Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy, March 8, 2020
Location: Italy
Event: The U.S. Embassy continues to monitor the health situation in Italy and recommends that individuals follow Italian official health guidance and avoid government-designated affected areas. American Citizen Services are available at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Italy. Due to staffing limitations, only emergency visa services are available.
On March 8, 2020, the Government of Italy signed a decree that requires individuals to avoid movement to and from and within certain areas unless one can demonstrate an essential work-related reason or other necessity such as an emergency health-related reason. It remains unclear what mechanisms the Italian government foresees to enforce the provisions of the decree.
These areas include Lombardy region; the provinces of Padova, Treviso, and Venice in Veneto region; the provinces of Alessandria, Asti, Novara, Verbano Cusio Ossola, and Vercelli in Piemonte region; the provinces of Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Reggio nell’Emilia, and Rimini in Emilia Romagna region; and the province of Pesaro-Urbino bordering the Republic of San Marino in Marche region.
The decree is in force through April 3 and also details restrictions for the rest of Italy, such as certain large gatherings, school closures at various levels, and the closing of civil and religious ceremonies, gyms and swimming pools, theaters. museums and cultural centers. Public transportation including trains and airlines continues, but travelers should check with carriers for any schedule updates.
Those concerned they are presenting multiple symptoms of COVID-19 should contact 112 or 1500 to consult with Italian emergency healthcare professionals. Italian authorities have expressed concern about the capacity of medical facilities to continue to meet patient needs should the COVID-19 situation worsen significantly.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information on the disease.
- For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information regarding foreign countries’ quarantine requirements and other global impacts.
- Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Italy.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions affecting travel to the U.S.
- Review the Italian National Institute of Health’s website (available only in Italian).
- Call Italy’s 112 emergency number or 1500 if you believe you have symptoms and are currently in Italy. English speaking operators are available.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy
by phone: +39 06 46741
USCitizensRome@state.gov
https://it.usembassy.gov - U.S. Consulate General Milan
+39 02-290-351
USCitizensMilan@state.gov - U.S. Consulate General Florence
+39 055-266-951
USCitizensFlorence@state.gov - U.S. Consulate General Naples
+39 081-583-8111
USCitizensNaples@state.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444 - Italy Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
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