ELISA ODDONE
Photojournalist
“We are studying with Genoa’s local health unit, our epidemic task force and specialists … the possibility of arranging a ferry boat or a cruise ship as a unit that could serve patients who are gradually recovering [from COVID-19] and convalescents who leave the hospitals but that are in a situation of fragility, like those living on their own.”
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.
Photo courtesy of the office of the Liguria region