Coronavirus outbreak: Italy calls in military to enforce lockdown

As Italy on March 20 anunced 627 new deaths, largest single-day toll anywhere in world, authorities drafted soldiers to help enforce lockdown. Italy is worst-hit in world and in rth of country, particularly Lombardy region, hospitals struggle to treat thousands of cases. While speaking at a news conference, President of Lombardy, Attilio Fontana, said that government has agreed that military can be used to help enforce lockdown. 

Fontana said, “ request to use army has been accepted and 114 soldiers will be on ground throughout Lombardy. It is still too little, but it is positive”. He furr added, “Unfortunately we are t seeing a change of trend in numbers, which are rising”. 

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More than 47,000 confirmed cases

Currently, Italy has more than 47,000 coronavirus cases and deadly virus has claimed more than 4,000 lives in country. While speaking to an international media outlet, Chinese medical experts helping Italy deal with crisis have said that restrictions imposed in Lombardy are ‘t strict eugh’. Ar Italian nurse in Milan reportedly said that situation in Italy was so dire that dead were longer being counted. 

READ: Italy Overtakes China's Coronavirus Death Toll

Italy has come to a complete standstill as it is under lockdown. In a bid to contain spread of deadly virus, several countries have also banned travel to and from Italy. World Health Organisation has said that re is a need for bold measures in all European countries. While speaking at a press conference, WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge called Europe ‘epicentre’ of coronavirus pandemic. He said, “Every country, with exceptions, needs to take ir boldest actions to stop or slow down virus threat”. 

virus is spreading rapidly in Europe. France joined Italy and Spain in imposing restrictions and dozens of countries have also closed borders, ordered curfews and banned most public events. As per reports, Spain and Russia also sealed off ir borders and, on or hand, Germany also severely restricted crossings. 

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