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Italy, Mired in Politics Over Virus, Asks How Much Testing Is Too Much Italy, Mired in Politics Over Virus, Asks How Much Testing Is Too Much
(about 16 hours later)
MILAN — On the sixth floor of a skyscraper, two dozen epidemiologists and public health experts form the nerve center of the effort to contain a coronavirus outbreak in Italy that has alarmed Europe and put the wealthy Lombardy region at the center of global concern.MILAN — On the sixth floor of a skyscraper, two dozen epidemiologists and public health experts form the nerve center of the effort to contain a coronavirus outbreak in Italy that has alarmed Europe and put the wealthy Lombardy region at the center of global concern.
They work the phones, pore over digital maps and study computer screens. They update databases with confirmed cases. They track those whom infected people might have had contact with. They coordinate with hospitals and laboratories to verify test results, sometimes for people with no symptoms.They work the phones, pore over digital maps and study computer screens. They update databases with confirmed cases. They track those whom infected people might have had contact with. They coordinate with hospitals and laboratories to verify test results, sometimes for people with no symptoms.
But their efforts have also fueled a political and scientific quarrel that may prove important to how Italy and other countries confront the virus: How much is too much when it comes to containment efforts?But their efforts have also fueled a political and scientific quarrel that may prove important to how Italy and other countries confront the virus: How much is too much when it comes to containment efforts?
It’s not every day that Italy is accused of being overly efficient, but Lombardy’s response has, unusually, been criticized for its vigor at a time when most governments are worried about being accused of doing too little.It’s not every day that Italy is accused of being overly efficient, but Lombardy’s response has, unusually, been criticized for its vigor at a time when most governments are worried about being accused of doing too little.
Much of that criticism has come from rival Italian officials at the national level, no doubt concerned about Italy’s blighted image — and their own — as the number of cases in the country has spiked to 650, with 17 deaths.Much of that criticism has come from rival Italian officials at the national level, no doubt concerned about Italy’s blighted image — and their own — as the number of cases in the country has spiked to 650, with 17 deaths.
Cases possibly linked to Lombardy have appeared in Austria, Switzerland, and the Canary Islands of Spain, adding to the impression that the region is the European source in a new stage of global contagion.Cases possibly linked to Lombardy have appeared in Austria, Switzerland, and the Canary Islands of Spain, adding to the impression that the region is the European source in a new stage of global contagion.
[Read: ‘The face of the coronavirus’: A Hong Kong student shunned in Italy.][Read: ‘The face of the coronavirus’: A Hong Kong student shunned in Italy.]
“Italy is a safe place,’’ Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, a rival of Lombardy politicians who has himself faced intense criticism for the government’s handling of the virus, asserted defensively this week, “maybe safer than others.”“Italy is a safe place,’’ Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, a rival of Lombardy politicians who has himself faced intense criticism for the government’s handling of the virus, asserted defensively this week, “maybe safer than others.”
There is no doubt that Italy is confronting a significant outbreak. But beneath the political squabbling is a deeper dispute over whether Lombardy’s response has made the problem appear worse than it is.There is no doubt that Italy is confronting a significant outbreak. But beneath the political squabbling is a deeper dispute over whether Lombardy’s response has made the problem appear worse than it is.
With coronavirus spreading more widely, political leaders across the world are coming under greater pressure, with many trying to tamp down anxiety that is damaging stock markets, tourism and businesses.With coronavirus spreading more widely, political leaders across the world are coming under greater pressure, with many trying to tamp down anxiety that is damaging stock markets, tourism and businesses.
Some leaders are lashing out. On Wednesday, President Trump accused journalists of making the situation “look as bad as possible.”Some leaders are lashing out. On Wednesday, President Trump accused journalists of making the situation “look as bad as possible.”
As a result, the dispute in Lombardy has taken on dimensions in politics, epidemiology and crisis communications that are likely to have consequences in any broader outbreak.As a result, the dispute in Lombardy has taken on dimensions in politics, epidemiology and crisis communications that are likely to have consequences in any broader outbreak.
At its heart, the debate centers on testing.At its heart, the debate centers on testing.
The central government argues that other regions within Italy and other countries have respected global guidelines by focusing tests on people showing symptoms of the virus.The central government argues that other regions within Italy and other countries have respected global guidelines by focusing tests on people showing symptoms of the virus.
But according to the Health Ministry, Lombardy has also carried out swab tests on people who are more likely to have come into contact with infected people, even if they have no symptoms themselves.But according to the Health Ministry, Lombardy has also carried out swab tests on people who are more likely to have come into contact with infected people, even if they have no symptoms themselves.
Experts at the World Health Organization and Italy’s Health Ministry said in interviews that it was possible that Lombardy had created an inflated perception of the threat by including in case totals people who tested positive for the virus but who had not gotten sick. But many scientists say that attempting to track even mild cases of the virus is essential to containing its spread.Experts at the World Health Organization and Italy’s Health Ministry said in interviews that it was possible that Lombardy had created an inflated perception of the threat by including in case totals people who tested positive for the virus but who had not gotten sick. But many scientists say that attempting to track even mild cases of the virus is essential to containing its spread.
On Thursday, after insisting that their comprehensive approach to testing was the right one, Lombardy said it would now conform with national and international guidelines and test only people showing symptoms.On Thursday, after insisting that their comprehensive approach to testing was the right one, Lombardy said it would now conform with national and international guidelines and test only people showing symptoms.
But the numbers tallied in Lombardy’s approach have already made Italy a focus of international concern.But the numbers tallied in Lombardy’s approach have already made Italy a focus of international concern.
Not everyone who contracts the virus gets sick, a fact that is proving a quandary for scientists and officials trying to formulate a measured response.Not everyone who contracts the virus gets sick, a fact that is proving a quandary for scientists and officials trying to formulate a measured response.
Walter Ricciardi, an Italian member of the executive council of the World Health Organization who was recently named councilor of the Italian Health Ministry, said that only a small percentage of people who contracted the virus were infected by people showing no symptoms who did not know they were carriers, he said.Walter Ricciardi, an Italian member of the executive council of the World Health Organization who was recently named councilor of the Italian Health Ministry, said that only a small percentage of people who contracted the virus were infected by people showing no symptoms who did not know they were carriers, he said.
Richard Pebody, another expert at the World Health Organization, said the organization did not consider asymptomatic transmission a significant factor in the outbreak.Richard Pebody, another expert at the World Health Organization, said the organization did not consider asymptomatic transmission a significant factor in the outbreak.
But as the epidemic spreads uncertainty is growing. Other experts have raised concerns that carriers without symptoms could be spreading the virus, and the W.H.O. was under pressure to revise its guidelines, which it was expected to do on Thursday.But as the epidemic spreads uncertainty is growing. Other experts have raised concerns that carriers without symptoms could be spreading the virus, and the W.H.O. was under pressure to revise its guidelines, which it was expected to do on Thursday.
The Italian Health Ministry said that counting asymptomatic cases only served to cause alarm.The Italian Health Ministry said that counting asymptomatic cases only served to cause alarm.
Of the 650 cases diagnosed in Italy, 403 were in Lombardy, according to regional officials. Of those cases, Lombardy officials said on Thursday, 216 had been treated in a hospital, with 41 requiring intensive care.Of the 650 cases diagnosed in Italy, 403 were in Lombardy, according to regional officials. Of those cases, Lombardy officials said on Thursday, 216 had been treated in a hospital, with 41 requiring intensive care.
That means that 187 of those who tested positive for the virus exhibited only mild symptoms or none at all. In addition, at least 37 of those who did are now healthy and have been discharged.That means that 187 of those who tested positive for the virus exhibited only mild symptoms or none at all. In addition, at least 37 of those who did are now healthy and have been discharged.
But other top Italian medical officials warned that while it was possible that asymptomatic people might be less contagious, because, for instance, they cough less, very little is known about the new virus and how it behaves.But other top Italian medical officials warned that while it was possible that asymptomatic people might be less contagious, because, for instance, they cough less, very little is known about the new virus and how it behaves.
“Evidence is lacking,” said Giovanni Rezza, the head of epidemiology at the leading scientific organization of Italy’s National Health Service.“Evidence is lacking,” said Giovanni Rezza, the head of epidemiology at the leading scientific organization of Italy’s National Health Service.
Lombardy officials said they preferred to know who had the virus.Lombardy officials said they preferred to know who had the virus.
“Either you hide problems under a carpet, or you lift the carpet and you clean the floor,” Attilio Fontana, the region’s president, said in an interview in his office, with views over a foggy and eerily quiet Milan, 29 floors above the virus hunters.“Either you hide problems under a carpet, or you lift the carpet and you clean the floor,” Attilio Fontana, the region’s president, said in an interview in his office, with views over a foggy and eerily quiet Milan, 29 floors above the virus hunters.
Mr. Fontana is a leading member of the League party, led by the nationalist Matteo Salvini, who has not been shy about leveraging the crisis to pursue his aim of bringing down Mr. Conte’s government. Mr. Salvini has argued in recent days that Mr. Conte had fumbled the response to the crisis and needed to be replaced.Mr. Fontana is a leading member of the League party, led by the nationalist Matteo Salvini, who has not been shy about leveraging the crisis to pursue his aim of bringing down Mr. Conte’s government. Mr. Salvini has argued in recent days that Mr. Conte had fumbled the response to the crisis and needed to be replaced.
Mr. Fontana said he disagreed with Mr. Conte’s “way of dealing with the crisis.” The region’s tests were necessary, he argued, suggesting that if other places tested as rigorously, they would find more cases, too.Mr. Fontana said he disagreed with Mr. Conte’s “way of dealing with the crisis.” The region’s tests were necessary, he argued, suggesting that if other places tested as rigorously, they would find more cases, too.
“I don’t exclude that even in your country if they did a serious and attentive epidemiologic analysis they would find more than what the actual infected are,” he said, referring to the United States. Numbers were high in Italy, he added, “because we do a lot of checks.”“I don’t exclude that even in your country if they did a serious and attentive epidemiologic analysis they would find more than what the actual infected are,” he said, referring to the United States. Numbers were high in Italy, he added, “because we do a lot of checks.”
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control is currently limiting testing to those who have symptoms and who have recently traveled to China or had contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control is currently limiting testing to those who have symptoms and who have recently traveled to China or had contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.
The uncertainty surrounding the virus has opened fertile ground for political sniping, as politicians engaged in power struggles to shift blame.The uncertainty surrounding the virus has opened fertile ground for political sniping, as politicians engaged in power struggles to shift blame.
Mr. Conte, the prime minister, had questioned Lombardy’s approach in an effort to project a sense of control.Mr. Conte, the prime minister, had questioned Lombardy’s approach in an effort to project a sense of control.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
He infuriated regional officials by blaming a Lombardy hospital for the virus’s spread and saying on Tuesday that “exaggerated’’ swab tests ‘‘would end up dramatizing the emergency.”He infuriated regional officials by blaming a Lombardy hospital for the virus’s spread and saying on Tuesday that “exaggerated’’ swab tests ‘‘would end up dramatizing the emergency.”
Lombardy officials had defended their methods.Lombardy officials had defended their methods.
“We don’t understand what he is talking about,” Mr. Fontana said.“We don’t understand what he is talking about,” Mr. Fontana said.
In turn, he criticized Mr. Conte, saying that the prime minister should have listened to a proposal, made in early February, that schoolchildren returning from China stay at home for 14 days.In turn, he criticized Mr. Conte, saying that the prime minister should have listened to a proposal, made in early February, that schoolchildren returning from China stay at home for 14 days.
“They told us it was a racist behavior and they did not want to put in place this little precaution,” Mr. Fontana said.“They told us it was a racist behavior and they did not want to put in place this little precaution,” Mr. Fontana said.
Experts have speculated that the coronavirus outbreak in Lombardy could be attributed to the region’s close business ties with China or its densely packed population.Experts have speculated that the coronavirus outbreak in Lombardy could be attributed to the region’s close business ties with China or its densely packed population.
In search of Italy’s “patient zero,” Mr. Fontana said officials were pursuing “an Italian citizen with Chinese origins” who visited China around January.In search of Italy’s “patient zero,” Mr. Fontana said officials were pursuing “an Italian citizen with Chinese origins” who visited China around January.
He said that person then came into contact with someone who then “went to Codogno” — one of the Lombardy towns on lockdown. That second person is thought to have had contact with a 38-year-old Italian man, who remains in intensive care.He said that person then came into contact with someone who then “went to Codogno” — one of the Lombardy towns on lockdown. That second person is thought to have had contact with a 38-year-old Italian man, who remains in intensive care.
That man is believed to have spread the virus widely, prompting the lockdown of several towns near Milan.That man is believed to have spread the virus widely, prompting the lockdown of several towns near Milan.
In Milan’s central train station this week, people were eager to leave the city.In Milan’s central train station this week, people were eager to leave the city.
Donatella Monti and her children waited for a train back to Rome, all of them wearing masks bought in a hardware store.Donatella Monti and her children waited for a train back to Rome, all of them wearing masks bought in a hardware store.
Ms. Monti said that many in Lombardy seemed unfazed by the outbreak, but that her pediatrician back south advised her to keep her young daughter away from school for 10 days. “I’ll go to school with my mask on!” her daughter protested.Ms. Monti said that many in Lombardy seemed unfazed by the outbreak, but that her pediatrician back south advised her to keep her young daughter away from school for 10 days. “I’ll go to school with my mask on!” her daughter protested.
In Mr. Fontana’s office, his aides quipped that the masks “didn’t do a thing” to stop the virus and that the Milanese only wore masks during carnival.In Mr. Fontana’s office, his aides quipped that the masks “didn’t do a thing” to stop the virus and that the Milanese only wore masks during carnival.
But late Wednesday, Mr. Fontana posted a video on Facebook in which he explained that one of his aides had tested positive for the virus.But late Wednesday, Mr. Fontana posted a video on Facebook in which he explained that one of his aides had tested positive for the virus.
The governor said that he himself had tested negative, but that he would nonetheless “live in a sort of auto isolation” for the next two weeks, avoiding public events and news conferences and wearing a mask in the office.The governor said that he himself had tested negative, but that he would nonetheless “live in a sort of auto isolation” for the next two weeks, avoiding public events and news conferences and wearing a mask in the office.
“So when you see me in the coming days, I will be like this,” he said, pulling a green mask over his face. “Don’t be scared. It’s always me.”“So when you see me in the coming days, I will be like this,” he said, pulling a green mask over his face. “Don’t be scared. It’s always me.”
Emma Bubola contributed reporting from Milan, and Elisabetta Povoledo from Rome.Emma Bubola contributed reporting from Milan, and Elisabetta Povoledo from Rome.