Italy will now enforce drastic measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in Europe after announcing it fourth and fifth death cases from the dreaded virus.
The said victims were an 84-year-old man in Bergamo and an 88-year-old man from Lodi in northern Italy, where they recorded the majority of the virus outbreak.
Italian media reported that one of the victims was brought to the hospital for an unrelated illness, but died soon after and was found to be carrying the virus.
So far, there are 200 confirmed cases in Italy, the most number of cases outside China, Japan and South Korea.
The reports are now causing fears that tourists coming home from Italy may cause an epidemic across Europe, with many coming back to school and at work after their half-term break.
The Lombardy region including Milan has been affected the most while the neighboring region Veneto, including Venice recorded 25 coronavirus infections.
Authorities in the said regions have put 11 towns on lockdown and banned public events, which include Masses and Sports events.
Famous attractions, bars and restaurants have been ordered to close as well, including Milan’s famous cathedral.
Armed personnel are dispatched on several places, and their orders include guarding the Milan church, and enforcing roadblocks in Lombardy.
Italians emptied supermarket shelved to prepare themselves to stay at home to protect themselves from the virus.
Panic started to spread as well. Austria stopped trains from crossing the Alps after two German women were reported to have fever on board.
High profile events were forced to cancel to the outbreak, including the Venice Carnival, Milan Fashion Week and Series A football fixtures.
Most European countries have not issued restrictions on transportation traveling from Italy, although Mauritius held up passengers from Rome, and Israel added Italy to their danger list.