Italy sees death toll rocketing, hospitals in crisis

While the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases across Europe is rising dramatically, Italy remains the second country most harshly hit by the virus’ outbreak outside China, recording 1,809 deaths and 24,747 cases to date, amid growing fears over its regions’ health systems’ capacities to handle the emergency.
Only on Sunday March 15, the country reported 368 deaths, noting a 25% increase over the day before, and the largest 24-hour spike in Coronavirus-related deaths.
Italy has been in lockdown since the previous week, with only pharmacies, banks and groceries stores allowed to operate.
“It is time for sacrifices, for responsible choices,” said Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in an interview given to Corierre della Sera, citing the two faces of Italian citizens; those who respect the rules and sing from the balconies, and the “smart ones.”
The Italian government is preparing a €25 bn package of rules and measures to assist the national economy with enduring the financial impact of the emergency, through the provision of help to families and businesses.
Lombardy, the worst-affected region, is lacking beds and masks, as it has been pushed to its limits, being the epicentre of the outbreak. Conte pledged “maximum attention” to the region, as well as procuring protective equipment and keeping the health personnel safe.