Italy’s prime minister has just released a statement that at least 17 million people will be put in obligatory quarantine in the Lombardy region as well as 14 other provinces, including hotspots like Milan and Venice.
According to the BBC, the lock-down will last until at least early April.
The people will be instructed to stay indoors as much as possible and those who do not comply could face jailtime.
Most entertainment spaces like night clubs, gyms, swimming pools, and ski resorts will be closed for the time being but eateries will remain in business. However, customers are required to be seated at least a metre apart.
The Wall Street Journal reported:
“Police, emergency services and if needed the army will be available to enforce the quarantine. People violating the lockdown can be punished with a fine or jail terms, according to the draft decree.”
As of right now, the number of cases of the coronavirus around the world has exceeded 105,000 with over 3,500 deaths altogether and Italy has the highest number of confirmed cases outside of Asia, currently with about 6,000 tested positive and over 230 deaths.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Also read: India Records Spike Of 22 Covid-19 Cases In Just 2 Days, Majority Are Italian Tourists