Rome, Italy - A large passenger ship docked in the port of Genoa is currently being transformed into an equipped floating hospital, set to welcome hundreds of coronavirus patients.
The vessel could offer essential services including intensive care and resuscitation units, officials and ship company representatives told Al Jazeera.
After Italy tightened its coronavirus quarantine on Wednesday - ordering bars, restaurants and hairdressing and beauty salons to close - efforts are now being made to take pressure off struggling hospitals.