There are currently more than 250,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide. Italy is now the hardest hit country outside of China, with more than 47,000 cases and more than 4,000 deaths as of March 20. Here are key takeaways from the front lines of the outbreak in Europe, what the data currently tells epidemiologists, and what people can do to help combat the spread of novel coronavirus.

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Epidemiologist John H. Holmes is currently a visiting professor at the University of Pavia, 20 miles south of Milan. Speaking in an online presentation from the hard-hit Lombardy region, Holmes shared his personal perspective on the ongoing pandemic.

The disease is having a huge impact on the health care system in Northern Italy.