In Italy, the coronavirus epidemic has exceeded the symbolic threshold of one hundred dead. The government announced on Wednesday the closure of all schools and universities, "as a precaution", in the third most affected country in the world.
This measure will be "effective from tomorrow" Thursday, said Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte during a brief press conference after an exceptional Council of Ministers. Italy, the 7th largest economy in the world, is the first European and G7 country to adopt such a draconian measure. "Right now, we are focusing on taking all the measures to contain the virus or delay its spread because the health system, although efficient and excellent, risks becoming overheated," he said. he explains.
Distance learning courses
Education Minister Lucia Azzolina acknowledged that closing schools until March 15 was a "heavy decision", while "committing" that "this essential public service continues to be provided remotely". Schools and universities were already closed in the three most affected regions: Lombardy (the Milan region), Emilia-Romagna and Veneto (around Venice).
Almost all of the 21 Italian regions have identified cases of contagion, except for the moment Valle d'Aosta, which borders France. The government said it was imperative to limit contact as much as possible and intervene as soon as possible to stop the spread of the virus. Prime Minister Conte gathered all his ministers on Wednesday and the discussions were devoted "largely to the situation in schools and universities", while Italy is just behind China and South Korea in number of cases of contaminations, in this case 3.089 according to the last assessment published Wednesday evening by the Italian Civil Protection.
295 Italians in intensive care
The previous report dating from Tuesday gave 79 dead and 2,502 cases, an increase in 24 hours of 28 dead and 587 cases. Among the 1,346 people still hospitalized on Wednesday, 295 are in intensive care, still approximately 10% of cases.
"3.47% of those infected have died and 8.94% are cured," said the head of Civil Protection Angelo Borrelli, explaining that "the affected regions are strengthening the reception structures to provide intensive care" and that 'there are no notable difficulties. According to media reports, the government is studying other precautionary measures united in a decree, such as respecting a safety distance of at least one meter between people, avoiding handshakes and kisses, and playing football matches in camera. Supporters would also not have access to team training. The measures affecting football, valid for one month, could be revised after two weeks.
Avoid the crowds
The decree would also provide to avoid gatherings and crowds as much as possible. This is why all fairs, conferences and congresses should be postponed, in particular in the health sector, in order to free up the health personnel as much as possible.
It is also recommended that all people over the age of 75 stay at home and not go to public places. This advice is extended to people over 65 with pathologies likely to worsen on contact with the coronavirus. The majority of Italian deaths were elderly people - on average in their 80s and nonagenarians - or suffering from previous pathologies.
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