March 6, 2020
Milan bourse suffers big losses. FTSE Mib index down 3% in early trading
The Milan stock exchange suffered big losses in early trading on Friday and Italy's bond spread rose sharply amid fears about the impact of the coronavirus.
The Milan bourse's FTSE Mib index was down 3% on 20,903 points while the spread between Italy's 10-year BTP bond and the German Bund climbed 184 basis points, up nine points on Thursday's closing.
Vatican reports first case
The Vatican has reported the first case of coronavirus, Holy See spokesman Matteo Bruni said on Friday morning.
Milan Major: “We look forward…”
“We look forward to welcoming you back”, said Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala
March 5, 2020
3,296 infected, 148 dead
Some 3.296 people have now been infected with the coronavirus (590 more than Wednesday) and 148 have died with it (41 more), Emergency Commissioner and Civil Protection Chief Angelo Borrelli said on Thursday.
Some 414 people have recovered. Overall, the total of infected is 3,858 including the victims and those recovered.
“Responsibility needed”, says Mattarella
President Sergio Mattarella called for “responsibility” in the face of the coronavirus and said that anxieties were “counterproductive”.
Mattarella said the “moment is very challenging” and urged Italians to follow the indications of the government.
The president said “great seriousness” was being shown in the virus red zones, and “we will overcome this condition”
7.5 billion for families, firms
Premier Giuseppe Conte: “The cabinet had earmarked 7.5 billion euros to support families and businesses that are facing the coronavirus emergency. They are extraordinary and urgent measures. On the deficit there has not been any leap into the dark. The EU will understand”.
The deviation from debt ceilings would be “7.5 billion in terms of net deficit to be financed: technically they are 6.35 billion in terms of debt”, he said.
March 4, 2020
2,706 infected, 107 dead
Some 2,706 people are infected with the coronavirus in Italy (443 more than Tuesday), and 107 people have died with the virus, Emergency Commissioner and Civil Protection Chief Angelo Borrelli said.
Some 276 have recovered, 116 more than Tuesday.
Refrain from greetings with hugs and kisses
Silvio Brusaferro, the president of Italy's higher health institute, has advised people to stop the traditional Italian greeting of kissing on the cheek as a part of the effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Hugs should be suspended during social interactions for the time being too. He also said people should frequently wash their hands, avoid crowded places and keep a distance of one to two metres from other people.
People with respiratory conditions have been advised to stay at home.
March 3, 2020
2,263 infected, 79 dead
Some 2,263 people have been infected with the coronavirus in Italy and 79 people have now died with it”, Emergency Commissioner and Civil Protection Chief, Angelo Borrelli, said on Tuesday.
No Holy See comment on pope test report
The Holy See made no comment on Tuesday after Il Messaggero reported that Pope Francis had undergone a test for the coronavirus as a precautionary measure. The Rome-based daily said the the outcome of the swab was negative.
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