[Explanation] At present, the epidemic of new crown pneumonia continues to spread globally. On March 10, local time, the number of confirmed cases in Italy exceeded 10,000, with a high mortality rate, and it became the country with the worst epidemic situation outside China. To cope with the worsening epidemic situation, the Italian government successively upgraded its epidemic prevention measures and began to “catch the city” nationwide.

[Explanation] As of March 10, local time, a total of 10,149 cases have been confirmed in Italy, with more than 630 deaths and a mortality rate of 5%. Some analysts say that the high mortality rate in Italy is closely related to the serious ageing of the local population and the exchange of family members.

[Explanation] Italian Prime Minister Conte issued a televised speech saying that in order to prevent the epidemic from spreading, Italy will implement “cities closure” nationwide from the 10th. In accordance with the ban, people across the country must not leave the place without authorization, except for provable work, health and emergency needs.

[Explanation] This is by far the most severe epidemic prevention measure in European countries. The ban also stipulates that all sports events in the country, including Serie A, be suspended. School suspensions have also been extended from March 15 to April 3, and public gatherings in places such as outdoor bars and restaurants are prohibited.

[Explanation] As the epidemic spreads, the Italian medical system is under tremendous pressure. According to media reports, shortages of intensive care beds, negative pressure isolation rooms, and medical staff are exposing the Lombardy region, where the epidemic is most severe, to a crisis of oversupply of medical resources.

[Explanation] At the same time, prisoners and relatives of visiting prisoners protested in prisons in Italy due to the closure of the city and the suspension of prison visits. According to the BBC, at least six prisoners have died during riots in Italian prisons.

[Explanation] As the test for epidemic prevention and control continues to increase and the spread of the virus continues to expand, the chairman of the Lombardy Region, the "hit area" of the Italian epidemic, stated that he would require the Italian government to take stricter control measures.

(Edit Xiaozihe)

Editor-in-chief: [Li Yuxin]