fredag 31. januar 2020

Spate of anti-Chinese incidents in Italy amid coronavirus panic

Chinese people in Italy have been the target of racist abuse as paranoia mounts over the spread of the deadly coronavirus. A number of people in the country have been tested for the virus in recent days and the results have so far been negative. Tests were carried out on Thursday on two passengers onboard a cruise ship in the port city of Civitavecchia. There have been several incidents of xenophobia and calls to avoid Chinese restaurants and shops.

Roberto Giuliani, the director of the Santa Cecilia Conservatory, one of the oldest music institutes in the world, was criticised by colleagues on Wednesday after telling students from China, Japan and South Korea not to come to class until after a doctor visits their homes to ensure they have not contracted the virus. Similarly, another music institute in Como told students returning from China after the lunar new year to stay at home for 14 days.