'In Italy, Some Fear the Virus Is a Get-Out-of-Jail Card for Mafiosi' diff viewer (7/8)

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In Italy, Some Fear the Virus Is a Get-Out-of-Jail Card for Mafiosi	In Italy, Some Fear the Virus Is a Get-Out-of-Jail Card for Mafiosi
2020-06-16 01:12:58 UTC	2020-06-17 01:44:58 UTC (1 day later)
ROME — They were among the most vulnerable as the coronavirus roared through Italy: older or riddled with serious underlying medical conditions. A brush with the virus within the confines of the place where they woke up each morning might seriously threaten their lives.	ROME — They were among the most vulnerable as the coronavirus roared through Italy: older or riddled with serious underlying medical conditions. A brush with the virus within the confines of the place where they woke up each morning might seriously threaten their lives.
They were also maximum-security inmates, international drug traffickers and affiliates of Italy’s organized crime gangs, including three who were serving time under a harsh isolation regime that is reserved for top Mafia bosses.	They were also maximum-security inmates, international drug traffickers and affiliates of Italy’s organized crime gangs, including three who were serving time under a harsh isolation regime that is reserved for top Mafia bosses.
So when news broke last week that 376 inmates had been moved from their high-security prison cells to house arrest because of coronavirus concerns — and that hundreds more were seeking to do the same — the backlash was almost immediate. Even as the coronavirus dominated the news cycle, the homecoming of convicted organized crime figures made front page news.	So when news broke last week that 376 inmates had been moved from their high-security prison cells to house arrest because of coronavirus concerns — and that hundreds more were seeking to do the same — the backlash was almost immediate. Even as the coronavirus dominated the news cycle, the homecoming of convicted organized crime figures made front page news.
The house arrests also revived the debate over Italy’s chronically overcrowded penitentiaries, where more than 60,000 prisoners are detained in a system designed to hold 46,875, taxing its ability to meet basic needs like accommodation, health care and rehabilitation programs.	The house arrests also revived the debate over Italy’s chronically overcrowded penitentiaries, where more than 60,000 prisoners are detained in a system designed to hold 46,875, taxing its ability to meet basic needs like accommodation, health care and rehabilitation programs.
The coronavirus crisis, and the fear of possible outbreaks, brought that issue to the fore, especially after violent protests erupted in several prisons in early March.	The coronavirus crisis, and the fear of possible outbreaks, brought that issue to the fore, especially after violent protests erupted in several prisons in early March.
Italy was the first country in Europe to battle the coronavirus, as well as one of the hardest hit, with more than 30,000 deaths and 220,000 infected. But the nation has also been in a decades-long battle against the mob.	Italy was the first country in Europe to battle the coronavirus, as well as one of the hardest hit, with more than 30,000 deaths and 220,000 infected. But the nation has also been in a decades-long battle against the mob.
The coronavirus outbreak has forced the country to balance the rights of prisoners and the constitutional right to health, for the individual and as a collective interest, with fears that Italy was growing more tolerant of a longtime scourge.	The coronavirus outbreak has forced the country to balance the rights of prisoners and the constitutional right to health, for the individual and as a collective interest, with fears that Italy was growing more tolerant of a longtime scourge.
The government scrambled to make amends, as critics, including opposition lawmakers and even some members of the majority, said the mobsters were using the increased risk to their health from the pandemic as a get-out-of-jail card. They called for the resignation of the justice minister and announced a motion of no-confidence toward him.	The government scrambled to make amends, as critics, including opposition lawmakers and even some members of the majority, said the mobsters were using the increased risk to their health from the pandemic as a get-out-of-jail card. They called for the resignation of the justice minister and announced a motion of no-confidence toward him.
Several prosecutors warned that granting house arrest to certain mafia figures was unacceptable, even under the extraordinary circumstances of the devastating coronavirus outbreak.	Several prosecutors warned that granting house arrest to certain mafia figures was unacceptable, even under the extraordinary circumstances of the devastating coronavirus outbreak.
The return of the Mafiosi to their homes, where it would be more difficult to monitor their communication with the outside world, would be taken as an indication that Italy was relaxing its fight against organized crime, prosecutors said.	The return of the Mafiosi to their homes, where it would be more difficult to monitor their communication with the outside world, would be taken as an indication that Italy was relaxing its fight against organized crime, prosecutors said.
“The Mafia feeds on signs,” said Giancarlo Caselli, one of Italy’s most famous anti-Mafia prosecutors. Allowing a mafia boss to return to his territory “sends a message of retreat, of weakness that the Mafia can exploit,” he added.	“The Mafia feeds on signs,” said Giancarlo Caselli, one of Italy’s most famous anti-Mafia prosecutors. Allowing a mafia boss to return to his territory “sends a message of retreat, of weakness that the Mafia can exploit,” he added.
To counter overcrowding, the government passed a decree on March 16 that allowed the authorities to shift into house arrest thousands of detainees who had less than 18 months to serve — but only until June 30. Opponents of the move denounced it as a disguised pardon, but the approach was not unusual. Several other countries, including Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey, along with some American states, have taken similar steps.	To counter overcrowding, the government passed a decree on March 16 that allowed the authorities to shift into house arrest thousands of detainees who had less than 18 months to serve — but only until June 30. Opponents of the move denounced it as a disguised pardon, but the approach was not unusual. Several other countries, including Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey, along with some American states, have taken similar steps.
The increasing use of house arrest and other measures, including postponing new incarcerations, trimmed the prison population to around 53,000, “still very high compared to the real capacity,” said Franco Mirabelli, a senator with the Democratic Party and a member of a parliamentary anti-Mafia Commission.	The increasing use of house arrest and other measures, including postponing new incarcerations, trimmed the prison population to around 53,000, “still very high compared to the real capacity,” said Franco Mirabelli, a senator with the Democratic Party and a member of a parliamentary anti-Mafia Commission.
So far, the policy appears to have diminished the risk of contagion in prisons. Only 137 inmates have tested positive for the coronavirus, two have been hospitalized and four have died. Penitentiary staff has also been affected, with 202 testing positive.	So far, the policy appears to have diminished the risk of contagion in prisons. Only 137 inmates have tested positive for the coronavirus, two have been hospitalized and four have died. Penitentiary staff has also been affected, with 202 testing positive.
But many inmates did not qualify for the March 16 measure, which excluded maximum-security inmates and others. Instead, they were granted house arrest because their age (over 70) or health (poor) left them especially vulnerable during the coronavirus outbreak.	But many inmates did not qualify for the March 16 measure, which excluded maximum-security inmates and others. Instead, they were granted house arrest because their age (over 70) or health (poor) left them especially vulnerable during the coronavirus outbreak.
“The situation in the prisons has changed and puts at risk a greater number of people than before,” Susanna Marietti, the national coordinator of Antigone, an association that promotes prisoners’ rights, said of the authorities who review requests for house arrest.	“The situation in the prisons has changed and puts at risk a greater number of people than before,” Susanna Marietti, the national coordinator of Antigone, an association that promotes prisoners’ rights, said of the authorities who review requests for house arrest.
Over all, thousands of inmates have been granted house arrest, including hundreds who were under maximum security, but the outrage has been greatest over three men: Francesco Bonura, 78, a boss with the Sicilian Cosa Nostra; Vincenzino Iannazzo, 65, a leader of Calabria’s ‘Ndrangheta; and Pasquale Zagaria, 60, a ranking member of the Neapolitan camorra.	Over all, thousands of inmates have been granted house arrest, including hundreds who were under maximum security, but the outrage has been greatest over three men: Francesco Bonura, 78, a boss with the Sicilian Cosa Nostra; Vincenzino Iannazzo, 65, a leader of Calabria’s ‘Ndrangheta; and Pasquale Zagaria, 60, a ranking member of the Neapolitan camorra.
The three were being held in isolation under the otherwise-unforgiving program called “41-bis” until the coronavirus started to spread.	The three were being held in isolation under the otherwise-unforgiving program called “41-bis” until the coronavirus started to spread.
“If you are in 41-bis, you are isolated; you can’t get coronavirus because you are inaccessible; you have no contacts with your family, your lawyers; you live behind bulletproof glass; your health is absolutely secure,” said Lirio Abbate, an anti-Mafia activist who writes for L’Espresso magazine, one of the publications that put a spotlight on the use of house arrest. “We all have a right to health, but in these cases, there was no sense that there was any real risk” in prison.	“If you are in 41-bis, you are isolated; you can’t get coronavirus because you are inaccessible; you have no contacts with your family, your lawyers; you live behind bulletproof glass; your health is absolutely secure,” said Lirio Abbate, an anti-Mafia activist who writes for L’Espresso magazine, one of the publications that put a spotlight on the use of house arrest. “We all have a right to health, but in these cases, there was no sense that there was any real risk” in prison.
But others pointed out that every case had been evaluated by judicial or prison officials. This month, the government even passed a measure making house arrests in the case of mobsters contingent on the approval of a Mafia prosecutor.	But others pointed out that every case had been evaluated by judicial or prison officials. This month, the government even passed a measure making house arrests in the case of mobsters contingent on the approval of a Mafia prosecutor.
“Magistrates decide on a case-by-case basis,” evaluating the opinions of doctors, prison wardens and other considerations, said Ms. Marietti. “Then they weigh two rights. On one hand, the health of the inmate; and on the other, the safety of citizens.”	“Magistrates decide on a case-by-case basis,” evaluating the opinions of doctors, prison wardens and other considerations, said Ms. Marietti. “Then they weigh two rights. On one hand, the health of the inmate; and on the other, the safety of citizens.”
Mr. Mirabelli, the senator, said the three mob bosses had serious health issues. Mr. Bonura, who has less than a year to serve, was “very ill”; Mr. Iannazzo had a tumor; and Mr. Zagaria has a heart condition.	Mr. Mirabelli, the senator, said the three mob bosses had serious health issues. Mr. Bonura, who has less than a year to serve, was “very ill”; Mr. Iannazzo had a tumor; and Mr. Zagaria has a heart condition.
~~Updated June ~~12,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 16, 2020
	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.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
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.
Over the weekend, with the pandemic easing, the government issued a new decree that called on judges to review their earlier house-arrest decisions to see whether it was safe for the mobsters to return to prison, but only after consulting with regional health authorities to ensure that the inmates’ health would not be compromised.	Over the weekend, with the pandemic easing, the government issued a new decree that called on judges to review their earlier house-arrest decisions to see whether it was safe for the mobsters to return to prison, but only after consulting with regional health authorities to ensure that the inmates’ health would not be compromised.