Italy: Institutional closures extended as COVID-19 cases rise over 1000 February 29 /update 10

Event

Authorities announced on Saturday, February 29, that the three regions of Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto that have the highest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases will extend the closure of all nurseries, schools, and universities for a second consecutive week until at least Sunday, March 8. Discussions were ongoing on Saturday as to when businesses such as museums and cinemas can reopen. Classes in neighboring Liguria and Piedmont regions are expected to resume on Monday, March 2, in addition to authorities lifting some other travel restrictions as the two regions record significantly lower COVID-19 case rates comparatively. Significant business disruptions are expected to continue in Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto, while smaller or lingering disruptions are expected throughout the rest of Italy.

Numerous countries and territories around the world have issued travel restrictions and/or canceled flight operations to and from Italy. Individuals traveling to or from Italy are advised to contact their airline and/or their embassy for more information. 

As of Saturday, the Italian Ministry of Health has confirmed 1128 cases of COVID-19 nationwide, including 29 deaths and a number of recovered individuals. Further international spread of COVID-19 is to be expected over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

On February 22, authorities implemented restrictions on movement in 11 towns in the Lombardy and Veneto regions that were deemed hot spots for COVID-19. Affected towns include Codogno, Casapusterlengo, Castiglione d'Adda, Maleo, Fombio, Bertonico, Castelgerundo, Somaglia, San Fiorano, Terranova dei Passerini, and Vo Euganeo. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced that no one would be allowed to enter or leave the designated areas without special permission.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On February 28, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the risk of spread and the risk of impact of the virus is "very high" at the global level.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.

In the case that symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness emerge either during or after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their health care provider. Travelers returning from China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran who develop symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.