A STARK coronavirus warning has been issued by a Swindon artist currently locked down in Italy.

Lauren Caldwell, 28, has looked on in horror at TV pictures from her homeland showing people panic buying and flouting government advice to stay at home.

She says if the situation continues then the death toll will climb above that of Italy, where more than 7,500 have already died of Covid-19.

Lauren, who moved to Verona from West Swindon told the Adver: “I don’t understand why I’m still seeing people, even my friends, meeting each other and gathering with families, continuing like life is normal.

“I feel like everything I’ve said has been pointless. Meaningless. It’s like no one has seen the news.

“I really want people to educate themselves just a little bit and look at what’s happening. They are killing each other.

“The longer they act like this, the longer this is all going to continue.”

Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte imposed a national quarantine on March 9 but the rate of infection has continued to rise since.

Lauren said: “I want to remind everyone that this is the worst time to go out. Don’t go shopping. This is a dangerous, infectious adjustment period. Essentials only.

“In Italy we have been able to access most groceries we need in our local supermarkets throughout this period, there’s no need to panic buy.

“Please take only what you need so that autoimmune, elderly and people with underlying health can obtain basics.”

She added: “I’ve been feeling like giving up trying to explain this to England now.

“I fear that you are going to get it way worse than we have it in Italy. They closed the schools completely here, none of these teachers going in and babysitting.

“They closed the pubs immediately with no warning so no 'last drink' rush.

“Some thoughtless people did travel to go stay with family in other parts of the country, or tried to go on holiday.

“But I don’t understand why I’m seeing videos of long queues of panic buyers still."

With tighter measured introduced in Italy,. Lauren has experienced some mental issues and turned to her drawings for inspiration.

She said: “I see little reason to get dressed and find the hours are passing by and I have accomplished nothing.

"I feel terrified, unmotivated, fuzzy-headed, tired, close to tears and anxious all at the same time. a few days ago it all got to me, the worry about my family’s lives at home. It’s all too overwhelming and I broke down.

“We need to be looking after each other. Check in regularly with anyone and everyone. A phone call, message, smile or wave goes a long way.”