Covid-19 cases prompt drastic measures in Italy

Diagnosed cases of Covid-19 worldwide are nearing 110,000. As the outbreak continues to spread both within and outside the U.S., here are some of the latest developments: 

• Italy: With more than 7,300 cases so far, the country announced a sweeping quarantine in its northern regions that would affect 16 million people, more than one-quarter of its population. Areas including Milan and Venice are on lockdown until April 3.  
• U.S.: More than 500 cases and 22 deaths have been reported so far, including a spate of recent cases in Massachusetts tied to a Biogen managers' conference. 
• The outlook: At a Harvard forum on Friday, former homeland security official Juliet Kayyem said of the novel virus, “[T]here are going to be massive disruptions to our social fabric in terms of your day to day. All of you have a part in stopping the spread of this … but we have to treat this as part of the plan.”