Health officials reported isolated cases in the neighboring regions of Piedmont and Emilia Romagna, saying the total number of known infections in Italy had risen to above 130. The regional governor of Veneto, Luca Zaia, said he had dealt with numerous natural disasters during his long career, including floods and earthquakes. The first cases were announced only on Friday and doctors do not know the source of the illness. After the first confirmed cases, Italy suspended all direct flights to and from China, but did not keep tabs on those arriving from second countries. (Additional reporting by Kirsti Knolle in Vienna; Writing by Crispian Balmer; editing by Philippa Fletcher, William Maclean and Alex Richardson)

Source: National Post February 23, 2020 13:52 UTC