Italy Puts Lockdown On Northern Regions, Quarantining 16 Million Inhabitants

According to a report from the New York Times, a northern region of Italy has been put in lockdown situations ordered by the government. This happens after local officials fail to stop the coronavirus outbreak that is taking over a number of important cities in the area, including Venice and Milan.

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On Sunday, Italian PM Giuseppe Conte said in a press conference that the region is under emergency alarm. Having around 16 million inhabitants, it’s currently kept in check with “very rigorous” yet necessary restrictions on travel. PM Conte also added that self-responsibility is the first priority for everyone.

The locked-down areas include the Lombardy region and 11 neighboring provinces which are considered to be “affected areas” in Italy. Not only will “in and out of the territory” but also “within” movement will be restricted. Those who want to travel for any reason have to seek special restrictions from officials.

Under the lockdown status, social activities like cultural events or funerals are contemporarily banned as the government warns people to keep a 1-meter distance between each other whenever they arrive at public places like churches or supermarkets. Anyone caught having a fever or being tested positive with the coronavirus is encouraged to self-quarantine at home, according to The New York Times.

Police and military forces will be responsible for enforcing the terms if an individual violates the lockdown, considering a fine penalty or even jail time. Conte has provided no word on when the measures will end, but the end date could be April 3^rd, as per an earlier report.

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