Lodi tour cancelled

Lombardy is one of the main areas affected by the corona virus. Reportedly the Lombardy outbreak came to light when a 38-year-old Italian tested positive in Codogno, a comune in the province of Lodi. According to his wife, he had met an Italian friend who had returned from China on 21 January, who subsequently tested negative. On 14 February, he felt unwell and went to a doctor in Castiglione d'Adda. He was prescribed treatments for influenza. On 16 February, as the man's condition worsened, he went to Codogno Hospital, reporting respiratory problems. Initially there was no suspicion of COVID-19, so no additional precautionary measures were taken, and the virus was able to infect other patients and health workers.

As of Saturday 14th March there have been 21,157 confirmed cases in Italy (11,685 in Lombardy), 1,441 deaths (966 in Lombardy), and 1,966 recoveries.

The border between Switzerland & Italy is closed for tourists and all flights to all of Italy have been suspended.

At the end of February the number of people reported to have contracted the virus in Lombardy had risen to 172 (from a total of 229 cases confirmed in Italy). In Switzerland at the time there were 10 cases.
Although the tour wasn't planned until May and a decision whether to travel would be taken nearer the time when the risks can be accurately assessed given up-to-date data.

However, the new pitch, due to be installed in late spring was likely to be delayed, also posing a risk to the tour.

An of course, the longer it went on, the later the WCC would be able to firm up arrangements like travel & accommodation.

Those hoping to be part of the tour were advised to watch this space.