Ruling Party Leader Also Infected... Italy's COVID-19 Cases Surge to 1,247

Democratic Party's Nikola Jinjareti Leader "I Also Got Infected"

Italian quarantine officials disinfect the stands of Stadio San Paolo in Naples, where the Coppa Italia match between Napoli and Inter Milan was held on the 4th (local time). Photo by Reuters, Naples - Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) rapidly spreads in Italy, the leader of the ruling party in the country has also tested positive. This is the first case of infection among major political leaders in Europe.

According to major foreign media, Nicola Zingaretti, leader of the center-left Democratic Party, which is a key part of Italy's coalition government, announced on the 7th (local time) through his Facebook that "I have also caught it," adding, "The doctor said I tested positive for COVID-19." He further stated, "I am fine. However, I will have to stay at home for a few days."

He mentioned that health authorities are contacting people who met him for virus testing, and that his family is also following quarantine regulations.

Zingaretti also serves as the governor of Lazio, the central region where the capital Rome is located. Since he regularly meets with ministers and senior government officials, there are concerns that worries about COVID-19 could spread within the cabinet.

Meanwhile, since the first local infection case was reported on the 21st of last month, the total number of confirmed cases nationwide in Italy has reached 5,883 as of 6 p.m. on the 7th. The number of confirmed cases increased by 1,247 compared to the previous day, surpassing 1,000 new cases in a single day for the first time. The death toll also rose by 36 from the previous day, reaching 233.