After the outbreak of coronavirus in Italy, mainly in its northern areas, Europe was engulfed in panic. After Asia, up to this point Italy is thought to be the region with the highest prevalence.

According to local media data (via BBC), at least 152 people have been reported infected in Italy and 3 have died. All three victims were adulthood.

As a result of the situation, authorities canceled Venice Carnivals, suspended business activities, schools and sporting events.

About 50,000 people cannot enter or exit certain cities in Veneto and Lombardy for at least the next two weeks unless they are presented with special permits.

In neighboring Austria, a train from Venice was stopped at the border after two passengers had symptoms of fever. The Austrian Interior Minister later confirmed that both were negative for Covid-19 coronaviruses.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced on Saturday that "extraordinary measures" are being taken to curb the spread of coronavirus. He added that quarantine restrictions could last for weeks. If necessary, the intervention of the police and armed forces will be required.

Italian officials said they were trying to find the source of the virus outbreak.

Colette Walsh, an English teacher living in the town of Lissone, told the BBC that "the situation is surreal, I've never seen anything like it".