Italy will charge coronavirus patients refusing self-isolation with murder
The Mediterranean country is struggling to contain the spread of the virus and has confirmed more than 12,000 cases and 827 deaths
In Italy, anyone showing symptoms of coronavirus and refusing to go to self-isolate could face 21 years in prison.
A coronavirus carrier can be charged with "intentional murder" if they went on to pass the virus to someone made vulnerable by a pre-existing health condition, reports the Metro quoting Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore.
Authorities warn that those who come down with a cough, fever or other signs of the deadly Sars-like disease who avoid going into quarantine could risk being charged with attempted murder.
Those who carry on with their daily business after knowingly making contact with a coronavirus patient could also face the same penalty, as well as those who fail to warn people they may have infected.
The Mediterranean is struggling to contain the spread of the virus and has confirmed more than 12,000 cases and 827 deaths. The country has been put on a nationwide lockdown with all stores except for pharmacies and food outlets being ordered to close down.
Citizens have also been told they are not allowed to travel unless for pressing health or work reasons.
Anyone who comes down with a fever, cough, or other symptoms of the new coronavirus strain named Covid-19 who do not put themselves under self-isolation risk being charged with causing injury and be jailed for six months to three years.
