World in shock as Italy records 627 COVID-19 deaths in last 24 hours

Italy has recorded its highest number of COVID-19 related deaths in the last 24 hours with the crisis stricken country's death toll soaring to more than 4,000.
Andrew Quinn
By Andrew Quinn
Published 20th Mar 2020, 17:59 BST
Updated 20th Mar 2020, 18:00 BST
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Italy overtook China on Thursday for the most COVID-19 deaths in a country but the news that 627 people lost their lives in the last 24 hours has sent shock waves around the world.

Italy also recorded almost 6,000 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.

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The current death toll in Italy now stands at 4,032 with 47,021 confirmed cases of the deadly virus.

People queue for food in Venice, Italy. (Photo: PA Wire)People queue for food in Venice, Italy. (Photo: PA Wire)
People queue for food in Venice, Italy. (Photo: PA Wire)

The worrying news to come out of Italy came less than an hour after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered all pubs, cafes, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, theatres, leisure centres and gyms across the UK to shut at midnight on Friday.

There are currently 3,229 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK and there have been 184 confirmed deaths.

Northern Ireland currently has 86 confirmed cases and has recorded one death.

Related topics:ItalyCovid-19ChinaBoris JohnsonNorthern Ireland