A worsening outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has forced the government to take drastic measures against the deadly virus. Italy has recorded the highest number of coronavirus infection in Europe. Confirmed cases of infections were over 5000 while the death toll rose to over 350 lives. When coronavirus first hit Please use the sharing tools found via the share button at the top or side of articles. When coronavirus was reported to be rampant in China, the Italian government was quick to suspend direct flights to and from the Asian nation, but as at now, residents are facing restrictions within the country itself.
To protect its most economically productive areas, Italy Prime Minister Giuseppe Contesinged a decree to restrict movements in the region of Lombardy and its capital Milan by imposing a ban on entering or exiting certain areas of the country, and ordering closure of museums, gyms, schools, universities and ski resorts, expected to last for almost a month. About 16 million people have been quarantined to contain the spread of coronavirus. 14 other provinces in neighbouring regions under this directive include cities Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia, Rimini, Pesaro and Urbino, Alessandria, Asti, Novara, Verbano Cusio Ossola, Vercelli, Padua, Treviso and Venice.
“There will be no movement in or out of these areas, or within them, unless for proven work-related reasons, emergencies or health reasons. We are facing a national emergency, without underestimating it, we have chosen transparency, we are acting with lucidity, courage and determination. We want to contain the spread of the contagion and avoid overloading the hospitals,” he said.
The evergrowing public health crisis across the world has negatively impacted the global market, raising fears of a looming economic depression. According to Italy’s economy minister, the government has set aside €7.5bn to deal with the impact and aftermath of coronavirus on the country’s economy and health system.
