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In the Michelangelo Square in Florence. PHOTOGRAPHY: Reuters
Italians are desperate. Due to the unprecedented restrictions imposed during the coronavirus epidemic, many people in the country do not know if they will have something to feed their children. This is what the residents of Rome said, says Deutsche Welle.
The strict quarantine imposed by the coronavirus epidemic hit Italians hard. “I don’t even know how I’m going to pay my taxes in the coming months. I wait hours for a client to arrive,” says Claudio, a taxi driver in Rome.
“We are on the verge of hunger”
From the streets of Florence Photos: Reuters
“The virus has already lost its original power, but we are on the verge of starvation. We are haunted by the fear that when a person is in debt or has taken out a loan to buy a home, banks no longer lend it,” the man added.
Strict quarantine in Italy has shown an effect: new infections with the dangerous coronavirus are on the decline. As a result, the government has announced that the country will gradually enter a phase of economic and social recovery.
As of May 4, almost all industrial facilities will be opened, cafeterias and beauty salons will also be opened. Only places that can get to mass gatherings will be closed until June 1. Prime Minister Conte thanked the Italians for their patience and discipline, but acknowledged that the next phase would be even more complicated.
Taxi driver Claudio is desperate: “Many Italians owe a lot because their businesses were forced to close doors.” He is also not satisfied with the decision of a monthly allowance of 600 euros, which the government grants to independent workers and those who work full time. “Most Italians did not receive their benefits last month. But without the money, how do we pay our taxes?” Complains the driver. And he added sarcastically: “In other countries, they print money and allow us to leave our homes.”
Also Simona, the hostess of a cafeteria in the center of Rome. “These benefits are useless. Many families are still waiting to receive the promised 600 euros. If things continue, I do not know if there will be something to feed our children. The country should have helped us more. Italy is literally starving.”
Even in the phase of phasing out quarantine, a number of restrictions will continue to apply in Italy. Starting on May 4, Italians will only be able to leave their homes to shop, go to work or get medical check-ups and visit relatives. Many would like other restrictions to be removed, but most local epidemiology experts warn that such a decision would be rushed.
Italy remains captive to the coronavirus
Andrea Cristanti, one of the most renowned virologists in Italy, considered the relief less free in terms of free movement: “When the entire country was quarantined on March 11, there were 1,800 new infections per day. That is exactly the same number. We registered yesterday, “Cristanti told La Republic.
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