Italy confirms its first two coronavirus cases

Italy confirmed its first two novel coronavirus cases, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced at a press briefing on Thursday night.

Two Chinese tourists infected with the virus are in stable condition and being treated in isolation.

As of 24:00 on Thursday, a total of 9,692 cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in the Chinese mainland , with 213 dead and 171 recovered patients.

In central China's Hubei Province, the epicenter of the outbreak, the confirmed cases have risen to 5,806, with 204 deaths and 116 cases of recovery.

Overseas, at least 98 cases were confirmed in 18 countries, including Thailand, France, Germany, the U.S., and Canada.