Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy, March 8, 2020

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.

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