Minister in Italy tests positive for coronavirus

A regional minister in Lombardy, the Italian region most affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak, has tested positive for the virus. The contagion concerns Alessandro Mattinzoli, 60, who serves as commissioner for economic development, the Lombardy region said in a statement. The entire 17-member Lombardy regional government will now undergo testing for the novel coronavirus, […]

A regional minister in Lombardy, the Italian region most affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak, has tested positive for the virus.

The contagion concerns Alessandro Mattinzoli, 60, who serves as commissioner for economic development, the Lombardy region said in a statement.

The entire 17-member Lombardy regional government will now undergo testing for the novel coronavirus, the region said.

Last week, Lombardy President Attilio Fontana said he would self-quarantine after a member of his staff tested positive for the virus.

The number of people infected in Italy – the centre of the outbreak in Europe – has jumped to 1,694, while in France the figure rose to 130. With the outbreak deepening, the staff at the Louvre in Paris voted to close the iconic museum.

New York has also recorded its first Covid-19 while the U.S. confirmed second death.

Indonesia on Monday announced its first two coronavirus cases while the death in Iran rose to 66 – the highest outside China.

The Czech Republic, Scotland and the Dominican Republic also confirmed their first cases.

More than 89,000 people across 58 countries have been infected, while the death toll has exceeded 3,000.
(dpa/NAN)