Coronavirus: More than 200,000 cases worldwide, Italy death toll soars, UK closes schools

Coronavirus cases worldwide have passed the 200,000 mark, with a large increase in the death toll in Italy, the hardest-hit European nation.

Across the globe the number of coronavirus cases has now topped 204,000, with more than 8,200 deaths.

The rise overnight was confirmed by Johns Hopkins University, and while China still has had the highest number of confirmed cases, Italy, Iran, Spain and Germany have all recorded over 10,000 cases.

However, in Europe, where several countries have put lockdowns in place, local authorities in both France and Italy are threatening to take more serious measures as residents in big cities ignore advice to stay indoors.

In Italy, tens of thousands of people have received a summons for going out without valid reasons, such as to buy food or other necessities or for brief strolls outside to walk dogs or get exercise.

In Paris, police said they checked more than 10,000 people after new confinement measures went into effect and by late morning had fined 522 violators.

In France, people are required to carry a special document if they leave their homes, explaining why they need to be outside. It can be handwritten or saved on a phone if people don’t have printers at home.

Coronavirus: More than 200,000 cases worldwide, Italy death toll soars, UK closes schools | ABC News