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As Europe Reopens, Key Virus Protections Are Still Elusive

Associated Press

   ROME - Italy's virus reopening was supposed to be accompanied by a
   series of measures to limit infections in the one-time epicenter of
   Europe's pandemic: the distribution of millions of inexpensive surgical
   masks to pharmacies nationwide, a pilot project of 150,000 antibody
   tests and, eventually, the roll-out of a contact-tracing app.
   None of these is in place as Italy experiments with its second week of
   loosening restrictions and looks ahead to Monday's reopening of shops
   and, in some regions, bars and restaurants.
   Italy's commissioner for the emergency, Domenico Arcuri, went on the
   defensive Tuesday to respond to mounting criticism of his Phase II
   roll-out.
   He insisted "Italians know well what to do" to protect themselves, even
   if they don't have the tests, masks, contact-tracing or other measures
   that public health authorities deemed necessary for Italy to reopen in
   safety.
   "Sometimes I make mistakes for which I expect criticism and, if
   necessary, reprimand, from Italians," Arcuri said. But he directed the
   blame at others and repeated that he was working solely in the public's
   interest.
   Italy is by no means alone in emerging from lockdown without all its
   infection-prevention pillars in place. And no country has had a
   blueprint for managing either the COVID-19 outbreak or the reopening
   phase.
   But Italy's problems epitomize the challenges many countries face as
   they seek to balance economic and health care needs while reassuring
   terrified citizens with promises that perhaps were overly optimistic.

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