Netherlands issues new Italy travel warning over coronavirus cases

The outbreak of coronavirus Covid-19 in Italy prompted the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to warn against visiting a number of municipalities in the northern parts of the country. There is also an increased risk to visiting Rome, the Ministry said, NU.nl reports.

Over 220 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in Italy since Wednesday. Seven people have died of the virus. A school in Assen already announced that it is canceling its exchange program with an Italian school for the time being. A school group in Drenthe called on parents who visited Italy over the holidays to have their children tested for the virus before sending them back to school.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs implemented negative travel advice for eleven municipalities in the Italian provinces of Lombardy and Podava. Ten of the municipalities are located in Lombardy, around Milan. They are Casalpusterlengo, Codogno, Castiglione d'Adda, Fombio, Maleo, Somaglia, Bertonico, Terranova dei Passerini, Castelgerundo and San Fiorano. In Padova, the Dutch Ministry advises against visiting Vo 'Euganeo.

The Italian government banned people from entering or leaving these towns. Schools, universities, museums and cinemas are closed in the affected areas and public gatherings are prohibited. 

The Ministry also warns that there is an increased risk to visiting Rome and the surrounding Lazio region.