Grimmest Day of Pandemic Has Europe Groping for Answers
- Italy has 627 deaths, highest daily toll since outbreak hit
- EU warns coronavirus recession could be as deep as 2009
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Italy reported its highest daily death toll yet from the coronavirus, as signs the contagion is accelerating across Europe prompted governments to weigh tougher measures to fight the spread.
The 627 fatalities announced in Italy brought its total to 4,032 on Friday, a day after the nation surpassed China as the country with the most deaths. Italy remains the hotspot of the epidemic in Europe, even as cases multiply at an alarming rate in Spain, France, Britain and Germany.