Italy with over 10,000 COVID-19 deaths... Nationwide travel restrictions likely to be extended

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Italian government is reportedly discussing extending the deadline for the movement restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 28th (local time), Angelo Borelli, head of the Civil Protection Department, said at a press briefing, "Is it time to lift the movement restrictions?" He added, "Without these lockdown measures, we would see much worse numbers and face an unsustainable situation."

Local media reported that the Italian government is seriously considering extending the restrictions for two more weeks until the 18th of next month. Lucia Azzolina, Italy's Minister of Education, had already stated that the school closures, which began on the 5th, would be extended beyond the 3rd.

In Italy, the spread of COVID-19 is expected to reach its peak soon. The Italian health authorities announced that as of 6 p.m. that day, the cumulative death toll increased by 889 from the previous day, reaching 10,023. Italy is the first country worldwide to surpass 10,000 cumulative deaths. The cumulative number of confirmed cases was provisionally tallied at 92,472, an increase of 5,974 in one day.

The Italian government has decided to significantly strengthen entry procedures to prevent additional inflows of COVID-19. Temperature checks are mandatory when boarding passenger planes or ships bound for Italy, and boarding is not allowed if the temperature is 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher. All visitors entering Italy by land, sea, or air must report their purpose of visit, destination, contact information, and accommodation address, and are required to quarantine for 14 days.

Giuseppe Conte, Prime Minister of Italy, emphasized the need for cooperation to mitigate the economic impact caused by COVID-19. At a press conference that day, Prime Minister Conte urged the European Union (EU) to initiate the issuance of Eurozone joint bonds, known as 'corona bonds,' to raise funds for COVID-19 response. He warned that failure to respond adequately to this emergency would be a "tragic mistake" for the entire EU.

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