Health Minister Roberto Speranza has
said the government's decision to allow travel between Italy's
regions as of June 3 is not without risk as the coronavirus
pandemic is still continuing.
Zero Risk Does Not Exist.
"There is a risk and it would be wrong not to admit it,"
Speranza told RAI's '1/2 Ora in Più' show.
"It is clear that it is a risk we are taking because zero
risk does not exist at the moment and it will only exist when
there is a vaccine.
Calculated Risks.
"Until then, it is a question of taking calculated risks and
of trying to manage a different phase (of the emergency).
"To have no risk at all we would have had to keep up the
absolute lockdown for months but the country would not have been
able to stand it".
Regional Differences.
The minister said that it was "undeniable" that there were
differences in the situation across the national territory and
that "the north has paid the highest price.
"But the trend in all of the regions is going in the right
direction," he added.
Right Direction.
The minister stressed that "at the moment that the figures
tell us that, while it is true that there are quantitative
differences, the trend of all the regions is going in the right
direction, is going down".
Unjustified Attitudes.
The minister said that, therefore, the attitudes of "other
European countries that are punitive towards Italy are not
justified because the current situation in Italy is of a
superior level than the average of the other EU countries.
Tough Decisions.
"Now the nation is much better," Speranza continued.
"We had an extremely difficult phase and we were the first
ones to take very tough decisions.
"But the coronavirus is not finished. It is a wave that is
moving but it has not disappeared.
"So the rules (to contain contagion) will remain".
Gradual Improvement.
The minister said that the contagion figures had "gradually
improved" since May 4 despite the "prudent, gradual reopening"
of activities.
"The curve did not go back up but continued to lean towards
the right side," he said.
"But woe betide us if we think we've won and everything is
over".
Rules Are Crucial.
He said nothing could be taken for granted with regards to
how things will go in the coming weeks and he stressed that "the
distancing and precautionary measures will be crucial."
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