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As of the morning of February 26th, Italy had recorded 323 cases of Covid-19 (an increase of 94 cases compared to February 25th), including 11 deaths, making it the country with the third highest number of virus infections in the world (after China and South Korea).
Eleven towns in Lombardy, northern Italy, believed to be the epicenter of the outbreak last Friday, have now been placed under lockdown. The lockdown will remain in effect for at least another 15 days, until authorities find a way to control the spread of the disease.
Approximately 50,000 residents in these towns were asked to stay at home; while most schools, including universities, shops, and businesses were closed, everyone was encouraged to work from home, via online systems.
"Everyone rushed to the supermarket to stock up on 30 kg of pasta and 20 kg of bread," shared an Italian resident.
Museums are closed, and festivals, sporting events, and concerts have all been canceled.
The Carnival in Venice was forced to end early due to the outbreak of the disease.
Another city in the region heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic is Milan. Once a bustling city, shops and restaurants are now deserted. In shopping centers, large companies – from banks to fashion house Giorgio Armani – are requiring employees to work from home.
The restaurants were deserted, with not a single customer in sight.
Emy and Macha, from Kuwait, wore masks while waiting to check into a hotel in Milan. They said their suitcases were full of masks.
The new movie starring Tom Cruise,Mission: Impossible,Filming, originally scheduled for three weeks in Venice, has been postponed due to the pandemic, Paramount Pictures announced on February 23.
"It seems like everything has come to a standstill," shared Leonardo Miri, an IBM employee. He arrived at the office and found no one there.
Korean tourists stand in front of the closed doors of the Duomo di Milano.
Milan accounts for 10% of Italy's economy; Lambordy accounts for over 20%. The Milan stock market alone fell by more than 5% on February 23rd due to the effects of the outbreak. "If the North shuts down, the whole of Italy will shut down," said Leonardo.
