The Embassy of Italy, aiming at providing full, transparent and correct information on the recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Italy, summarizes here the immediate measures that the Italian Authorities have adopted to face, contain, manage and prevent effectively the spreading of the virus.
Italian municipalities affected
In accordance with the urgent Legislative Decree 23 February 2020, n.6 and the related Implementing Decree all the municipalities
and suburbs where at least one person has resulted positive to the virus, and the causes of transmission are unknown, the local authorities are instructed to adopt every adequate, proportionate measure necessary to respond to the evolving situation, including: prohibition of entry in or exit from the concerned municipality; suspension of all events and meetings, either public or private; suspension of all education services; suspension of public access to museums and alike; suspension of all commercial activities (except the ones providing essential goods and services; access to essential goods is guaranteed only under the condition that proper self-protection measures are adopted); suspension of all non-essential activities and services of public offices; limits to public transport. Those who have been in close contact with people positive to the virus will be put under quarantine with active surveillance; anyone who has resided in or transited through these municipalities starting from February 1, 2020, must inform the competent local health authority, which will enforce the necessary measures, including house quarantine with active surveillance.
At present, the following municipalities are interested by the mentioned measures: Bertonico, Casalpusterlengo, Castelgerundo, Castiglione d’Adda, Codogno, Fombio, Maleo, San Fiorano, Somaglia, Terranova dei Passerini (in Lombardia region) and Vo’ Euganeo (in Veneto region).
Anyone who has resided in or transited through these municipalities starting from February 1, 2020, must inform the competent local health authority, which will adopt the necessary measures, including voluntary quarantine with active surveillance.
Major Italian cities
In some major Italian cities, such as Milan and Venice, the local authorities have introduced precautionary measures, such as the closure of schools or suspension of cultural, sporting and public activities and initiatives.
Travellers from areas identified as epidemic by the WHO
An order issued by the Italian Ministry of Health on February 21, 2020 states that all individuals who have entered Italy in the previous 14 days (starting from February 7, 2020) after having travelled or stayed in any areas identified as epidemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) (www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019) must inform the local health authorities (ASL) which may put them under voluntary quarantine with active surveillance. These measures are applicable to those coming directly from the risk areas, as well as those coming from other countries who had previously visited the risk areas.
Flights and maritime transport
Moreover, all passengers’ flights connecting Italy with China and Taiwan are suspended. Cargo flights are permitted only to Rome
Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) airports, where accurate controls are conducted on crews and goods. All passengers of planes and ships arriving in Italy are accurately monitored.
Helpline
The helpline number 1500 (from Italy) has been activated for reports and information requests.
News
The following official page of the Italian Department of Civil Protection in English is constantly updated: http://www.protezionecivile.gov.it/risk-activities/health-risk/emergencies/coronavirus.
Italians traveling abroad may check the page www.viaggiaresicuri.it of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
