Northern Italy In The Grip Of Covid-19 Coronavirus

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 28: The pubs in the Navigli neighborhood which usually attracts hundreds of customers are seen almost empty due to the fear of the residents for the corona virus on February 28, 2020 in Milan, Italy. Italy registered a 25% surge in coronavirus cases in 24 hours, with infections remaining centered on outbreaks in two northern regions, Lombardy and Veneto. But a few cases have turned up now in southern Italy too. In Italy so far 650 people have been infected and 17 have died, officials say, amid global efforts to stop the virus spreading. Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told reporters that an "infodemic" of misleading news abroad was damaging Italy's economy and reputation. Italy's tourism association Assoturismo says March accommodation bookings are down by at least 200m (£170m; $219m) because of the virus. Schools, universities, cinemas and Milans famous La Scala opera house have been closed and several public events cancelled. Eleven towns at the centre of the outbreak - home to a total of 55,000 people - have been quarantined. There are fears that the outbreak may tip Italy into economic recession. (Photo by Marco Di Lauro/Getty Images)