Egypt has said its general consulate in Milan is currently following up on the condition of two nationals infected with the novel coronavirus in the hard-hit country.

Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Yasser Hashim said the acting consul general in Milan, Ashraf Mousa, is currently in contact with the two cases to follow up on their health, after the consulate was notified about their cases.

Hashim stressed that the consulate general in Milan has been working around the clock since the outbreak in northern Italy began to provide Egyptian expats with all the necessary care, answer queries, and give assistance where needed, as well as running a hotline to raise awareness among the community about the virus.

Italy has reported 107 deaths from 3,089 confirmed cases of the viral disease, making it one of the major hotspots for the virus’ spread outside China in recent weeks.

The Financial Times on Friday described it as “the fastest spreading” country in the world in terms of the numbers of new cases.