ICTP is closely following Italy's guidelines regarding health precautions to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus and will update this page as needed. Personal guidelines to reduce your risk of catching and spreading the virus are listed below. Italy has also announced strict guidelines concerning COVID-19 containment measures.
Basic, protective practices include the following:
- wash your hands often. It is recommended to make available in all public spaces, gyms, supermarkets, pharmacies and other aggregation places, hydroalcoholic solutions for hand washing*;
- avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections;
- avoid hugs and handshakes;
- maintain, in social contacts, an interpersonal distance of at least one metre;
- practice respiratory hygiene (sneezing and/or coughing into a handkerchief, avoiding contact of the hands with respiratory secretions);
- avoid the mixed use of bottles and glasses, especially during sports activities;
- do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands;
- cover your mouth and nose if you sneeze or cough;
- do not take antiviral drugs and antibiotics, unless prescribed by the doctor;
- clean surfaces with chlorine disinfectants, or alcohol;
- if you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection;
- wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing;
- masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
- if you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
* Dispensers currently available on ICTP campus (PDF download)
More guidelines and advice (in English) about the situation in Italy can be found here.
Guidance and assistance regarding COVID-19 can be sought by calling phone number 112 (hotline of the regional health services, also in English).
Individuals who, to their knowledge, have been in contact with someone who was checked as a suspected case of, or was diagnosed with, the COVID-19 virus must stay at home and contact the health authorities immediately by calling 112 or their general practitioner.
COVID-19 RELATED INFORMATION
