Italy coronavirus deaths near 200 after biggest daily jump

Mannequins wearing protective masks stand in a shop display window after a government decree to close schools, cinemas and theatres, and recommending that people do not shake hands or hug each other and that they maintain a distance of at least one metre, in Rome, Italy, March 6, 2020. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

ROME (Reuters) - The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has risen by 49 to 197, the Civil Protection Agency said on Friday, the largest daily increase in fatalities since the contagion was uncovered two weeks ago.

Italy is currently reporting more deaths from the virus than any other country in the world and the government this week ordered the closure of schools, universities, cinemas and theatres around the country to try to stem the infections.