Italy puts flags at half-mast to honor victims
Italian flags on public buildings across the country were flown at half-mast on Tuesday morning (31) to pay tribute to victims of the new coronavirus pandemic.
The initiative was promoted by the National Association of Italian Prefectures (Anci), but was extended to all institutions, such as the Presidency of the Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and even the Vatican.
“Today, in solidarity with Italy, the Holy See will leave its flags at half-mast, in mourning, to express its closeness to the victims of the pandemic in Italy and the world, to their families and to those who generously fight for its end. ,” said the director of the Vatican press office, Matteo Bruni.
Furthermore, at noon (local time), Italian mayors observed a minute of silence in front of the municipal administration headquarters. “We must remember with utmost honor all the victims of this war that we are carrying out as a State against this virus,” said Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio.
Following the example of public buildings in Italy, diplomatic representations in Brazil and abroad also left their flags at half-mast to pay tribute to victims.
The pandemic has already infected more than 100 people in the country and killed 11.591, according to the latest Civil Defense report. The rate of contagion, however, has been slowing down day by day, which indicates that the contamination curve may be close to its peak.
With information from Ansa Agency
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