Italy reported 41 new deaths from coronavirus, bringing the death toll to 148, the second highest outside of China, where just over 3 000 people have died since the outbreak began in December. 

The virus has reached all 22 regions of Italy, and prompted Rome to take unprecedented measures, including suspending all schools and universities and unveiling an USD 8.4-billion rescue plan. 

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom reported its first death from coronavirus on Thursday, an elderly person with underlying health conditions, while Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and South Africa reported their first cases.