Europe is now the "epicentre" of the global coronavirus pandemic as several countries reported a spike in infections and deaths.
Head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to use aggressive measures to save lives.
Italy recorded its highest daily toll yet, taking the total to 1,266, with 17,660 infections.
Spain, which also reported a 50 per cent jump in fatalities, will be placed under a state of alert for two weeks.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump declared a national emergency to help tackle the coronavirus outbreak. There are 1,701 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, with 40 deaths.


At least 14 killed in explosion at weapons depot in Syria
US hits five Iranian oil tankers after attack on Navy ships
UK flights resume after major air traffic outage but airports warn of more disruption
Serbia's President Vucic dissolves parliament, calls snap elections
With large crowds attending, Norway lays King Harald to rest
Jordan intercepts 18 Iranian ballistic missiles
Air traffic control issue disrupts flights at major UK airports
At least 73 injured after Houthi rebels attack Saudi civilian and energy facilities
