Italy bans internal travel as coronavirus cases continue to rise

Monday, March 23, 2020

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Italy recently declared a ban on internal travel as the number of coronavirus cases in the country increased over the weekend. Italy’s government has now ordered to restrict all travel and movement within the country. It also issued a restriction on all non-essential business activities. The decision has been undertaken as a further step to curb the rapid spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Italy has recorded the maximum death toll in the world surpassing China, where the COVID-19 virus originally appeared before spreading to the rest of the world. Italy has reported approximately 59,138 positive cases and 5,476 deaths, as of now. The country is now being considered as the epicenter of the deadly pandemic.

On Sunday, Italians were restricted to move across the municipalities under Italy’s internal travel ban. Italy Police has been asked to issue fines on people out in the streets without a valid cause. Fines are also being issued on instances of any individual breaking the rules and going out for a walk, visiting parks or historical landmarks.  Even joggers have been asked to limit their runs only across their own blocks. People going out shopping have been instructed to wait in a queue in order to keep the stores filled with only a handful of people at one time.

The Italian health ministry has informed the press that those with non-deferrable, proven business matters, health reasons or any similar urgent issues would be exempted from the internal travel ban. However, people will have to carry official documents stating their reason which will be checked by the police squad.

The Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte addressed the nation and mentioned that the country is facing the gravest moment since the second world war. He further added that all businesses that are not highly essential, crucial or indispensable would be closed till April 3^rd   2020.

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