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First Italian case of rare new Covid variant detected in Naples

Another new variant of the coronavirus has been found in Naples, the first known case in Italy of a strain so far spotted in the UK, Denmark, Nigeria and the US.

Published: 17 February 2021 11:19 CET
First Italian case of rare new Covid variant detected in Naples
On the seafront in Naples, where a lab detected the first known case in Italy of a new coronavirus variant. Photo: Filippo Monteforte/AFP

The B.1.525 variant was detected in a person who had recently returned from a trip to a country in Africa, the Campania region announced on Tuesday. 

It is the first time the strain has been found in Italy, after it was first identified in the UK and Nigeria in December. Since then around 130 cases have been confirmed worldwide, including in Denmark, the US, Canada, France, Australia, Spain and a few other countries. 

READ ALSO: Italian health experts call for 'urgent' lockdown amid growing concern about variants

Researchers say it has similarities to other variants that were first spotted in England, Brazil and South Africa and have since been found in countries around the world, including Italy. 

While those three variants are believed to be more contagious and more resistant to certain vaccines, it is not yet known what risk the B.1.525 strain poses.

“There is currently no evidence that this set of mutations causes more severe illness or increased transmissibility,” according to a statement by the public health authority in England, where the strain is classified as a “variant under investigation”. 

The more prevalent strain identified in the UK, B.1.1.7, now makes up 17.8 percent of new Covid-19 cases in Italy on average, estimates top Italian health agency the ISS. 

More than 500 cases have been publicly reported in Italy to date, mainly in Abruzzo and Lombardy.

MAPS: Where are the new Covid-19 variants spreading in Italy?

Around 20 cases of the Brazilian variant have been confirmed, mostly in Umbria, while at least two cases of the South African strain are known so far.

The committee of experts that advises Italy's government has called for tougher lockdown measures to “contain and slow” the spread of variants, with several prominent virologists saying current restrictions were not effective against the new strains.

Several towns and provinces where the variants have been detected have declared local lockdowns in a bid to stop them spreading further.

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CRIME

How bad is pickpocketing in Italy’s major cities?

Italy has recently announced the creation of a special police unit to combat metro pickpockets in Rome, Naples and Milan. But how bad is petty theft in Italy's big cities and what can you do to avoid being pickpocketed?

Published: 7 August 2024 14:00 CEST
How bad is pickpocketing in Italy's major cities?

Italy’s interior ministry on Tuesday announced the creation of a new police unit aimed at tackling rising pickpocketing crimes on metro services and platforms in the cities of Rome, Naples and Milan.

The announcement came following a summit on urban security measures attended by Italy’s interior minister Matteo Piantedosi along with the mayors and police commissioners of each of the three cities.

Though the start date of the new police force hasn’t been confirmed yet, the special unit, named ‘Polmetro’, will be tasked with patrolling underground platforms and trains to thwart or stop pickpocketing, as well as other potential offences.

Pickpocketing has featured heavily in national media reports in recent weeks after videos from Rome-based YouTuber Simone Cicalone showed him confronting pickpockets and chasing them out of Rome’s metro stations. 

The videos quickly garnered online support from local commuters, with one YouTube user writing: “Proof of great courage and humility, well done Simone.”

How bad is pickpocketing?

A recent report from national statistics institute ISTAT showed that nearly 14 out of every 1,000 people in the region of Lazio, of which Rome is the capital, reported falling victim to pickpockets in 2023.  

For context, the national average stood at just over 5 in 1,000 people. 

The pickpocketing rate stood at 7 out of every 1,000 people in Lombardy, where Milan is located, and at 3 out of every 1,000 in Campania, where Naples is.

Reports of theft experienced by visitors to any of the three major cities can also be regularly found on social media.

Last month, Indian journalist Anant Goenka said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that his mother had her handbag stolen by three people inside a Milan airport.

He said: “A gang of 3 targeted us, distracted and stole mom’s handbag, with money and passport in it.” 

“Police at airport said it was the 4th such incident in 6 hours and police inspector told me: ‘there are only 3 of us, so nothing much we can do’,” he added.

Where in Rome, Naples and Milan do pickpockets tend to operate?

In all three cities, metro stations and the areas around major train stations such as Napoli Centrale, Milano Centrale and Roma Termini, are considered to be hotspots. 

READ ALSO: The Italian cities with the highest crime rates

Other places include: the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain in Rome; Piazza Municipio in Naples; Piazza del Duomo in Milan. 

What can you do to avoid being pickpocketed?

Whilst it is sometimes impossible to stop someone from committing a crime, there are some essential steps you can take to decrease the chances of being pickpocketed.

1) Avoid wearing any expensive-looking accessories.

2) Always carry your bag in front of you. If possible, place an arm over the bag to protect the opening.

3) Avoid keeping your wallet, phone and any other valuables in your back pockets.

4) Stay vigilant in crowds and steer clear of commotions. Pay particular attention to people around you when getting on or off transport.

5) Remember that pickpockets usually work in pairs and beware of any incident that may appear to be a distraction tactic.

What should you do if you have been pickpocketed?

If you have been pickpocketed on public transport, immediately inform the staff on board or at the nearest station.

If you have been pickpocketed outdoors, inform police officers in the area if present or call toll-free number 112 to report the crime. Alternatively, you can also head to the nearest police station (Questura).

READ ALSO: Guardia di Finanza to Carabinieri – who does what in the Italian police force?

If your wallet has been taken, block your cards as soon as possible.

Have you been a victim of pickpockets in Italy? Share your experience in the comments section below.

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