Italian officials say new coronavirus cases have jumped 20% to more than 21,000. 

The rising number of cases in Italy highlights Europe becoming the epicentre of the pandemic.

The total number of cases rose to 21,157, with 175 people deaths, taking the total number of fatalities since the crisis began to 1,441.

Yesterday, Italy had reported 17,660 infections overall, meaning the latest figures showed an increase of 3,497 cases reported in one day. 

More than 150,00 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in 123 countries around the world, according to the WHO. 

READ MORE: Jet2 flights to Spain from Glasgow, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and East Midlands cancelled and turn back in mid air amid coronavirus fears 

Ferrari is set to close its factory for two weeks after the coronavirus outbreak disrupted the supply of key parts. 

Belgium, France, Switzerland and Germany are among a number of European countries to close schools.

READ MORE: Coronavirus in Scotland: Death toll in the UK rises to 21 as outbreak continues 

Spain is introducing a state of emergency and Italy is tightening its lockdown, while Denmark and Poland have become the latest countries to shut their borders to most travellers in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

China — where the virus first emerged late last year — is seeing new cases continue to dwindle, but Covid-19 has in recent weeks spread exponentially in Europe, the Middle East and North America. 

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Spain to close borders as Covid-19 cases rise by 1,500 in a day

On Saturday, the White House announced that it is now conducting temperature checks on anyone who is in close contact with President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, including reporters attending the Saturday White House briefing.

The move is being taken as a precaution in response to the coronavirus outbreak, said Judd Deere, a White House spokesman.