[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a Level 1 travel alert, corresponding to travel caution, for the entire territory of Italy on the 11th. The regions of Lombardia, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Piemonte, and Marche maintained Level 2, which means travel restraint.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "The additional travel alert issuance is in consideration of the nationwide spread of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Italy and the nationwide movement restrictions being imposed, raising concerns about the exposure of our nationals in areas without travel alerts to infection risks."
As of 6 p.m. local time on the 10th, the Italian Ministry of Health reported that out of a total of 10,149 confirmed cases, there are 1,122 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Italy excluding the five regions under Level 2 travel alerts. Earlier, the Italian Prime Minister announced around 10 p.m. on the 9th that the movement restrictions would be expanded from Lombardia and 14 provinces to the entire country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged, "Our nationals currently staying in the affected areas should pay close attention to their personal safety, and those planning to travel to these regions are advised to exercise caution."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in Italy and review the necessity of adjusting travel alerts.
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