Italy | Common News Update

Apr32021 by adminNo Comments

Italy enters 3-day Easter lockdown amid vaccination snags

Health

ROME -- Italy entered a three-day nationwide coronavirus lockdown Saturday to deter Easter travel and get-togethers even as the country's variant-fueled spike in new infections began to wane.The government had announced last month that it would place all regions into the strictest “red zone” lockdown over the Easter weekend to limit the chances of contagion, taking the same precautions it enforced over Christmas and New Year’s.Travel between regions and visits to relatives were being limited through Monday. Nonessential shops were closed and restaurants and bars were only open for take-out.“People are tired, but they are aware that protecting health is essential in these times,” said Maj. Fabio Palletta, a Carabinieri military police officer manning a checkpoint in Rome on Saturday, one of...

Apr32021 by adminNo Comments

Covid-19: Italy returns to strict lockdown for Easter

World

EPAItaly has entered a strict three-day lockdown to try to prevent a surge in Covid-19 cases over Easter.All regions are now in the "red zone" - the highest tier of restrictions - as the country battles a third wave, with about 20,000 new cases a day.Non-essential movement is banned, but people are allowed to share an Easter meal at home with two other adults.Churches are also open, but worshippers are being told to attend services within their own regions.For the second year, Pope Francis will deliver his Easter message to an empty St Peter's Square.Following the holiday weekend, different regions will then remain in either "orange zone" or "red zone" restrictions until the end of the month.Italy's restrictions come as countries across Europe try to control a surge in cases of the virus, ...

Mar152021 by adminNo Comments

Germany, France, Italy and Spain pause Oxford jab amid blood clot concerns

World

Germany, France, Italy and Spain are suspending use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine as EU regulators investigate reports some people developed blood clots after having the jab.The German health ministry, the Italian medicines authority and French President Emmanuel Macron said the measure was a "precaution" while the European Medicines Agency (EMA) looks into the matter. Mr Macron said EU regulators were expected to give guidance on Tuesday afternoon.Spain joined the group early on Monday evening, with a pause in its use of the vaccine to last at least two weeks, and Slovenia has also temporarily halted its rollout of the jab.The countries are the latest European nations to stop administering the AstraZeneca vaccine amid concerns over possible links to the clots. ...

Dec132020 by adminNo Comments

Italy climbs into fifth place for most coronavirus deaths

World

Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Italy has been dealing with a second wave of coronavirus deaths and cases that have been far worse than when the nation was the world epicenter in the spring. On Saturday, Italy moved past Britain into fifth place for most fatalities from the pandemic. Advertisement Italy, which at one time led the world in fatalities has risen to 64,520 deaths, as well as 1,843,712 cases in seventh place. Worldwide so far Sunday, there are 1,617,808 deaths and 72,570,461 cases. Cases have been growing 1 million every two days, including a record 704,570 Friday, with deaths hitting a daily record of 12,918 Thursday. The United States for the past few months has been the worldwide leader, passing 16 million cases Saturday and nearing 300,000 deaths Sunday. On Dec. 3, Italy set the daily r...

Dec42020 by adminNo Comments

COVID deaths in Italy hit record high as nation imposes 10pm curfew on New Year’s Eve

World

Italy has unveiled tough new restrictions for Christmas after recording the highest number of daily coronavirus deaths since the pandemic began.Figures show there were 993 COVID-related deaths and 23,225 new cases on Thursday. The previous record of 919 deaths came in March at the peak of the first wave. Italy was the first Western country to be hit by COVID-19 - and from 21 December to 6 January, people will only be allowed to move between the nation's 20 regions for work, medical reasons or emergencies.People are being urged not to invite any guests to their homes during the Christmas period, amid fears it could lead to a further spike in new infections. Midnight mass on Christmas Eve is also being banned.Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world ...