“This week there is a general worsening of the epidemiological situation in Italy, intensive care, the Rt index and unknown outbreaks are increasing. Let's not be misled. The epidemic is once again in an expansive phase”These are the words pronounced by the Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza, during a hearing in the Chamber during which he spoke of the anti-Covid measures arriving on Monday 16 January.
THE NEWS ON ORANGE, YELLOW AND WHITE ZONES
The third wave is now around the corner. I am twelve high-risk regions which in all probability will enter the orange zone as early as Monday, while there are 13 regions with an employment rate in hospitals above the critical threshold.
In order to try to contain the epidemic, the minister confirmed that even in the yellow areas movement between regions will be prohibited, as will take-away from bars after 18pm. There is good news, however. For the yellow band "in the new dpcm it is the government's intention to reopen the museums".
The dpcm will also introduce a new area, white, where you will enter "with an incidence below 50 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants and Rt below 1", but you will still have to wear a mask and respect the distance.
Which Regions are at risk of "relegation"? Speranza did not list the names but during the meetings with the governors it emerged that Lombardy could go from orange to red. The risk in Lazio, Piedmont, Liguria and Marche is high (even if the Rt index does not exceed 1). Apulia, Molise, Umbria and Sardinia are at high risk and with Rt higher than 1.
STATE OF EMERGENCY UNTIL APRIL 30
“Now we know that Covid is numbered and with vaccines we will defeat this virus. But we have not yet won and we must not misread this decisive phase ”, added Speranza.
The minister reiterated the need to prolong the state of emergency, expiring on January 31, due to the worsening of the parameters. The new deadline could be April 30th.
THE VACCINES
“We have to go on like this: zero controversy and full institutional collaboration. We are only at the beginning of our vaccination work. This campaign is a long and difficult marathon and not a speed contest and there is still so much to do. We are ready to increase the number of vaccinations to be carried out as soon as new vaccines are authorised. The options are for 250 million doses, double what is needed ”.
The minister said he trusted citizens' sense of responsibility. “I am in a positive climate of dialogue convinced that the vast majority of Italians will decide to get vaccinated without resorting to the obligation. However, the goal of herd immunity, which we pursue with all energy, remains fundamental for the government ”.
With reference to the new vaccines, "in the first quarter of 2021 - continues Speranza - the authorization of the vaccine is also expected Johnson & Johnson. The results of the Italian vaccine ReiThera they are very encouraging. We are working in parallel to organize forces and Italy is ready to field a strong team: 40 doctors will be added and pharmacies will also enter the field".
