Italy Quarantines Around 16 Million People Due to Coronavirus Outbreak

The coronavirus outbreak has taken over Italy with the country quarantining close to 16 million who may have come in contact with the illness. 

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced the closure of schools, gyms, museums, nightclubs and other establishments across the country, BBC reports. Yet, the virus has taken a stronghold in the country’s Northern and Central provinces.  This has led to new, stricter quarantine methods in the region. Under the new regulations, people living in Lombardy and the 14 other Central and Northern provinces will need special permission to travel throughout the country.

“There will be no movement in or out of these areas, or within them, unless for proven work-related reasons, emergencies or health reasons,” Conte told the media. “We are facing an emergency, a national emergency. We have to limit the spread of the virus and prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed.” 

This regional quarantine has affected around 16 million people including those living in the popular cities of Milan and Venice.

Italy has the highest number of coronavirus infections in Europe and the cases continue to grow. Per BBC, the confirmed cases jumped to 5,883 on Saturday. This is a 1,000 more infections since last recorded. Additionally, the coronavirus related deaths are growing in the country. More than 230 have passed with officials reported 36 deaths in 24 hours. Among those infected is the Chief of Staff for the Italian Army, Salvatore Farina. Farina told the media that he’s feeling well and is “self-isolating.”