First Local COVID-19 Infection in Rome... Total 1,694 Cases in Italy

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) sweeps across Italy, the first local infection case has been reported in the capital city, Rome.

According to local media, a police officer in Rome tested positive for COVID-19 on the 2nd (local time).

The Rome city health authorities are currently investigating the infection route of this police officer and have confirmed an epidemiological link with Lombardy in northern Italy, which is the virus spread hotspot in the country.

Accordingly, the authorities have urgently closed the high school attended by the police officer’s child in Rome and decided to strengthen virus containment measures.

This is the first confirmed local infection case in Rome since the virus began spreading in earnest across Italy in mid-last month. It is also interpreted as a sign that community transmission is starting in Rome, which had remained a relatively virus-free area until now.

Meanwhile, as of the previous night, the cumulative number of confirmed cases in Italy was tentatively counted at 1,694, with 41 deaths. The virus spread range within Italy appears to be gradually expanding, as the first COVID-19 case was also reported on Sardinia Island, located above Sicily Island, on the same day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.