Health Care

5 dead from coronavirus in Italy, 200 infected

Italy has become the European country hit hardest by coronavirus, with officials reporting five deaths and more than 200 cases of the virus. 

Italy recorded its fifth death from the virus Monday, with the total number of cases of the disease rising to 219, officials announced

Nearly 100 people have been hospitalized with symptoms in Italy and 23 are in intensive care, according to officials. Another 91 are home in isolation, officials said. 

Northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto were hit hardest, with 167 and 27 cases recorded, respectively. 

Italy locked down more than 50,000 people in 10 towns in Lombardy, The New York Times reported. Residents on lockdown reportedly are supposed to only leave or enter their town with special permission.

Coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China, and has since spread globally. The vast majority of cases globally are still centered in mainland China.