Italy continues to battle with the spread of coronavirus even as the pandemic marks its one year anniversary globally. Over 50% of Italy’s population is set to return to strict lockdowns as the number of infections begins to rise again.
The Italian Prime Minister, Mario Draghi has disclosed that the lockdowns are a necessary measure to prevent worse conditions, he, however, disclosed that this time there will be financial support made available for families as well as implementing the vaccine program.
Not only was Italy the first to implement a nationwide lockdown, but over 100,000 people have also died from the pandemic, making it the country with the 7th highest cases of death in the world. The country currently has a vaccination rate of 8%.
There is also news from the government that the nation will undergo a nationwide lockdown during the Easter festivities as well.
The nation recorded 27,000 new cases and 380 deaths on Friday alone.
Unfortunately, Italy has also discontinued the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine affter some people reportedly passed away in Sicily after taking the vaccines which will most likely further slow down the vaccination process. It hopes to proceed with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.