Italy, one of the world's most beautiful and culturally rich countries, has been particularly hard hit by the arrival of COVID-19. At the time of writing, there are more than 9,000 confirmed cases, with 463 deaths. After China, it is the country with the highest number of infected people, which has led authorities to declare a state of quarantine in the most affected regions, as well as the suspension of all sporting activity. Some photographers remain in the region and have shared a series of images that show one empty scene after another.
The Serie A soccer league is suspended. Pope Francis held his first Sunday prayer via streaming. Riots broke out in prisons. Doctors are literally separating treatable patients from terminal ones. The entire territory has been declared a red zone. Security forces have increased controls and warnings about possible sanctions because many citizens insist on defying the quarantine. COVID-19 has left Italy on pause until April 3, a deadline announced by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.
As expected, several photojournalists remain in the country and took to the streets with their cameras to find... emptiness. Empty squares, football stadiums without crowds, closed churches, businesses waiting anxiously for any daring customer. No one knows for sure what such a lockdown will do to the local economy, and at the same time, no one rules out the possibility of an extension. One thing is certain: for now, COVID-19 has conquered Italy and has arrived in Europe to stay.
Scenes from Italy's quarantine
