Countries around the world were stepping up efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic – Daily updates – March 17

Countries around the world were stepping up efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic amid a rising caseload in the past 24 hours, with the tally of cases and deaths outside China exceeding that inside China.

The number of COVID-19 cases outside China had increased by 13,874 to 86,434 in the past 24 hours as of 10 a.m. CET (0900 GMT) Monday, with 3,388 deaths, according to the daily situation report released by the World Health Organization.

The report showed a total of 167,511 cases and 6,606 deaths were reported globally as of Monday.

In Europe, the epicenter of the pandemic, around 56,000 cases were reported by over 50 countries and regions as of Monday.

In Italy, the worst-hit country in Europe, the total count rose to 27,980 with 2,158 deaths on Monday.

The tally of confirmed cases in Spain has risen to 8,744 on Monday, while death toll climbed to 297. The country is considering extending the State of Alarm imposed on Saturday beyond two weeks.

France has reported 6,633 infections and 148 deaths by Monday evening.

Starting from Tuesday noon and for at least two weeks, people across French cities can only move out for reasons of work, health needs or shopping of necessities.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Monday she had proposed a temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the European Union (EU). The proposal is expected to be discussed by leaders of EU member states during a video conference on Tuesday. Read more HERE: EU proposes travel restriction as escalation seen in both virus cases, measures