Italy – one of the hardest-hit countries from the coronavirus pandemic – will start to ease its two-month strict lockdown from Monday. However, tensions across the country are still intensifying with many residents in fear that the virus chaos may still spark mass starvation. In recent days, fury has erupted with fights breaking out between shoppers at a series of supermarkets.
One incident that went viral on social media showed a desperate family pleading with a police officer after they were unable to withdraw their grandmother’s pension – the family’s sole income.
In another video, supermarket shoppers erupted into a brawl after several people Attacked one shopper for refusing to wear a face mask.
One Priest told the Guardian: “Now people are more afraid – not so much of the virus, but of poverty. Many are out of work and hungry. There are now long queues at food banks. “
Another piece of footage showed a fight breaking out in a supermarket after a customer refused to pay for his shopping, insisting he “had not money but still had to eat.”
People across the nation have been trying to help in the hunger crisis by filling baskets with food and leaving them in the streets for pover ty-stricken residents to take what they need, reported Business Insider.
Meanwhile, police officers have been forced to guard supermarkets in Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, after a private Facebook group is currently under investigation urged people to organize large raids on grocery stores and markets.
JUST IN: Britons may have to wear face masks when they return to work
Great Big Lockdown Survey: Tell us what life’s like for you by answering THESE questions
Italy will start to ease its two-month strict lockdown from Monday (Image: GETTY)
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings