ROME — The Italian government will close all schools and universities in the country from Thursday until at least mid-March in a bid to contain the coronavirus outbreak, Education Minister Lucia Azzolina said Wednesday.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told a news conference in Rome on Wednesday evening that the decision was based on advice from health authorities. The civil protection agency said the number of confirmed cases has surpassed 2,700 while the death toll has risen to 107.
According to the governments latest guidelines, people should avoid physical contact and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from each other. “Although school children and young people have not been particularly hit by the virus, [school closures] are aimed at avoiding gatherings, including on public transportation,” Carlo Signorelli, a hygiene professor in Milan, told Sky News Italy.
The closures will be in place until March 15. According to a draft proposal seen by POLITICO, Contes cabinet is also considering halting public events — including sporting events, meetings, conferences, rallies and theater shows — until March 20.
Read More – Source
ROME — The Italian government will close all schools and universities in the country from Thursday until at least mid-March in a bid to contain the coronavirus outbreak, Education Minister Lucia Azzolina said Wednesday.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told a news conference in Rome on Wednesday evening that the decision was based on advice from health authorities. The civil protection agency said the number of confirmed cases has surpassed 2,700 while the death toll has risen to 107.
According to the governments latest guidelines, people should avoid physical contact and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from each other. “Although school children and young people have not been particularly hit by the virus, [school closures] are aimed at avoiding gatherings, including on public transportation,” Carlo Signorelli, a hygiene professor in Milan, told Sky News Italy.
The closures will be in place until March 15. According to a draft proposal seen by POLITICO, Contes cabinet is also considering halting public events — including sporting events, meetings, conferences, rallies and theater shows — until March 20.
Read More – Source
