In the fight against the spread of the corona virus, Italy closes all stores except pharmacies and grocery stores. In addition, many company departments are said to close.
Italy orders further measures against the spread of the corona virus and closes bars and restaurants and almost all shops. Only grocery stores and pharmacies are still open, said Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. Home deliveries were also allowed.
All unnecessary business activities would have to be stopped, Conte said. Corporate departments that are not indispensable for production would have to close. An effect of the additional restrictions on public life should be seen in two weeks, Conte said. Italy already has restrictions on freedom of travel and assembly, which should last until April 3.
Most affected in Europe
Italy is the country most affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Europe. More than 12,400 people have been infected with the virus that causes the respiratory disease Covid-19. So far, 827 people have died.
The whole country is a restricted area, the 60 million people are no longer allowed to move freely. So far, however, bars and restaurants were still open at limited times, including boutiques and other shops. A rush to supermarkets is not necessary now, as the supply is guaranteed, said Conte. The next two weeks will show whether the measures will contain the epidemic.
Government decides billions in aid
Previously, the government in Rome had approved a billion-dollar aid package that will also be used to strengthen health care. The intensive care units in particular are to be strengthened. In addition, funds are planned for distressed sectors of the Italian economy. “We have earmarked an extraordinary sum of $ 25 billion that should not be used as a whole immediately, but it could be needed to deal with the problems of this emergency,” said Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. This sum is higher than the ten to 13 billion euros that had been expected in advance.
Finance Minister Roberto Gualtieri added that by the end of the week a decree on financial aid of around twelve billion euros should be launched. Rome is in discussion with Brussels about debts that would be necessary for the measures amounting to 20 billion euros. The country had already received backing from the EU Commission because of the expected higher new debt.
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