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Italy's coronavirus death toll surges as Lombardy seeks tougher curbs
[France24] The death toll from coronavirus in Italy has jumped by 250 in the last 24 hours, the biggest daily increase ever recorded by any country, as the worst-affected Lombardy region asked for a complete shutdown of factories and offices.The government this week imposed drastic curbs nationwide, shutting bars, restaurants and most shops, and banning non-essential travel in an effort to halt the worst outbreak of the disease outside China. The measures so far show no sign of slowing the number of deaths, which rose by 25% in a day to 1,266, the head of the Civil Protection Agency said on Friday. The total number of cases rose to 17,660 from 15,113 the day before, an increase of some 17%. Lombardy's health chief Giulio Gallera said the government's restrictions were not enough for the region which surrounds the financial capital Milan and accounts for three quarters of all the country's fatalities. "We are asking for an exception to be made for Lombardy," he told RAI 3 television, calling for the closure of factories, offices and public transport in the region. "If we can resist for at least eight days, maybe we will see things turn around." There was no indication of whether Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte would agree to further curbs in Italy's business heartlands, with the government increasingly concerned about the long-term scars the virus will leave on the fragile economy. Some companies, such as car maker Fiat Chrysler, have decided to shut down part of their operations, while premium brakes maker Brembo announced on Friday it would temporarily stop work at all its four Italian plants. "Today we have two objectives: Taking care of the sick and preventing infections, and taking care of our economy," Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said on Friday. He was speaking at an event to thank China for sending 31 tonnes of medical supplies, including masks and respirators, to Italy, as well as a team of doctors. "Italy is not alone," Di Maio said. "China is getting back on its feet and soon we too will be back on our feet." Posted by: Besoeker 2020-03-14 |
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