The recent days of concern over the spread of the corona virus in Italy are now beginning to be challenged by the economic consequences of the government's response to the crisis. Tourism contributes about 13 percent of Italy's annual GDP, and many Italians are entirely dependent on the revenue generated by tourism.

Mayor: "Milan must be opened as soon as possible"

In Milan, which is visited by ten million tourists annually, the cathedral is closed. Also closed are the La Scala Opera House and the Pinacoteca di Brera Art Museum. Several countries now discourage their citizens from traveling to the area. It has got the mayor Giuseppe Sala to start screwing himself.

- Nobody likes a downtrodden Milan, the city must be opened as soon as possible, Sala tells La Repubblica.

In a live broadcast on Facebook, the mayor says it's time to do something.

- Let's open the museums or something else - the culture is life, he says.

He is not the only politician to start questioning whether the government's path is the right one. The Piedmont region's President Alberto Cirio has also asked for a "gradual return to normal". Similar demands have been heard from Matteo Salvini, party leader of the right-wing nationalist Lega and former interior minister.

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SVT reporter Jennifer Wegerup reports from a desolate Milan where many have been affected by the corona virus. Photo: SVT / Domenico Mariotti

Organizations warn of alarmism and economic recession

According to the Corriere della Sera magazine, several unions and interest groups today will demand that the government change their footing. The organizations warn of alarmism, and the risk of triggering a recession in Italy, which is already in a difficult financial position.

It is an insight that also seems to have reached the Italian government. As of today, some local restrictions have begun to be released - bars and restaurants that have been forced to limit their opening hours for a few days may return to normal. However, the nightclubs are still forced to stay closed.

In addition, the routines are now changing - healthcare professionals no longer have to routinely test Italians without any symptoms, but only those who have symptoms or have had contact with people who have been confirmed infected.