St. Peter's Square in the Vatican was empty and will remain closed until the beginning of April, as Italy tries to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. With 630 deaths, Italy’s death toll is higher than the next three hardest-hit nations combined.
An additional risk factor could be related to local customs. The CDC has urged the use of social distancing as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19 -- but prior to this outbreak, the common custom in Italy was to greet friends and loved ones with a kiss on both cheeks.
"If asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients are not being tested, this will also skew the numbers we are seeing and increase the rates of adverse outcomes," she said. MORE: American living in northern Italy describes life under quarantine: 'It's a huge sacrifice but everyone is doing it'
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