"Genetics is more of a factor.The Chinese have more of the ACE2 enzyme in their lungs than others do. SARS and Covid-19 bind to it. This is likely the reason that both diseases have been big killers in China but not as much elsewhere."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/coronavirus-italy-death-toll-covid-19-cases-12493062
The Lombardy regional government urged people over the age of 65 to remain at home, as data showed they were by far the most vulnerable to the highly contagious illness.
“All those who have died (in Lombardy) are people over 65 with underlying health conditions, especially cardiovascular problems,” said Giulio Gallera, the region’s councillor responsible for welfare policy.
“What is comforting is that 50 per cent of the 258 people who tested positive (in the last 24 hours) have no symptoms or are being looked after at home,” Angelo Borrelli, head of the agency, told reporters.
In total, Italy has tested 23,345 people for the disease.