Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said a patient in its health services had tested positive for coronavirus. Mr Bruni said the discovery was made yesterday and that outpatient services in Vatican clinics had been suspended to sanitise the areas. He said its emergency services will continue, adding that the Vatican had informed Italian health authorities.
The Vatican said it was working with Italian authorities to keep the coronavirus from spreading in its tiny city-state, with a suspension of Pope Francis’ weekly audiences likely.
Italy remains at epicentre of Europe’s coronavirus outbreak, particularly in the northern regions.
The country has had 148 fatalities, making it the deadliest site for the virus outside China.
The Italian government restricted visits to nursing homes and assisted living facilities to protect older people who have been more vulnerable to succumbing to the flu-like virus.
This is a breaking story, more to follow..