Italy's campaign to contain the spread of coronavirus has reached the migrant hosting center of the southern Italian city of Bari where the hashtag ''#IStayatHome'' has been translated into many languages. The hashtag is the name of a decree implementing stringent new measures across Italy which became effective on March 10 until April 3.
The hashtag #IStayatHome has been translated into all languages spoken by immigrants staying the hosting center for asylum seekers Bari-Palese in the southern region of Puglia.
The center is managed by the cooperative Auxilium and the initiative follows the guidelines of the decree that extended measures in place in the former 'red zones' of northern Italy worst-hit by the deadly coronavirus to the whole nation of over 60 million people.
In the hashtag printed for immigrants at the center, the word ''casa'' (home in Italian) was replaced by ''Cara'' (the Italian acronym for hosting center for asylum seekers), which is their home when they arrive in Italy -- #ISTAYATC.A.R.A. and #moijerestàC.A.R.A. A Bari.
'We organized before decree'
The center's director Michele Di Lorenzo said the center was getting organized even before the approval of the decree on March 10 with information on measures to contain the spread of the virus available in common areas.
"Operators, mediators and educators at the center, helped by army and police officers, are talking to immigrants to make them aware of the need to avoid contacts," said Di Lorenzo.
"We have to follow what we have been told scrupulously because with small gestures and daily attention we can prevent situations of emergency. Every single person needs to be responsible."
Contacts limited in common areas
In the canteen and places of worship, operators wearing masks and gloves limit the number of people so that small groups can keep a safe distance. Activities inside the center, like Italian language lessons, have been increased so classes are smaller and more cleaning services are being provided to improve hygiene.
Di Lorenzo said guests have been responding to the new rules and "don't go out a lot." However, he added that he has spoken to the prefecture about further limiting exits "to avoid risky situations."
Di Lorenzo said there is "common concern" but "at the moment there is no alarm at the center."
The transfer of migrants has been suspended for the past few weeks. At the moment, the center hosts 495 migrants from 27 countries, mainly men from Nigeria, Pakistan, Mali and Somalia.