Spike in coronavirus infections in Italy partly blamed on nightlife events

Italy has recorded more than 1,000 new coronavirus infections in a single day for the first time since May 12.

On Saturday the country’s health ministry announced there had been 1,071 new cases in the past 24 hours.

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Experts say the spike is being caused by large gatherings such as holidaymakers and nightlife events.

A number of raves with negligible safety measures and a lack of social distancing have been taking place in the country. Some have been documented on the Business Teshno Twitter account, with DJs such as Dax J, Amelie Lens, Nina Kraviz, Tale Of Us, Michael Bibi and Adam Beyer playing.

Dave Clarke recently criticised artists playing these events, calling them “fucking idiots” who are “just doing this for ego and profit”.

Earlier this month Italy shut down nightclubs and made it compulsory to wear a mask outdoors in some areas at night-time.

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The numbers of foreign and Italian tourists entering and returning to Italy is also blamed for the increase in COVID-19 cases, which has been confirmed after many travellers disembarking from planes and ferries tested positive for the virus.

Italy is one of the worst hit countries in Europe by the pandemic, suffering more than 35,000 deaths so far.

[Via: Sky News]

Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Digital Features Editor, follow him on Twitter

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