VIRUS HITTING CLOSE TO HOME

Looks like Spain is is now a contender for the top spot.

5500 new cases in last 24 hours.

They are now just below China (81400) with 78800.

Germany is a distant 5th with 59200 and "only" 500 new cases.
They blocked news coverage and allowed a few epic annual celebrations a month ago. After that, they were on track to catch up to Italy.

the celebrations were important to leadership because of tourism revenue.