Police up virus controls as Italians lower their guard

Police in Italy tightened lockdown controls Wednesday as cabin fever and a slowing in the coronavirus death toll and infection rate tempted Italians out in increasing numbers.

Italy's "Phase 2" plans for easing the lockdown have gripped the nation but also divided it.

There are those who insist the economically crippling measures must end and those who fear the deadly disease could rebound.

In the wealthy northern Lombardy region, hardest-hit by a virus that has claimed over 17,000 lives nationwide, traffic was up over 10 percent compared to a week ago. Local authorities described that as "alarming".

Milan's mayor Beppe Sala said road blocks would be increased.

Officials there fear that the coming Easter weekend might encourage people to flout the ban on leaving the house except to shop for essential food or medicine, or for work.

Experts have warned the lockdown will cause a long and devastating recession, and see millions lose their jobs -- despite a 25-billion-euro (USD 27 billion) emergency support programme from the government and more to come.

The governor of the Veneto region Luca Zaia said Wednesday he had "a plan ready to help businesses open again, while protecting workers' safety". He was just waiting for a green light from the government, he said.

But Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has repeatedly urged caution. He cites the scientific community when he insists that the lifting of the lockdown cannot be rushed because it could spark another epidemic in another part of the country.

Health Minister Roberto Speranza warned Tuesday that despite an encouraging drop in fresh cases being admitted to hospitals, "we are in the middle of a battle".

"The only weapon we have is social distancing, respect for the rules," he added.

"We mustn't think we've won. The situation is and remains serious, it cannot be underestimated."
But the World Health Organization's Italian government adviser Walter Ricciardi told the Stampa daily newspaper: "As far as I am concerned -- and the other government consultants think so too -- that's not enough time."
"It is the time to once again double and triple our collective efforts to drive towards suppression with the whole support of society."