Italy places millions of people on lockdown in effort to contain virus

Thousands of people in Italy's north crowded in train stations to escape before Italy's government placed millions of people in the northern part of the country on lockdown in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. About one quarter of the country’s people will not be able to leave the area without special permission and schools and all public events will be canceled during the quarantine. More than 7,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the country, and over 300 people have died.

Class discussion: Can a government effectively stop millions of people from traveling? How well has it worked in China? What do health experts say? If you knew your state was going to be quarantined tomorrow would you try to leave before it took effect? Why or why not? Is it natural for people to run away from danger even if that may endanger others? Would you be ready to stop going to school, concerts and sporting events? How long would you be willing to stay close to home and avoid crowds?