Health ministry advisor Ricciardi calls for new lockdown (2)

(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 15 - Walter Ricciardi, a top Italian physician and advisor to Health Minister Roberto Speranza, has suggested Italy have another full-blown nationwide lockdown amid concern about the spread of new variants of COVID-19 in Italy.
    Ricciardi suggested a short but tough lockdown, in which non-essential activities would be stopped and schools closed.
    The proposal stirred angry reactions from many quarters, with League leader Matteo Salvini blasting "experts who sow fear".
    Ricciardi reacted to calls for him to quit by saying he would be prepared to do so if that were deemed "useful". (ANSA).