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VIDEO: Five key questions about the coronavirus answered

The coronavirus is spreading around Europe and the world, but what do we actually know about the virus so far and what are the best steps to take to avoid catching it? Watch The Local's free video by Alex Dunham.

Published: 1 March 2020 21:39 CET
Updated: 2 March 2020 14:11 CET
VIDEO: Five key questions about the coronavirus answered
 
Hello,
 
The Local's mission is to give our readers the information they need to navigate their lives in new countries. We rely on paying members to do that, but we have chosen not to put any of our articles about the coronavirus behind our hard paywall, to help the public and counter the spread of misinformation. We believe it is the right thing to do.
 
This means that new or occasional readers can read articles for free. We are also dropping the paywall completely on any articles containing advice or need-to-know information. That includes this article as well as lots of other content.
 
We have had a few questions from readers this week if there is a way you can donate to The Local to support our work.
 
The best way is simply to sign up for membership via the blue “Become a Member” button at the top of the page. If you wish you can cancel at a later date. It's easy to do. 
 
We hope our paying members understand why we have chosen to make these articles about the coronavirus free for everyone, but if you have any questions, please let me know.
 
 
All the best,
Emma
Deputy Managing Editor, The Local 

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POLITICS

Italian tourism minister charged with Covid-era fraud

Prosecutors on Friday charged Italy's tourism minister with fraud relating to government redundancy funds claimed by her publishing companies during the coronavirus pandemic.

Published: 4 May 2024 09:19 CEST
Italian tourism minister charged with Covid-era fraud

Opposition lawmakers immediately requested the resignation of Daniela Santanche, a leading member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party.

Santanche, 63, has strongly rejected the allegations, including in a defiant appearance in parliament last year.

“The Milan prosecutor’s office today requested the indictment of the Minister Santanche and other persons as well as the companies Visibilia Editore and Visibilia Concessionaria,” the office said in a brief statement.

They were indicted “for alleged fraud of the INPS (National Institute for Social Security) in relation to alleged irregularities in the use of the Covid 19 redundancy fund, for a total of 13 employees”.

According to media reports, Visibilia is accused of obtaining state funds intended to help companies struggling with the pandemic to temporarily lay off staff — when in fact the 13 employees continued to work.

Santanche sold her stake in Visibilia when she joined the government of Meloni, who took office in October 2022.

The investigation has been going on for months, but with the decision by prosecutors to indict, opposition parties said Santanche should resign.

“We expect the prime minister to have a minimum of respect for the institutions and ask for Daniela Santanche’s resignation,” said Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party.

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