| Analyst | Bahauddin Foizee |

When the Coronavirus and the serious disease COVID-19 began spreading in China, especially in Wuhan, many people outside China—like politicians, analysts, and the general public—didn’t believe it would spread so quickly to other parts of the world. Fast forward to today, and every continent except Antarctica has been touched by the pandemic, fundamentally altering lives across the globe.

Italy, too, was taken by surprise. The virus crossed thousands of miles, claiming numerous lives and leaving a profound impact on the nation. Now, Italy stands among the countries hardest hit, trailing only the USA and Spain in confirmed cases.

So, why did Italy suffer so gravely from a virus originating so far away? Four key factors come into play.

First, the influx of Chinese tourists significantly contributed to the spread. Italy, renowned for its rich culture, cuisine, and picturesque landscapes, has long been a favorite destination for travelers. In 2019, Chinese tourists alone spent €650 million in Italy, underscoring the strong appeal of the country. As the tourist season kicked off in late winter, visitors from China brought not only their enthusiasm but also the virus that was devastating their homeland.

Second, the deep-rooted business connections between China and Italy facilitated ongoing travel. Throughout the year, Chinese businesspeople visit Italy, further increasing the risk of transmission. Italy’s embrace of initiatives like China’s Belt and Road Initiative reflects a growing economic partnership, but it also meant that the country was more vulnerable to the virus’s introduction.

Negligence in maintaining social distancing has compounded the crisis. Italian culture values close-knit interactions—frequent gatherings, hugs, and kisses are commonplace. While these practices foster community and warmth, they also provided the perfect environment for the virus to spread rapidly in such a precarious situation.

Lastly, Italy’s demographic landscape plays a crucial role. With the second-highest elderly dependency ratio in the world, behind only Japan, the population’s age structure poses significant challenges. Older individuals are particularly susceptible to severe illness, and tragically, a majority of COVID-19 fatalities in Italy have been among those over 70.

In summary, Italy’s experience with COVID-19 illustrates how a combination of tourism, business ties, cultural practices, and demographic factors can converge to create a perfect storm in the face of a global pandemic.