Italy says strict measures will come to an end slowly
ROME: Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte’s government prepared Italians for a “very long” lockdown on Sunday that would only be lifted gradually despite its economic hardship and traumatic impact on daily lives.
The message from ministers and health officials came as Italy’s worldtopping toll rose by 756 — well bellow Friday’s record of 969 — and the rate of coronavirus infections slowed to under 6% for the first time.
Yet, the government appeared more focused on the nearing April 3 deadline to lift a national lockdown that had never been tried by a Western democracy — and has since been replicated across Europe and the United States.
“The measures expiring on April 3 will inevitably be extended,” Regional Affairs Minister Francesco Boccia told Italy’s Sky TG24 television.
“I think that, at the moment, talking about re-opening is inappropriate and irresponsible.
“We all want to go back to normal. But we will have to do it by turning on one switch at a time.”
Italy is effectively sacrificing almost all forms of business activity to fight the pandemic that first emerged in China last year.
Deputy Finance Minister Laura
Castelli said that the government’s initial 25 billion euro (905 billion baht) rescue package for affected families and companies might have to be quadrupled in size.
“In my opinion, at least 100 billion euros will be needed,” Ms Castelli told La Stampa daily.
Italy’s death toll now stands at 10,779 and the number of officially registered infections is just under 100,000.
But officials brushed aside various data suggesting that both rates were slowing and that Italy might have already lived through the worst.
“We are in the midst of a pandemic,” Health Minster Roberto Speranza told reporters.
“It would be a mistake to let our guard down.”
Government medical adviser Luca Richeldi warned that data pointing to a slowdown “are reason to be stricter”.
“We are in a very long battle,” said Mr Richeldi. “Through our behaviour, we save lives.”
Ministers are expected to decide on the length of an extension in the coming days.
Mr Conte has the right to keep the lockdown — in full or in part — until the existing state of medical emergency expires on July 31.