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Italy Announces Restrictions Over Entire Country in Attempt to Halt Coronavirus Italy Announces Restrictions Over Entire Country in Attempt to Halt Coronavirus
(32 minutes later)
ROME — Italy on Monday became the first European country to announce severe nationwide limits on travel as the government struggled to stem the spread of a coronavirus outbreak that has hobbled the economy, threatened to overwhelm public health care and killed more people than anywhere outside China.ROME — Italy on Monday became the first European country to announce severe nationwide limits on travel as the government struggled to stem the spread of a coronavirus outbreak that has hobbled the economy, threatened to overwhelm public health care and killed more people than anywhere outside China.
The measures, announced in a prime time news conference by the country’s prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, sought to adopt the kind of drastic limits that may be working to control the virus in China, an authoritarian regime.The measures, announced in a prime time news conference by the country’s prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, sought to adopt the kind of drastic limits that may be working to control the virus in China, an authoritarian regime.
But the scope of the clampdown in Italy, applied to roughly 60 million people — from islands in the south to the Alps in the north — immediately raised the question of whether an entire modern European nation protective of its individual freedoms would make the necessary sacrifices.But the scope of the clampdown in Italy, applied to roughly 60 million people — from islands in the south to the Alps in the north — immediately raised the question of whether an entire modern European nation protective of its individual freedoms would make the necessary sacrifices.
The broader restrictions came just hours after the authorities announced that 9,172 people had been infected by the virus, 1,598 more than the day before. Deaths climbed to 463 people, the majority of whom are overwhelmingly elderly and sick people. There were 97 more deaths since Sunday.The broader restrictions came just hours after the authorities announced that 9,172 people had been infected by the virus, 1,598 more than the day before. Deaths climbed to 463 people, the majority of whom are overwhelmingly elderly and sick people. There were 97 more deaths since Sunday.
As of Tuesday, permission would be necessary for Italians who sought to move around the country for reasons of work, health or extenuating circumstances. The same criteria would be applied for Italians looking to leave the country, but Mr. Conte suggested that foreigners could still come to Italy.As of Tuesday, permission would be necessary for Italians who sought to move around the country for reasons of work, health or extenuating circumstances. The same criteria would be applied for Italians looking to leave the country, but Mr. Conte suggested that foreigners could still come to Italy.
More concretely, he said that schools and universities would remain closed as a result until at least April 3. Decrees banned jail visits and day-release programs for inmates, setting off riots across the country at 27 prisons. Guards were held hostage, and several inmates died in Modena.More concretely, he said that schools and universities would remain closed as a result until at least April 3. Decrees banned jail visits and day-release programs for inmates, setting off riots across the country at 27 prisons. Guards were held hostage, and several inmates died in Modena.
All sports events and outdoor gatherings would now be forbidden. A 6 p.m. curfew on bars, currently in place in the northern areas, would be extended to the whole country. The days of young people gathering at outdoor events and pubs were over, he said.All sports events and outdoor gatherings would now be forbidden. A 6 p.m. curfew on bars, currently in place in the northern areas, would be extended to the whole country. The days of young people gathering at outdoor events and pubs were over, he said.
“We all have to renounce something for the good of Italy,” said Mr. Conte, announcing that the government would enact stronger, more stringent rules than had been introduced just over a day earlier to the country’s wealthy north. He said the classifications between levels of threat in different regions and provinces would be replaced by a blanket restriction on nonessential movement across the country that he called “Italy, protected zone.”“We all have to renounce something for the good of Italy,” said Mr. Conte, announcing that the government would enact stronger, more stringent rules than had been introduced just over a day earlier to the country’s wealthy north. He said the classifications between levels of threat in different regions and provinces would be replaced by a blanket restriction on nonessential movement across the country that he called “Italy, protected zone.”
As he attempted to rally Italians to abide by the measures, Mr. Conte emphasized that the outbreak, Europe’s worst, presented an existential threat to the country’s elderly population — the Continent’s oldest — and to the health care system that served them.As he attempted to rally Italians to abide by the measures, Mr. Conte emphasized that the outbreak, Europe’s worst, presented an existential threat to the country’s elderly population — the Continent’s oldest — and to the health care system that served them.
The sudden expansion of travel restrictions reflected the government’s effort to catch up to the spread of a virus that has consistently outpaced its efforts to contain it.The sudden expansion of travel restrictions reflected the government’s effort to catch up to the spread of a virus that has consistently outpaced its efforts to contain it.
After the virus first appeared more than two weeks ago, the government first locked down 11 towns, but deaths and cases continued to spike.After the virus first appeared more than two weeks ago, the government first locked down 11 towns, but deaths and cases continued to spike.
Early Sunday, it announced that it would restrict the movement of about a quarter of Italy’s population, locking down the region of Lombardy and risking its northern economic heart for the health of the entire country and the survival of an overwhelmed health care system.Early Sunday, it announced that it would restrict the movement of about a quarter of Italy’s population, locking down the region of Lombardy and risking its northern economic heart for the health of the entire country and the survival of an overwhelmed health care system.
But those measures, already enormous in scope, have not stalled the virus’s toll. Instead, they have prompted confusion and anxiety as vague instructions from officials undercut the government’s assertions of control and authority.But those measures, already enormous in scope, have not stalled the virus’s toll. Instead, they have prompted confusion and anxiety as vague instructions from officials undercut the government’s assertions of control and authority.
Different regions had enforced different measures, politicians offered different definitions of what “movement” meant, and internet rumors spread unsubstantiated — and, the authorities said, false — accounts of overburdened hospitals denying care to anyone over 60. Riots broke out in 27 prisons, with guards held hostage and several inmates dying, in part because the decree had banned jail visits and day-release programs for inmates.Different regions had enforced different measures, politicians offered different definitions of what “movement” meant, and internet rumors spread unsubstantiated — and, the authorities said, false — accounts of overburdened hospitals denying care to anyone over 60. Riots broke out in 27 prisons, with guards held hostage and several inmates dying, in part because the decree had banned jail visits and day-release programs for inmates.
Residents in and out of the locked-down areas of the north expressed bewilderment at what they could or could not do, or should do, to protect themselves.Residents in and out of the locked-down areas of the north expressed bewilderment at what they could or could not do, or should do, to protect themselves.
“We are hearing too many things, and people don’t really get what’s going on,” said Laurence Paretti, 56, who window-shopped in Milan, where she taught yoga. She said she assumed it was fine to take a walk around the city but said that the government’s explanations “aren’t clear at all.”“We are hearing too many things, and people don’t really get what’s going on,” said Laurence Paretti, 56, who window-shopped in Milan, where she taught yoga. She said she assumed it was fine to take a walk around the city but said that the government’s explanations “aren’t clear at all.”
Mr. Conte acknowledged that a change was necessary on Monday night, as he introduced what he called stronger and broader restrictions. “We have to do it immediately,” he said.Mr. Conte acknowledged that a change was necessary on Monday night, as he introduced what he called stronger and broader restrictions. “We have to do it immediately,” he said.
Giovanni Rezza, director of the infective illness department at the National Health Institute, called the decision “necessary” and suggested that European neighbors such as France and Germany should follow suit.Giovanni Rezza, director of the infective illness department at the National Health Institute, called the decision “necessary” and suggested that European neighbors such as France and Germany should follow suit.
He said Italy was essentially faced with two choices, a Wuhan-style lockdown in which people could not leave their towns, including in the economic capital of Milan, or the option the government took, imposing partial travel restrictions and social distancing by closing bars and sporting events and thus keeping people away from one another.He said Italy was essentially faced with two choices, a Wuhan-style lockdown in which people could not leave their towns, including in the economic capital of Milan, or the option the government took, imposing partial travel restrictions and social distancing by closing bars and sporting events and thus keeping people away from one another.
Mr. Rezza, who on Monday morning raised the alarm of the virus hitting Rome, said he believed the government feared an epidemic in the less developed south. “There is a huge scare that the virus spreads to southern regions,” where the health care system is much inferior to the one in the north, he said.Mr. Rezza, who on Monday morning raised the alarm of the virus hitting Rome, said he believed the government feared an epidemic in the less developed south. “There is a huge scare that the virus spreads to southern regions,” where the health care system is much inferior to the one in the north, he said.
In Milan, the police stopped cars and asked drivers to fill out forms explaining where they were going and why, but it was not immediately clear how broadly, or seriously, the new measures would be applied or enforced.In Milan, the police stopped cars and asked drivers to fill out forms explaining where they were going and why, but it was not immediately clear how broadly, or seriously, the new measures would be applied or enforced.
In a reflection of how the spread of the virus had evolved into a national emergency, the government’s decree received support across the political spectrum.In a reflection of how the spread of the virus had evolved into a national emergency, the government’s decree received support across the political spectrum.
Matteo Salvini, the opposition leader of the nationalist League party, who had pressed Mr. Conte earlier in the day to expand the restrictive measures to the whole country, responded with measured approval. But he also said Mr. Conte needed to be clearer, and that it was necessary “to close everything and immediately, without leaving space for doubts or interpretations.”Matteo Salvini, the opposition leader of the nationalist League party, who had pressed Mr. Conte earlier in the day to expand the restrictive measures to the whole country, responded with measured approval. But he also said Mr. Conte needed to be clearer, and that it was necessary “to close everything and immediately, without leaving space for doubts or interpretations.”
Matteo Renzi, a former prime minister, had criticized the government’s failure to effectively communicate the importance of the previous restrictions. He too said he had urged the government to expand the measures to all of Italy to stop the virus from spreading across the country and deeper into Europe. He said in an interview on Monday night that he thought Italians would now better obey the new decree “because now it’s all of Italy. It’s not one part divided from the other. You have to do it for everybody.”Matteo Renzi, a former prime minister, had criticized the government’s failure to effectively communicate the importance of the previous restrictions. He too said he had urged the government to expand the measures to all of Italy to stop the virus from spreading across the country and deeper into Europe. He said in an interview on Monday night that he thought Italians would now better obey the new decree “because now it’s all of Italy. It’s not one part divided from the other. You have to do it for everybody.”
Mr. Conte, a former ally of Mr. Salvini, was until two years ago a little known law professor. Now he finds himself leading the country during its greatest challenge in recent history. He has a circular and legalistic speaking style and a habit for complimenting himself on his clarity.Mr. Conte, a former ally of Mr. Salvini, was until two years ago a little known law professor. Now he finds himself leading the country during its greatest challenge in recent history. He has a circular and legalistic speaking style and a habit for complimenting himself on his clarity.
But on Sunday and Monday, he confused many Italians by citing the language in the decree limiting movement in the north, speaking about an “obligation for all the physical persons who enter or exit the area” to “avoid every movement.” It sounded draconian but allowed for plenty of wiggle room.But on Sunday and Monday, he confused many Italians by citing the language in the decree limiting movement in the north, speaking about an “obligation for all the physical persons who enter or exit the area” to “avoid every movement.” It sounded draconian but allowed for plenty of wiggle room.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Travel continued in and out of the north by car, train and plane. The country’s response remained fragmented. Regions in the middle and south developed their own restrictions, some of them significantly tougher than those on the north.Travel continued in and out of the north by car, train and plane. The country’s response remained fragmented. Regions in the middle and south developed their own restrictions, some of them significantly tougher than those on the north.
To help explain the decree, the Interior Ministry published “auto-certification” forms that anyone traveling from or to the locked-down areas needed to fill out and present when asked by the authorities to attest that they needed to travel for work, or health or “other necessities.”To help explain the decree, the Interior Ministry published “auto-certification” forms that anyone traveling from or to the locked-down areas needed to fill out and present when asked by the authorities to attest that they needed to travel for work, or health or “other necessities.”
In the towns around Milan, Italy’s economic and cultural capital, that had suffered the largest outbreaks and been strictly sealed, Sunday’s restrictions had actually eased the local lockdowns.In the towns around Milan, Italy’s economic and cultural capital, that had suffered the largest outbreaks and been strictly sealed, Sunday’s restrictions had actually eased the local lockdowns.
Even some of the mayors of the towns were confused on Monday afternoon and lamented soldiers leaving the checkpoints.Even some of the mayors of the towns were confused on Monday afternoon and lamented soldiers leaving the checkpoints.
“I am a bit worried because the effort we did during the quarantine could be wasted,” said Elia Delmiglio, the mayor of Casalpusterlengo, where quarantine rules were lifted. “If you do not have a circumscribed area anymore, some positive people could bring the virus around and infect other people.”“I am a bit worried because the effort we did during the quarantine could be wasted,” said Elia Delmiglio, the mayor of Casalpusterlengo, where quarantine rules were lifted. “If you do not have a circumscribed area anymore, some positive people could bring the virus around and infect other people.”
Massimo Galli, who heads a team of doctors who identified the Italian strain of the virus last month at the Biomedical Research Institute of Milan, has said reopening those towns was “crazy.”Massimo Galli, who heads a team of doctors who identified the Italian strain of the virus last month at the Biomedical Research Institute of Milan, has said reopening those towns was “crazy.”
The measures introduced on Sunday, he said in an interview, were “not enough” for areas that had been quarantined red zones.The measures introduced on Sunday, he said in an interview, were “not enough” for areas that had been quarantined red zones.
“What they did in Wuhan is far more drastic than what we did,” he said, adding that he worried about “fire brewing under the ashes, that in other parts of the country you can have the surprise of epidemics that circulated for a time, without giving any signs.”“What they did in Wuhan is far more drastic than what we did,” he said, adding that he worried about “fire brewing under the ashes, that in other parts of the country you can have the surprise of epidemics that circulated for a time, without giving any signs.”
But other virologists believed Italy had on Monday night done what it needed to do.But other virologists believed Italy had on Monday night done what it needed to do.
Roberto Burioni, one of Italy’s leading virologists, said that Italy had underestimated the contagiousness of the virus, so the government needed to act decisively and Italians needed to respond responsibly.Roberto Burioni, one of Italy’s leading virologists, said that Italy had underestimated the contagiousness of the virus, so the government needed to act decisively and Italians needed to respond responsibly.
“The only way to contain this virus, is to betray our culture which is social,” he said, adding “the virus is exploiting these characteristics, and we have to do everything we can to stop it.”“The only way to contain this virus, is to betray our culture which is social,” he said, adding “the virus is exploiting these characteristics, and we have to do everything we can to stop it.”
Mr. Conte clearly counted on, and appealed to, Italy’s sense of civic duty, saying “everyone must do their part” to stop the spread of the virus. “The right decision is to stay home.”Mr. Conte clearly counted on, and appealed to, Italy’s sense of civic duty, saying “everyone must do their part” to stop the spread of the virus. “The right decision is to stay home.”
Not long before Mr. Conte spoke, Paola De Caria, 60, returned to her home in Milan from visiting her 90-year-old mother and fighting with a friend who took the virus too lightly. She said she wasn’t “really sure” what the rules were but “it all comes down to common sense. I have an aging parent, I shop for her and bring her food, avoid cafes and places like that.”Not long before Mr. Conte spoke, Paola De Caria, 60, returned to her home in Milan from visiting her 90-year-old mother and fighting with a friend who took the virus too lightly. She said she wasn’t “really sure” what the rules were but “it all comes down to common sense. I have an aging parent, I shop for her and bring her food, avoid cafes and places like that.”
Anna Momigliano contributed reporting from Milan, and Emma Bubola and Elisabetta Povoledo from Rome.Anna Momigliano contributed reporting from Milan, and Emma Bubola and Elisabetta Povoledo from Rome.