Italy: 1492 New COVID-19 Cases - 133 Additional Deaths

#15,060


The numbers out of Italy continue to worsen, with the largest single-day jump in COVID-19 cases (n=1492) to date and a 50% jump in fatal outcomes (+ 133) over the past 24 hours.  Italy now leads the world - at least outside of Mainland China - for the most cases (n=7375) and the most deaths (n=366).

The apparent mortality rate (correction, CFR - Ed.) continues to rise - and is now nearly 5% - almost 10 times higher than has been reported by South Korea, which has reported a similar number of cases. 

Exactly what is behind this disparity isn't clear, as both countries have modern healthcare systems.  Granted, the median age in Italy is roughly 45, while it is nearly 5 years younger in South Korea, but the smoking rate in South Korea is roughly 3% higher.

South Korea appears to have tested far more people, and has undoubtedly discovered a great many mild or moderate cases, which would bring down their CFR.  But if Italy is only testing the `sickest of the sick', their epidemic must be several times larger than South Korea's.

Earlier today we looked at the Exceptional Measures in Lombardy and 14 provinces ordered by the government in hopes of slowing their epidemic. The latest update from the MOH follows:

Press conference of the Head of Civil Protection Angelo Borrelli at 6 pm on 8 March:

7375 total cases, the people currently positive are 6387, 366 dead and 622 recovered.
Among the 6387 positives:

• 2180 are found in home isolation

• 3557 hospitalized with symptoms

• 650 in intensive care

Consult the tables:

Italy situation as of March 8thBreakdown by provinces on 8 March