The outbreak is of a new crisis, as the city struggles to recover from the severe floods of November!
Last week in St. Mark’s square tables and chairs in front of the famous Cafe Florian remained empty, and few tourists spoiled the place as they posed for a selfie. Here was seen more white medical masks than carnival. Rows of empty gondolas, it seemed, eagerly swayed.
After Venice has canceled most of its annual celebrations against the background of attempts of Italy to contain the worst outbreak of the coronavirus in Europe , the majority of visitors ran into the mountains, leaving the city of the lagoon a virtual Ghost-town.
The Venetian tourist industry is still reeling after the severe flooding in November left much of the city under water; now it has a very different kind of crisis.
More than 800 cases Covid-19 were confirmed in Italy, and 29 people died.
“We were waiting for the carnival to re-start the economy after the acqua alta , but now we have a new problem,” said Sabrina, a worker of a fashion shop Sartoria dei Dogi.
Flooding has reduced turnover in Venice by 40% in the last quarter of last year, according to local authorities, and estimates suggest that the virus will cause a decline of 30-40% in the quarter.
According to Venice’s Association of hoteliers, was abolished more than 40% of hotels bookings.
