Bako, John Chukwudi
The COVID-19 has swept through Italy like no other Western country, prompting a nationwide lockdown that has never been seen in a peacetime democracy, overwhelming hospitals and causing several deaths.
Authorities in Italy putted the country’s 60 million people on lockdown in the most drastic action taken outside China to confront the spread of COVID-19.
As of 13 March 2020, death toll from COVID-19 in Italy has jumped from 250 to 1,266, a rise of 25% and the largest increase in absolute terms since the start of the outbreak, the Civil Protection Agency said on Friday.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Italy may not stop at the current restrictions and could use further “massive shock therapy”.
Travel restrictions just for northern Italy were first leaked on Saturday, causing panicked reactions before an official decree was published on Sunday. The measure, unexpectedly extended to the whole of Italy on Monday night, means people must limit travel except for work or medical reasons, or risk a three-month prison sentence or a €206 fine.
The travel ban is being enforced on roads by the Carabinieri (military police), while rail services – including night trains from Paris to Venice – have been cancelled.
The Italian authorities said the draconian measures are necessary to slow the spread of the virus and relieve the burden on healthcare systems.
Viral videos show how Italians have been able to stay united through songs and music and how the country’s air force have been able to lift the spirit of fellow country men and women and all other nationals in Italy. Commenting on the effort made by Italian Military to uplift and assure Italians that they will overcome COVID-19 Pandemic said “the United States loves Italy”.
See the video below-
THE UNITED STATES LOVES ITALY! pic.twitter.com/DESUJ4QM41
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 14, 2020
