Italy : Water clears due to redused use of boats in canals

Fishes swam in bright, clear water in Venice canals as the country remained in lockdown to contain the spread of the new coronavirus and economic activity decreased.

Since the traffic of ferry-boats, motor boats and big ships has been strongly reduced both in the Venice lagoon and in the city canals, Venetians had the pleasant surprise to see the water of their canals turning from muddy to crystal clean, with the fishes and the bottom clearly visible.

Several decades have passed since Venetians were used to swimming in the lagoon water, mainly because of the intensified ferry-boats and motor boats traffic in the canals and the increasing volume of giant ships, both commercial and touristic, stopping at the Terminal Venice Passengers dock.

Italy on Sunday reported its biggest day-to-day increase in infections - 3,590 more cases in a 24-hour period - for a total of almost 24,747.

And 368 more deaths brought its toll to 1,809, more than a quarter of the global death toll.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.

According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.