Italy’s COVID-19 Outbreak

Italy is recording the highest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths outside of China. 60 million people in the European country are under lockdown.

COVID-19 Situation in Italy

The number of infections and deaths due to COVID-19 is the highest in Italy outside of China. The country is dealing with an above average mortality rate from the disease at 4%. The number of cases had quickly escalated from 3 to over 9,000 infected people and over 400 dead within a month.

Reasons

Some of the reasons for the disproportionate incidence of COVID-19 are:

• Late notice: an unusually high number of pneumonia cases was reported from the health facilities of Northern Italy before the first case was reported.
• Some suggest that the high number of cases is due to rigorous testing and reporting. However, the mortality rate is above average.
• Italy has one of the oldest populations in the world.
• High pollution levels: there are reports of correlation between poor air quality and mortality rates from viral respiratory conditions.

Government Response

The Italian government was the first in EU to ban flights from and to China. The country has issued a nation-wide lockdown keeping 60 million people confined. Travelling without permit can invite fines now. All public events have been banned and schools cancelled. Public spaces have been closed down. A fine of 234 USD or even a jail term could be imposed on those defying the lockdown.