Multiple outbreaks of the novel coronavirus outside of mainland China have continued to worsen, as experts warn we may be approaching pandemic levels. 

WHO in Italy: A World Health Organization team landed in Italy late Monday to "support Italian authorities in understanding the situation," the WHO said. The team's focus will be on "limiting further human-to-human transmission" after a rapid rise in cases.

Italian outbreak: At least 229 people have been infected with the virus, and seven people have died in the southern European nation. 

South Korea in crisis: In South Korea, more than 893 cases have been confirmed, up from 31 a week ago. At least seven people have died, and the virus has spread throughout the country, though the worst outbreak remains in the southern city of Daegu. 

Iran onset: Iran is on the front line of the outbreak -- the health ministry has confirmed 61 cases and 12 deaths.

China postpones top political meeting: Chinese authorities announced the postponement of the National People's Congress (NPC), the country's rubber-stamp parliament, an unprecedented move in recent times. It comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned Sunday that that novel coronavirus is the worst public health crisis facing the country since its founding. 

The cases: At the end Monday, China's National Health Commission's had confirmed 77,658 cases in the mainland, and 2,663 deaths. The virus has now infected at least 80,067 people worldwide and killed 2,698.

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