Italy Milan and Venice Locked Down... Ruling Party Leader Also 'Confirmed Positive'

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy International Desk Reporter] Italy, where COVID-19 cases are rapidly increasing, is imposing lockdown measures on Milan and Venice. This is a measure to curb the uncontrollable spread of COVID-19, as even the ruling party leader who leads the political scene has tested positive for the virus.

According to Bloomberg on the 7th (local time), the Italian government designated 11 additional areas as 'Red Zones' and imposed lockdowns, including Milan, the economic and financial hub, the entire Lombardy region, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, which includes Venice, and Piedmont.

The Red Zone areas, which cover about one-third of northern Italy, restrict the movement and activities of outsiders within the region. Residents of these areas are also restricted from moving to other regions without government permission.

All public events, religious ceremonies, and business meetings are suspended, and schools, swimming pools, and museums are closed. Bloomberg reported that about 16 million people, equivalent to one-quarter of Italy's population, are subject to these movement and activity restrictions.

The measures will take effect from the 8th and are expected to continue until April 3rd.

In Italy, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is approaching 6,000 due to the spread of the virus. The Italian health authorities announced that as of 6 p.m. on the day, the nationwide cumulative number of confirmed cases reached 5,883, an increase of 1,247 (26.9%) compared to the previous day. The death toll has reached 233.

The ruling party leader who leads the local political scene also tested positive for the virus. Nicola Zingaretti, leader of the Democratic Party, one pillar of the Italian coalition government, disclosed his COVID-19 infection on his Facebook, saying, "I also caught it."

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