Italy registered the highest number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Europe so far and we at Gate-away.com are aware of the great concern it is causing, but you shouldn’t give up on your dream of owning a home in Italy.
Here is why.
No more risk than other EU countries
Today we have about 650 cases but only in about half the cases the coronavirus has been confirmed with the second and more accurate test.
Why so many cases of coronavirus in Italy?
More prevention than other European countries. As confirmed by many experts, including the virologist Ilaria Capua who directs the One Health Center of Excellence of the University of Florida, Italy has been one of the most proactive with the tests. As a matter of fact over 10,000 people have been tested so far compared to Germany’s 1,000 and USA’s 500 tested just to name a few. Also UK has just started yesterday.
So Italy has immediately adopted measures to identify as much cases as possible in order to prevent and contain the spread of the virus. So the measures are very rigorous but they are also very flexible following the evolution of the virus in the country, therefore the government can change them if necessary or no more required.
In any case, the coronavirus is rapidly spreading all over Europe. As a matter of fact Berlin has begun to prepare its citizens. Germany’s health minister, Jens Spahn, said Wednesday that the country was “at the beginning of an epidemic” as people who were infected had many contacts that are difficult to track down.
Also UK is considering closing schools for two months.
The areas of Italy which are mainly impacted
In Italy the outbreak is concentrated in the Northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto. Here several smaller towns are on complete lockdown − including Bertonico, Casalpusterlengo, Castelgerundo, Castiglione d’Adda, Codogno, Fombio, Maleo, San Fiorano, Somaglia, Terranova dei Passerini, and Vo’ Euganeo. Major cities of Milan and Venice remain open, even if for the moment local activities like bar and cafeterias have been ordered to close starting at 6 p.m. and events like soccer matches have been canceled, or will be played without audiences, to prevent person-to-person transmission of the virus. Also schools have been closed. Some popular attractions including and museums. All this till March 1 when the government will evaluate the situation and take next steps. So for instance Milan cathedral will open again on Monday even for a few hours a day.
Some other areas and towns which have also registered some sporadic cases of coronavirus decided to close schools and stop for a while public events as a precautionary measure. For the rest life seems to be continuing largely as usual just being more cautious in our daily lives. If you are curious to see how Gate-away.com team is living in the time of coronavirus, click here.
What if you plan to visit Italy soon
First of all, just pay attention to the following things:
- Avoid contact with sick people and clean your hands often with alcohol-based sanitizer with 60%–95% alcohol or by washing them with soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your nose, mouth or eyes with unwashed hands.
- If you have used a handkerchief/tissue throw it away after use.
- If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth.
- Avoid any contact with those who could be ill.
- Avoid large crowds.
- Regarding face masks, they are not recommended for general use but only for those who are already feeling flu-like symptoms.
Need more information about COVID-19? Click here to visit the World Health Organization page with helpful Q&A about it.
Secondly, if you are heading to Northern Italy soon check in advance what could be closed at your arrival and if there could be any restrictions upon return to your country.
Last but no least, don’t panic! The situation in Italy appears worse than it is because of the precautionary actions taken.
⇨ Information is the key, so don’t give up on your Italian dream. Especially, if you are interested in one or more of the properties you saw on Gate-away.com, ask immediately for more info. Don’t loose the chance to visit or buy your dream home in Italy in the near future because you’ve waited too long and that property has already been sold.
In the meanwhile, join our Facebook community to keep up to date with everything Italian.
