Kathmandu. One of the most badly hit countries by the novel coronavirus, Italy, is at risk of a second wave. The administration has issued an order of immediate closure of restaurants and cafes in Milan, Turin and other cities as a precaution. Cinema halls, gymnasiums and other means of entertainment have also been closed. As a result, people have protested against the ban imposed by the government.

According to The Guardian, crowds in the northern Italian city of Turin turned violent in protest following the government ban. Protesters vandalized things and attacked the police with glass bottles. The number of COVID-19 cases in Italy has been rising steadily since October 8.

On October 8, 4,458 new infections were found in Italy and from then on, the number has only increased. On October 24, the number of new infections in Italy exceeded 19 thousand; October 25 saw the number to be 21 thousand while on October 26, 17 thousand new infections were identified.

The government announced the ban after discovering the rapid increment in the new cases, but the people of Italy protested against the administration. In Italy’s business capital, Milan the police had to resort to using tear gas on protesters to contain them. The protests had taken place after the administration ordered  the restaurants, cafes and bars for 30 days to close by 6 p.m. Usually dinner starts at 7:30 p.m. and the ban would cost business owners exorbitantly, therefore, the protests erupted since the administration’s order was entered into effect.

Neighboring nation, Spain, is also facing similar challenges as they are witnessing a second wave too. To minimize the spread of the virus, the Spanish government, last Friday, had declared a 15-day state of emergency in the capital, Madrid. However, owing to political tensions and numerous protests, the Spanish Government has now decided to impose a partial lockdown.