Lockdown battle in Italy: Army is sent in after residents quarantined in apartment block throw furniture from balconies, prompting furious locals to attack their vehicles in retaliation
- 700 people were ordered to stay indoors in four council housing blocks in Mondragone, 60km north of Naples
- Most are Bulgarians working in agriculture; authorities want to test them for Covid-19 in the virus 'red zone'
- Police and army were sent in to secure hot spot, which has 49 virus cases, after residents tried to flee the area
An angry resident quarantined in a council block threw a wooden chair off the balcony of a high-rise apartment in a coronavirus 'red zone' in Italy today.
He was one of 700 people ordered to remain indoors in four council housing blocks in Mondragone - 60km north of Naples on the coast in the Campania region - since Monday, while local health authorities test them for the virus, Rai news said.
Most of those living there are Bulgarians who work in agriculture.
A group of Italian protesters responded to the furniture-hurling by throwing stones at the Bulgarians' cars and smashing the windows.
The police and army were sent in to secure the Covid hot spot - which has 49 cases of the virus - after frustrated residents attempted to escape from the blocks.
A furious resident quarantined in a council block in Italy threw a chair off the balcony of a high-rise apartment in a coronavirus 'red zone' today. Most of those living there are Bulgarians who work in agriculture
The man was one of 700 people ordered to stay indoors in four council housing blocks in Mondragone - 60km north of Naples on the coast in the Campania region - since Monday, while local health authorities test them for Covid-19
Three residents in the blocks, which used to be owned by food group Cirio, vent their anger at the crowds below today
The army was sent in to secure the Covid hot spot - which has 49 cases of the virus - after frustrated residents attempted to leave their apartments
The region's head Vincenzo De Luca called for back-up from the army. New cases, including those who are asymptomatic, are being transferred to a local hospital. (It is not known if those pictured have displayed symptoms)
Italian police and army personnel surround the red zone. Several of the 49 residents who have tested positive for coronavirus so far have since gone missing
Ten scientists in Italy on Wednesday released a joint statement declaring the coronavirus emergency to be 'over'. Above, the scene in Mondragone on Thursday
One group ducked under the police tape cordoning off the complex on Thursday and had to be marched back in by police.
The region's head Vincenzo De Luca called for back-up from the army, which he said was on its way.
New cases, including those who are asymptomatic, are being transferred to a local hospital.
But several of the 49 people who have tested positive so far have since gone missing.
Some were undocumented workers who feared losing their jobs, said Rai.
It was not the only cluster of new cases in Italy, which lifted its lockdown at the start of June after three months of a pandemic which has officially killed more than 34,600 people.
Crowds gather at the base of the apartments. Some Italian protesters responded to the furniture-hurling residents by throwing stones at the Bulgarians' cars and smashing their windows
One group ducked under the police tape cordoning off the complex on Thursday and had to be marched back in by police
Italian scientists are concerned that there may be a second wave of coronavirus if people let down their guards. (Above, an aerial view of the Mondragone apartments overlooking the coast)
Another set has emerged at a warehouse in Bologna used by express courier Bartolini.
The company uncovered 44 asymptomatic cases - including two drivers - after testing all workers at the warehouse in central-northern Italy following the discovery of two members of staff with the virus, the Resto del Carlino daily said.
Bartolini (BRT) has closed the warehouse although deliveries continue.
It was expected to test all staff who have come into contact with those with the virus, the daily said.
Ten scientists in Italy on Wednesday released a joint statement declaring the coronavirus emergency to be 'over'.
That sparked a heated reaction from colleagues who warned a second wave was likely if people let down their guard.
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When proper authority needed- bring in the army . ...
by The Overview 501