A new Government decree will reportedly lock down several regions in northern Italy, so nobody can leave or enter unless for emergencies or unavoidable work commitments, due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
There are concerns this could lead to the complete shutdown of the football season, as it might bar teams from travelling, even when going to play behind closed doors.
However, it’s likely the squads and their staff will be considered exceptions to the rule, particularly as they are constantly checking for Coronavirus symptoms.
A new Government decree will reportedly lock down several regions in northern Italy, so nobody can leave or enter unless for emergencies or unavoidable work commitments, due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
There are concerns this could lead to the complete shutdown of the football season, as it might bar teams from travelling, even when going to play behind closed doors.
However, it’s likely the squads and their staff will be considered exceptions to the rule, particularly as they are constantly checking for Coronavirus symptoms.
According to multiple news sources this evening, the lockdown will affect all of Lombardy – which includes Milan and Bergamo – plus areas of Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont.
The other places on lockdown would be Parma, Piacenza, Rimini, Reggio-Emilia, Modena, Pesaro e Urbino, Padova, Treviso, Alessandria and Asti.
This will stabilise secure zones with very strict border controls, the closure of museums, gyms, skiing resorts, swimming pools, theatres and public events.
Restaurants and bars will face heavy fines or closure if they cannot guarantee patrons are one metre apart at all times.
More sweeping measures are expected around the country, as over the last 24 hours there have been an extra 1,145 positive tests for Coronavirus in Italy.
There are now 233 fatalities, an additional 36 compared to Friday evening.
Hospitals are looking after 2,651 patients, including 567 in intensive care.
While the vast majority of these are either the elderly or people with pre-existing health conditions, the spread of the virus is becoming a critical problem.
The Government is battling to limit movement, hoping to contain the virus, but many are still going out at the weekend or in the evening in their droves.
Around 300-500 Inter fans even gathered at the training ground today to see off the squad as they travelled to Turin for the Juventus game, contravening all advice.