Highlights
- So far, seven deaths linked to the coronavirus outbreak have been reported in Italy
- Schools are closed in several regions, Venice's famous Carnival has been suspended and football matches called off
- Italy now has the most cases of coronavirus after China and South Korea
Gino Antognetti has been closely following the news of the spread of coronavirus that may jeopardise his upcoming visit to Italy. But he says the physical distance makes it difficult to fully grasp the situation on the ground.
“I am very worried. I am due to travel to Italy for Easter and this morning I'm thinking 'what am I going to do if I cannot come back?' I have to come back to work, that is the problem,” Mr Antognetti says.
While there have been seven deaths linked to the virus outbreak in Italy, so far, there are no restrictions on travelling between Australia and Italy. The Australian Government's SmartTraveller website suggests people travelling to Italy to “follow the advice of local authorities".
"Italy has confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), including deaths. Authorities have introduced measures to restrict the use of public spaces and limit travel in some parts of northern Italy where cases have occurred," the advisory reads. "If you have symptoms of respiratory illness, contact your doctor before travelling."
With the number of cases reaching 229 and rapidly rising, Italy has become the third country - after China and South Korea - with the highest number of coronavirus cases.
Italian regional governments have called for strict measures to contain the spread of the virus, forcing the cancellation of several public events, including Serie A football games and the annual Carnival in Venice.
People wearing a protective mask walks at the Termini Station in Rome, Italy, 24 February 2020. Source: AAP Image/EPA/ANGELO CARCONI
Italian journalist Andrea Perego says the measures are "unprecedented".
“It is the first time the Carnival has been interrupted; we are facing a crisis we could never imagine,” Mr Perego told SBS Italian from Venice.
Part of the problem for the Italian authorities is that they do not yet know the source of the virus that even has the World Health Organisation concerned.
Consequences of Coronavirus infection in the city. People wearing the masks in supermarkets in Milan, Italy, on February 24, 2020, after Coronavirus outbreaks. Source: AAP Image/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM
“There is concern regarding the sudden increase of numbers in Italy, especially because there is no clear epidemiological link with China," Cristiana Salvi from the WHO Europe said.
Five regions have responded with strict measures, including Lombardy that has registered the highest number of cases. Ten municipalities in the region that considered at the centre of the epidemic are in a complete lockdown.
“In addition to the closure of schools, museums; all cafe and discos are closed from 6pm onwards. In short, anywhere that people can gather, including shopping malls, is undergoing these measures to limit the contagion”, Andrea Eusebio, a journalist with ALA NEWS said from Milan.
However, not everyone is convinced that these strict measures are necessary.
Customers are warned of the end of protective masks and to stay at a safe distance from the counter to avoid any contagions. Naples, Italy, on February 24, 2020 Source: AAP Image/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COM
“There are countless measures, each region has its own strategy and of course the confusion is increasing. In Ischia, for example, the mayor of the island, one of the most touristy in Italy, had forbidden the landing of people from Lombardy and Veneto. In Basilicata there is a quarantine for all those arriving from the North (later revised)”, Mr Eusebio said.
Several listeners have commented on SBS Italian's Facebook page on the developing situation in Italy.
Empty shelves at supermarket as people stockpile due to the fear of the new coronavirus, in Pioltello near Milan, Italy, 24 February 2020. Source: AAP Image/EPA/ANDREA CANALI
Lisa thinks the measures in the Veneto region, including the early closure of Carnival celebrations, have been "too draconian" and argues that things seem to be "getting out of control with mixed messages" from the authorities.
Antonio, who writes from Rome, says that even in the capital city, people are panicking and surgical masks and hand sanitisers are now impossible to find.
Another social media user, also called Antonio, disagrees with those who criticise the national government’s response. He comments that the public health sector in Italy is the best in the world and the high numbers recorded are only due to the scrupulous checks conducted in the country. “Elsewhere… it may be spreading similarly BUT they haven’t realised it yet.”
But many also worry about the long-term effects of the outbreak. As Sonia comments, “One thing is for sure. The virus is killing the economy.”
