Italy is finally “on the downward trajectory” of the coronavirus pandemic curve, while it’s announced a “reliable” test for COVID-19 antibodies has been developed, allowing for a ‘passport’ to work and travel.
The number of new cases, deaths and intensive care admissions have been gradually dropping over the last few days and there was a note of optimism in today’s press conference.
Italy is finally “on the downward trajectory” of the coronavirus pandemic curve, while it’s announced a “reliable” test for COVID-19 antibodies has been developed, allowing for a ‘passport’ to work and travel.
The number of new cases, deaths and intensive care admissions have been gradually dropping over the last few days and there was a note of optimism in today’s press conference.
“It finally looks as if the curve has flattened and, after a plateau phase, has begun to move on the downward trajectory,” said Giovanni Rezza, director of research at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità and leading epidemiologist.
“We should wait until tomorrow or the day after before we can really begin to breathe a sigh of relief.”
There is more good news from Lombardy, the epicentre of the outbreak in the Peninsula, as a test has been developed to effectively determine immunity from COVID-19.
“We have excellent news, as a test has been confirmed reliable by the Policlinico San Matteo in Pavia, a blood test that shows who has developed antibodies,” explained Governor of the Lombardy Region Attilio Fontana in a press conference, as reported by Adnkronos news agency.
“Within two weeks, we will have the European Union certification and can then begin testing large swathes of the population.”
This test has also been mentioned for use by sports medics to split players and staff into different groups when they return to training.
The groups are: positive, not positive but immune and not positive-not immune.
It is hoped that once the test becomes more widespread, it can allow for people who have developed immunity to return to work and travel earlier than others.
Some treatment has also seen blood donations from immune patients given to those suffering from the virus, in the hope the antibodies can help them fight off the illness.