• March 10, 2020
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Entire Italy in lockdown as COVID-19 cases surge

A nationwide lockdown has been implemented in Italy amid the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the country. Over the weekend, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signed a decree placing Lombardy and 14 other provinces in quarantine. Now that the infections surged again, the leader has been forced to take an unprecedented measure: locking down an entire nation of 60 million people.

In a televised address, Conte specified the measures involved in the lockdown, which will last until 3 April. Whilst the quarantine is in effect, only travel for work and family emergencies are allowed. The lockdown bans nightlife and public gatherings. A nationwide suspension on all sporting events has been put in place as well, whilst universities and schools shall remain closed until 3 April.

Passengers who will board flights and those who will arrive by plane will have to justify themselves, with the exception of temporary visitors. Cruise ships will not be allowed to dock at Italian ports. Controls for checking temperatures have been set up at train stations as well.

The PM “We all must give something up for the good of Italy. We have to do it now, and we’ll only be able if we all collaborate and adapt to these more stringent measures,” Conte said.

Both confirmed cases and fatalities surged in Italy over the past 24 hours. The latest report from its health ministry confirms a total of 1,797 cases – a significant increase from 1,492 the previous day – which brings the total to 9,172 COVID-19 infections. A total of 97 more deaths was recorded as well, bringing up the death toll to 463. Cases have been recorded in all 20 of Italy’s regions.