Italy, the first Western country to be hit by the pandemic, on Saturday overtook Britain to report the highest official death toll from COVID-19 in Europe.
A total of 65,857 people have died in Italy since the start of the outbreak in February, official data showed on Tuesday.
Domenico Arcuri, Rome’s special commissioner for the COVID-19 emergency, confirmed on Sunday that Italy hoped to begin vaccinating socio-medical staff and residents of homes for the elderly with 1.8 million doses in mid-January.
Before then, European countries are expected to pick a day for a symbolic joint start of the vaccination campaigns across the continent, Arcuri told a press conference.
There would be around 300 distribution sites in Italy, rising to 1500 once the vaccination campaign is at its peak, Arcuri said.
“We may be able to build a few gazebos at the start of the campaign but these structures are for when all Italians will start getting vaccinated,” he added.
Italy’s government was confident most Italians will be vaccinated by September.
The primrose-shaped pavilions were designed by architect Stefano Boeri, who said his team had picked the flower as it heralds the arrival of spring and symbolises regeneration.
“Getting vaccinated will be an act of civic responsibility, love for others and the rediscovery of life,” Boeri said in a press release.
“If this virus has locked us up in hospitals and homes, the vaccine will bring us back into contact with life and the nature that surrounds us.”
Set on a prefabricated wooden base, the circular pavilions take on a textile cover featuring a combination of different recyclable and natural biodegradable water-resistant materials.
They will be powered with solar energy and easy to dismantle and rebuild at a different location.
Photo: ANSA
Boeri is one of Italy’s most renowned architects, famous for his building Il Bosco Verticale – or the Vertical Forest – the entire facade of which teems with living trees and greenery.
He did not charge anything for his project, and Arcuri said other professionals and firms were stepping forward to offer free services and supplies, which would reduce the cost of the initiative.
