Italy struggled to convince citizens of coronavirus crisis. What can Europe learn?
Country's experience could offer lesson to European neighbours following a similar trajectory
Ordinarily, having an aperitivo in Venice's St Mark's Square would cost a small fortune. Not on 3 March, when bar owners offered a free drink for each one purchased in an attempt to attract custom as the city emptied out amid Italy's developing coronavirus outbreak. The offer was intended to last a month.
In Rome, restaurant touts jokingly invited people to try a "carbonaravirus" as the tourists left in the capital went along with the relaxed vibe, choosing to carry on with their holiday rather than go home. That was during the first week of March. Business owners could hardly be blamed for worrying about the impact of coronavirus on their livelihoods, especially when leaders were giving confusing messages.
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