Cemetery workers and funeral agency workers in protective masks transport a coffin of a person who died from coronavirus disease (COVID-19). There was particular alarm in Italy, which has experienced an unusually high death rate - nearly 3,000 from 35,713 cases. On Wednesday Italy reported 475 new deaths, the biggest increase since the outbreak started and the highest one-day total posted by any nation. Photo: ReutersFrance also reported a spike in deaths - rising by 89, or 51%, to a total of 264 in 24 hours. France also reported a spike in deaths - rising by 89, or 51%, to a total of 264 in 24 hours.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 18, 2020 20:26 UTC