ROME, March 11 -- Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Wednesday evening announced the closure of all retail shops, coffee bars, pubs, restaurants, hair stylists, and beauty salons, and called on the private sector to let employees take leave or work from home as much as possible.
The stringent new measures are aimed at stemming the spread of the coronavirus epidemic, which has so far infected over 10,000 people and killed over 800 in Italy since it first appeared in the country on Feb. 21.
The only exceptions, said the prime minister, are supermarkets, pharmacies, public transportation, post offices, banks, farms, and food production industries, which must be kept running in order to guarantee basic services to the public.
The new measures came after the government placed the entire country on lockdown on Tuesday, with its 60 million inhabitants ordered to only leave their homes for strictly necessary reasons, such as buying groceries, going to the doctor, or walking their dogs.
"The time has come to take a further step," Conte said in a televised message to the nation, adding that "we will only see the effects of this great effort two weeks from now".
Conte also said he will name Invitalia CEO Domenico Arcuri as a "commissioner with ample powers to ramp up the manufacturing and distribution of intensive care machines and equipment."
Invitalia is a national agency owned by the Economy Ministry that manages national incentives for new businesses.
Earlier on Wednesday, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
The WHO announcement came during a nighty press conference by Italy's Civil Protection Department, when official tallies of cases, fatalities and recoveries are released to the media and the public.
"The declaration of a pandemic doesn't change anything for us since we have been among the first to experience the epidemic in our country," Gianni Rezza, who directs the National Institute of Health (ISS) Infectious Diseases Department, told reporters.
"The point the WHO is making is that some countries have not done enough to contain it," Rezza said. "China has done a lot to contain the infection, (South) Korea is doing all it can, as is Japan ... On a personal note, a more decisive reaction by the European Union would be desirable."
体坛英语资讯:Russia hands over hosting mantle of World Cup to Qatar
专家表示 鱼油保健品不能使心脏健康
国内英语资讯:Typhoon Ampil wreaks havoc in China
国内英语资讯:Chinese official comments on US challenge to Chinas countermeasures
体坛英语资讯:Croatia beat England to reach first World Cup final
国内英语资讯:Senior CPC official calls for advances in judicial reform
国际英语资讯:EU will not surrender to U.S. in trade conflict: German FM
习近平金砖国家工商论坛十大金句
霉霉演唱会遇暴雨!全身湿透仍继续演出
The First Time 第一次
鱼和熊掌不可兼得 伊万卡时尚品牌关闭
国内英语资讯:China lodges representations with U.S. over defense bill
女王用胸针无声回怼川普,姜还是老的辣!
娱乐英语资讯:Vanessa Redgrave to receive career Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival
国内英语资讯:China vows to further improve business environment
不到一年! ofo准备关闭大部分美国业务
国内英语资讯:Full text of Chinese presidents speech at BRICS Business Forum in South Africa
国际英语资讯:Greek authorities pledge full support to fire-stricken areas, as country mourns 74 casualtie
星巴克要开设第一家“手语”门店!太贴心了
国际英语资讯:Irans top commander warns U.S. against anti-Iran threats
体坛英语资讯:Perisic hails Croatias fighting spirit
独自在外面吃饭,会不自在吗?
体坛英语资讯:France claim second World Cup title with thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia
Try to Write Composition 尝试作文
体坛英语资讯:Croatia ready for France, says Dalic
Teacher, I Want to Say 老师,我想对你说
国内英语资讯:Full text of Chinese President Xis signed article on UAE media
体坛英语资讯:Ugandas Kiplimo wins silver medal in IAAF World U20 Championships
外媒:微信发语音是职场身份的象征
体坛英语资讯:Dortmund sign Real Madrids Hakimi on loan
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |