Coronavirus continues to spread throughout the world, sparking fears it could become a pandemic.

New cases of the virus – otherwise known as Covid-19 –have been reported in China and South Koreawhile outbreaks in Iran and Italy continue to surge.

Around 1,000 people are currently in lockdown in Tenerife after a man at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace Hotel tested positive for the virus.

The affected man is reportedly a doctor from Lombardy – the worst-hit region in Italy.

At least 229 cases have been reported in the country, most of which are in the northern regions ofLombardy and Veneto.

Seven people have now died of the virus in Italy, prompting authorities to quarantine dozens of towns, affecting around 50,000 people.

What towns are currently in lockdown and what precautions are being taken in cities in northern regions including Venice and Milan?

What towns in Italy are affected by coronavirus?

Several towns in northern Italy have been quarantined in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.

According toCNN, Italy’s Health Minister Roberto Speranza told a press conference on Saturday about the precautions, saying: ‘We are asking basically that everyone who has come from areas stricken by the epidemic to remain under a mandatory house stay.’

People have been asked to stay at home, while public gathering spots such as bars and restaurants have shut.

Are Milan and Venice on lockdown because of coronavirus?

Precautions are being taken in Lombardy’s capital, Milan, although there is no immediate threat of the virus.

Schools, museums, discos, pubs and cinemas shut on Monday and will remain closed for at least seven days.

Several runways were cancelled for the end ofMilan Fashion Week too.

Major football games have also been suspended, including Inter Milan’s home match against Sampdoria which was scheduled to take place on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the regional governor of Veneto, Luca Zaia, has called off Venice Carnival, which was due to run until Thursday in the region’s capital.

Museums were also ordered to shut down after Sunday in Venice.

Is it safe to travel to Italy?

There are currently no travel restrictions in place for people planning to travel to Italy.

However, theForeign Office updated their travel advice today at 8am, saying that those who have travelled north of Pisa should ‘stay at home.’

Health Secretary Matt Hancock spoke on BBC Breakfast, where he said: ‘If people have been to the affected areas that the Italian government have quarantined then they should self-isolate whether or not they have symptoms.’

The minister said there were no changes to advice about travelling to the country from the UK but Britons were told to adhere to the Italian government’s strict measures implemented last week.

Keep an eye on theForeign Office website for any updates.

If you are in Italy and you believe you may have symptoms of Covid-19, the website advises you to call Italy’s 112 emergency number, where English speaking operators are available.

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