Coronavirus claimed the life of 78-year-old Italian man who was the first European to die of the deadly virus.

The elderly man who was in the hospital for 10 days for an unrelated illness died in the northern city of Padua, DW reported. He tested positive for new COVID – 19 virus.

Italian health ministry officials said they are prepared for an outbreak and will take necessary measures.

The new coronavirus death toll has risen to 2,300. The total number of countries where the new coronavirus has been detected has reached 30.