Attilio Fontana, the president of the region of Lombardy, discussed the coronavirus outbreak and the three postponed Serie A games in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Corriere della Sera.
“Honestly, I’m quite worried, but I’m confident we’ll get through this.”
He spoke about whether he was more concerned about the spread of panic or the virus.
“The two go hand in hand. There’s a risk of panic spreading. We’re working to contain it. But let’s look at the reality, the contagion is developing at an absolutely unforeseen speed, at a rate that no doctor imagined. The time has come to make choices.”
The Lega Nord politician spoke about which choices need to be made.
“We have presented to the government a series of proposals, with an action plan modulated on different scenarios to be applied in the various territories according to the seriousness of the situation. Today’s decision of the Council of Ministers goes in the direction of quite rigorous measures to stop the epidemic at all costs, as suggested by all experts. I look forward to reading the decree, but I am satisfied with this approach. And, I add, I already apologised to the citizens for the inconvenience they will have to endure. But we must understand that some personal sacrifices can do the good of the whole community.”
Fontana touched on how the state will fight the coronavirus in the city of Milan.
“That’s the real problem, because for a big city the measures must be well calibrated. It is clear that rigorous initiatives such as those contained in the ordinance signed the other day with Minister Speranza that isolated the ten centres of Lodigiano cannot be implemented. A balance must be found between respect for citizens’ freedoms and objective restrictions in an attempt to eliminate the risks. We are going to reduce the dangers, avoiding too many public meetings and monitoring all the people who have come into contact with those infected.”
Finally, Fontana spoke about the possible repercussions on the Lombard economy.
“Unfortunately, it is a possibility. Let’s hope we can stop everything first. But the priority is the health of our citizens. From the economic difficulties, the people of Lombardy have always shown that they can get back on their feet.”
Three Serie A games have been postponed today, due to the spreading fears of the coronavirus. One of those games is Inter’s league clash against Sampdoria, which was due to be played at the San Siro this evening. Some are now worried that the Nerazzurri’s Europa League clash against Ludogorets next week will also be affected by the outbreak, although UEFA have not yet made a statement.
