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Italian PM Resists Calls to Ease COVID Restrictions

Sabina Castelfranco

   ROME - In Italy, one of the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus,
   the debate is growing on whether it is time to downgrade the emergency
   and start easing restrictions after a strict five-week lockdown, now
   that the virus spread is showing what some see as signs of slowing
   down.

   On top of that, there is pressure to reopen industries and businesses
   in the face of what could be a massive economic meltdown.

   The daily death toll has been dropping steadily - as have admissions to
   intensive care units. But with about 500 people still dying each day,
   the country's prime minister is resisting calls to relax strict social
   distancing and other measures.
   Giuseppe Conte is urging caution and says any decision to downgrade the
   emergency must be taken gradually and together with scientists.

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