COVID-19 In Italy Causes Nationwide Quarantine

As confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Italy surge, the Prime Minister announced that the quarantine of the Lombardy region now extends to the entire country.

Taking effect since Tuesday, the lockdown will last until 3 April as Italy becomes the country with the most COVID-19 cases outside of China. In the past two weeks, the country has recorded 631 deaths and 10,149 infections as of 11 March 2020.

Image credit: Pedro Szekely

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The government declared that people in quarantine, counting for about 16 million people, should stay at home as much as possible. Only those with valid work or family commitments that cannot be postponed will be allowed to travel.

The draft decree also noted that those who violate the restrictions could be punished by fines and jailed for up to three months. Schools and universities will stay closed until 3 April while all restaurants and bars in the country will have to close at 6pm. These announcements signal the most large-scale efforts taken by a government outside of China to deter the spread of COVID-19.

Image credit: Jacob Surland

While the spread is getting more controlled in China and other countries like Singapore, it is gaining momentum across other parts of the world. COVID-19 is now in more than 100 countries around the world and global cases have gone beyond 111,000 with 3,890 deaths in total.

World Health Organisation (WHO) officials reported that approximately 93% of the total cases are concentrated in four countries namely China, Korea, Italy and Iran. 

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It is important to stay up to date with the disease’s latest information but more importantly, protecting yourself and others against getting and spreading the disease. Here are some tips to ensure your safety against the COVID virus, according to WHO:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Maintain social distancing between you and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
• Practice respiratory hygiene
• If you are feeling unwell, seek medical care early
• Stay informed and follow the advice given by your healthcare provider