which is the third worst-hit nation after China and Italy has also declared a state of emergency and mobilised its military forces. It should be noted that even Spanish Prime Minister (PM) Pedro Sanchez's wife has been tested positive for COVID-19.