ITALY

摘要

The rapid spread of coronavirus has devastated Italy, causing more than 17,000 deaths thus far, higher than anywhere else in the world. The northern region of Lombardy has been at the epicentre of the crisis, but anxiety is growing in the south amid fears that the region will be ill-equipped to cope both medically and economically with a surge in cases, hampered by weaker health care facilities and a population already crippled by high joblessness and poverty. The government extended strict lockdown measures until April 13 (at the earliest), with all non-essential businesses shut in desperate efforts to protect human life. All the while, the economic costs are mounting, as firms face up to financial stresses and difficulties in meeting near-term payments. With thousands of jobs at risk, the government's response has included income support for laid-off workers, as well as a reported €400bn in state-backed loans to companies hit by the crisis. It has also unveiled an aid package of €4.3bn for mayors to support citizens, plus an additional €400m emergency food fund to helpthose most vulnerable. Prime Minister Conte has also called on the EU for more proactive help, especially amid reports of increasing unrest (in some southern regions) as families struggle to afford basic food needs.