Italy's hospitals overwhelmed by coronavirus as death toll soars Italy overtook China to have the world's highest coronavirus death toll, with more than 3,400 victims and over 41,000 infected. Hospitals in the hardest-hit parts of Northern Italy are approaching a breaking point as ICUs and Emergency Rooms are flooded with cases, straining resources and staff. Imtiaz Tyab reports on the extent of Italy's battle with the disease.