The Coronavirus in Italy

By: Samantha Rothman

In response to the recent coronavirus outbreak, schools across Italy have been shut down.[1] Schools will be shut down until March 15th and may stay closed even longer.[2] Italy is Europe’s most affected country.[3] Shutting down schools in this fashion and for this length of time is considered an unprecedented solution for Europe.[4] Additionally, the government extended the shutdown to universities across the country.[5] The shutdown has affected almost 10 million students and 1 million teachers and professors in Italy.[6] As of March 5th, 2020, the Italian authorities have recognized and reported 41 deaths from the virus in a 24 hour period.[7] The overall death toll for Italy rose to 148.[8] Currently, there are 3,296 ongoing infections across the country. [9]

Despite the severe outbreak and death toll in Italy, there have been effects on all of Europe, specifically, the European Commission and the European Union. There are many concerns over the European Union’s involvement and its effect on the union’s budget.[10] The European Commission said that whatever the costs and expenses are will not be counted against the European Union’s operating budget.[11] Because Italy is suffering from the worst coronavirus hit in all of Europe, it is projected 7.5 billion euros will be spent to combat the crisis and its residual effects. [12]

Economic effects have been caused by more than just medical expenses and caring for citizens. Rome has been an absolute ghost town.[13] Tourism has come to almost a complete halt, and what tourists may be in Europe are laying low, and not frequently regular establishments and with that, not spending as much.[14] One of the most common and popular activities, soccer matches, will be held in empty stadiums for what may be the next month or so.[15] This week, Confturismo, an Italian national tourist industry confederation, projected the country could lose approximately $8 billion dollars through the month of May due to the effects and reach of the coronavirus. [16]

Across the country, discussion of the virus has not just been limited to finding solutions and helping or taking preventative measures. In Italian media, there have been questionable comments made about the origins of the virus and who exactly is at fault.[17] There has specifically been strong commentary aimed at China, who many believe is the origin of the virus, although there are still questions raised as to its accuracy.[18]

Beyond media commentary, other countries have been effected through travel bans and quarantines. Several countries, including Israel and Australia, have banned Italians from entering their borders.[19] The idea behind the ban was to limit any entrance of contagion.[20]

Americans abroad, specifically college students studying abroad, have been working to return home.[21] There are not so many fears about the severity of the virus and becoming ill, but there are great concerns about the borders closing, and students not being able to return home to America. [22] If borders are closed some Americans fear they will not be able to reenter the country for what could end up being a whole calendar year.[23]

There have been ample concerns about border control and bringing the virus into other countries. Producers of well loved and commonly purchased Italian products have not been able to sell their products to foreign nations.[24] Specifically, products of Italian parmesan cheese have been struggling to sell products to regular consumers.[25] Although the idea of products carrying the disease is faulty and incorrect, it truly speaks to and is a testament to the fear blame casting that has been happening to countries experiencing a severe outbreak.[26] Italy did a lot of virus testing compared to other countries and shared their results very openly.[27] The entire nation of Italy now feels they are suffering for their transparency with the international community. [28]

Italy has worked internally to solve the problem and take preventive efforts amongst the community in its borders.[29] One of the solutions recommended has been referred to as “social distancing.”[30] Social distancing is the idea that people need to stand at least 3 feet away from each other and must maintain a constant effort of personal space.[31]

As of March 7th, 2020, the count within Italy’s border has gone up to 4,600 reported cases.[32] The World Health Organization says more than 101,000 people worldwide have contracted the virus.[33] In Italy alone, there have been 589 patients that have recovered.[34] Italy has been in contact with the European Commission in Brussels about the ongoing trajectory of the virus and the economic support the country will need through this time and in months to come.

#InternationalLaw #Coronavirus #Italy #SamanthaRothman #BlogPost

[1] Mark Lowen, School’s out: Parents stress by Italy coronavirus shutdown, BBC News (Mar. 6 2020) https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51751031.

[2] Id.

[3] Id.

[4] Id.

[5] Id.

[6] Id.

[7] Id.

[8] Id.

[9] Id.

[10] Reuters, EU Tells Italy Its Coronavirus Spending Will Not hurt Compliance With Budget Rules, The New York Times (Mar. 7, 2020 7:50 a.m. ET) https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/03/07/world/europe/07reuters-health-coronavirus-italy-eu.html.

[11] Id.

[12] Id.

[13] Sylvia Poggioli, With Italy’s Coronavirus Cases Rising Fast, Rome’s Streets Go Quiet, NPR (Mar. 6, 2020 4:48 PM ET) https://www.npr.org/2020/03/06/812904540/with-italys-coronavirus-cases-rising-fast-rome-s-streets-go-quiet.

[14] Id.

[15] Id.

[16] Id.

[17] Id.

[18] Id.

[19] Id.

[20] Id.

[21] Id.

[22] Id.