On February 23, 2020, the US Embassy in Rome issued a Health Alert noting the official count of over 150 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Italy and the suspension of routine visa services at the U.S. Consulate General in Milan “due to reduced staffing levels.” On Twitter, post says that USCG Milan is suspending routine visa services “out of an abundance of caution.” The consulate general will continue to provide routine and emergency American citizen services.
Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy – February 23, 2020
Location: Regions of Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia
Event: The U.S. Embassy continues to monitor the health situation in Italy and recommends that individuals follow Italian health official guidance and avoid government-designated affected areas. Due to reduced staffing levels, the U.S. Consulate General in Milan has suspended routine visa services until March 2, 2020. Both routine and emergency American Citizen Services will continue at the Consulate General in Milan. Full consular services are also available at the Embassy in Rome and the Consulates General in Florence and Naples.
Officials count over 150 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Italy, the majority of which are in the Province of Lodi in the south of the Lombardy region. Two cases have been confirmed in Milan, and one each in Bergamo, Monza, and Turin. Cases have also been reported in the areas of Brescia, Cremona, and Pavia. Lombardy regional officials have cancelled schools for the week. City, regional and national officials continue to meet and assess the situation as more information becomes known.
Coronavirus infection rates are still very low, but those concerned that they are presenting multiple symptoms should contact 112 or 1500 to consult with Italian emergency healthcare professionals.
📢 U.S. Consulate General Milan out of an abundance of caution is suspending routine visa services until March 2, 2020, but will continue to provide all (routine and emergency) American Citizen Services.
❗️The Consulate will continue to provide updates when available.
— US Consulate Milan (@USConsMilan) February 23, 2020
Previously, on January 31, 2020, U.S. Embassy Rome issued a Health Alert noting two confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Rome:
On January 30, 2020, the Italian Ministry of Health announced two confirmed case of novel Coronavirus in Rome.
Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
On February 7, 2020, USCG Naples issued a Health Alert noting the mandatory thermal screening required at Italian ports of entry:
On February 5, 2020, Italian public health officials implemented mandatory thermal screening at all Italian air and maritime ports of entry in response to the recent Novel Coronavirus outbreak.
On February 21, US Embassy Rome issued a Health Alert noting 14 confirmed Covid-19 cases in two areas and the mandated closure of public schools and offices:
On February 21, the Italian Ministry of Health announced 14 confirmed case of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the town of Codogno in the Lombardy region and two cases in Vo’ Euganeo near Padua.
Public school and offices have been closed in the affected areas and Italian health officials have advised residents in these areas to avoid public spaces. Travelers in the area should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
#Italy Virus Cases Jump Even After Lockdown in North https://t.co/5ModfFjGss @aspeciale @danielelepido @JohnFollain
— Alessandro Speciale (@aspeciale) February 23, 2020
At least 132 people have tested positive for #coronavirus in Italy, a sharp increase in just a few days.
Read more: https://t.co/D9StVTQWWE pic.twitter.com/13rgDVmFgY
— euronews (@euronews) February 23, 2020
A number of small towns in northern Italy have been left deserted as the number of #coronavirus cases in the country continues to rise.
For the latest news about #COVID19, click here: https://t.co/QOVoIyifvV pic.twitter.com/Oyg6ibZjS1
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 24, 2020
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