• Crisis.Italy restricts movements throughout the country by the coronavirus
  • Measures: The Government suspends direct flights from Italy to cut off the coronavirus transmission

A day after Italy decreed the isolation of the entire country and restricted the freedom of movement of 60 million people, the regions of northern Italy, most affected by the epidemic, asked the central government to take radical measures to try to contain the spread of the coronavirus, which already leaves 631 dead. The mayors and presidents of Lombardy and Veneto, both governed by the League, called for the closure of public transport and all commercial activities in their territories, except pharmacies and supermarkets.

The health emergency has also infected the economy. The Government is preparing to approve on Wednesday a new package of urgent measures worth 10,000 million euros that includes the suspension of the payment of mortgages up to 18 months , according to the Assistant Secretary of Economy, Laura Castelli. The Executive also studies specific measures for freelancers and families who have had to take care of their children during school hours, as a result of the closure of schools until April 3.

Italy also decreed the closure of cinemas, theaters or museums to avoid the agglomeration of people, but authorized the opening of shopping centers during business days, as well as bars and restaurants until six in the afternoon, on the condition that respect at least one meter of distance between customers. A solution that the most affected regions consider insufficient. "I leave worried. We have brought the voice of those who ask for drastic measures but the answer has been 'no'. The uncertainty is total," said League leader Matteo Salvini , who became spokesman for the northern governors during the meeting that maintained with the prime minister, Giuseppe Conte .

From north to south, the streets of the country woke up on Tuesday deserted. Public transport remained open but the subway and buses that cross the center of Rome traveled empty. Travel is prohibited, except for work, emergency or health reasons. Although the authorities recommend staying at home and leaving only when it is essential. In Termini, the main train station in the capital, there were no police checks like the previous day, but those who decide to leave must carry a signed self-declaration that justifies the trip, and that may be required at any time. The violation of the regulations includes up to three months in prison.

"I was in Rome for work and now I'm coming home. I hope I have no problems arriving, although what worries me most is what will happen in the next few days. It's like a science fiction movie," explains Mauro, who He wears a mask and latex gloves, before running off to catch the last train in the direction of Turin.

Conte announced last night the isolation of the whole country to deal with the high number of infections, which already exceed 8,500 and threaten to overwhelm the health system. "We have no time left , " he insisted during his appearance. During the night, thousands of people rushed to open supermarkets and pharmacies on duty to collect essential products, although Italian authorities stressed that merchandise traffic will not be blocked and supply in supermarkets is guaranteed.

The alarm came to neighboring countries. Austria banned entry for all people from Italy, except those who present a medical certificate, and in Switzerland the authorities arranged border controls at customs that cross nearly 60,000 Italians every day to work in the Swiss country. Air traffic is still open , but companies such as British Airways, Air France or Ryanair suspended connections with transalpine airports, while Spain canceled flights from Italy until March 25.

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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