Major travel and trading restrictions due to the coronavirus have been put in place in two regions in northern Italy that are set to host six stages of the Giro d’Italia in May.
A third person died in Italy on Sunday from the virus, with Italy also recording 79 cases in which people tested positive for the virus.
Of those who are infected, the most cases, at 54, have
been recorded in the Lombardy region while there are 17 cases in the Veneto
region.
The two regions are due to each host three stages of the Giro, including mountain stages, individual TTs and the finale in Milan.
How this will impact the race, if at all, is unclear but major restrictions are now in place in the regions.
The next major cycling race to be held in either of the worst-hit regions is Milan-Sanremo, which takes place on March 23rd.
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Giro stages in Veneto Region
- Stage 13: Cervia to Monselice (190km)
- Stage 14: Conegliano to Valdobbiadene (33.7km TT)
- Stage 17: Bassano del Grappa to Madonna di Campiglio (202km)
Giro stages in Lombardy Region
- Stage 18: Pinzolo to Laghi di Cancano (209km)
- Stage 19: Morbegno to Asti (251km)
- Stage 21: Cernusco sul Naviglio to Milan (16.5km TT)
Public buildings have been closed as have schools and private businesses including restaurants, shops and others.
Photographs have appeared in the Italian media showing
empty streets in the middle of yesterday afternoon when usually they would be
bustling on a Saturday.
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Sporting and religious events were cancelled this weekend
and even trains were not stopping in the stations of Veneto and Lombardy that
have been worst hit by the coronavirus.
However, some events were taking a mixed approach to
developments in Italy; the Milan fashion week was concluding this weekend, for
example, despite the virus.
But the world’s largest eyewear trade fair, MIDO, said it
was postponing its Milan show until June due to the virus.
A decision has also been taken to postpone at least three
Serie A soccer matches. The UCI has already cancelled road races that had been
due to take place in China.
The Tour of Chongming Island which was due to take place
from May 7th to 9th has been postponed, with a new date to be announced in
coming weeks.
The Tour of Zhoushan Island, from May 12th to 14th has also
been postponed as has the Tour of Taiyuan, which had been set for May 31st.
Concern is growing in Italy at the rising number of cases
as clusters of them have no obvious link to the original outbreak of the virus
in China.
The organisers of the Tokyo Olympics have already said
they were very concerned about the spread of the virus, though the Games are
not being held until late July and into August.
There are still 2½ months to go to the start of the Giro
on May 9th, which the event beginning this year in Hungary.
The travel and trading restrictions have been put in place in a bid to halt the spread of the virus, which is usually only fatal for those who are older or have underlying health conditions.
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