Italy returns to containment in the face of third wave of coronavirus

The Most of the populated areas in the north of the peninsula, including Lombardy, with Milan, as well as Lazio, with Rome, were classified as “red zones” as of Monday., specified the ministry.

“One year after the start of the health emergency, we are unfortunately facing a new wave of infections”Prime Minister Mario Draghi said in a speech at the new vaccination center at the Roman airport in Fiumicino.

“Last week, we recorded 150,175 new infections against 130,816 the previous week, an increase of almost 15%,” he said. “During these two weeks, the number of hospitalized patients positive for the virus has increased by nearly 5,000 and the number of patients in intensive care is over 650”he added.

At the end of the Council of Ministers held this Friday, it was decided that, from March 15 to April 6, the regions “where the weekly number of infections exceeds 250 per 100,000 inhabitants will be considered red”.

From Monday, thus they will have to close schools, bars and restaurants in a large part of the 20 regions of the country. According to the classification by color, the red zone, the most contagious, also involves the closure of high schools and universities, as well as bars, cafes and restaurants (except for take out).

In addition, travel is only permitted in the event of the need for manpower, the purchase of essential items and medical emergencies.

On another side, From April 3 to 5, at the end of Holy Week, all of Italy will be considered a red zone instead and it will only be possible to move around the region itself. at another private residence, once a day and a maximum of two people.

Italy, which passed the threshold of 100,000 deaths from Covid-19 this week, has seen a sharp rise in infections and deaths, largely due to the British variant, experts say.