All 71 migrants who arrived in the Italian port city of Salerno on August 14 have tested negative for smallpox, according to local authorities. The group had been quarantined shortly after their rescue by the humanitarian organization Sea-Watch due to concerns that some might be infected with the disease.
Authorities originally ordered the quarantine as a safety measure and carried out medical tests immediately after the migrants arrived. Health officials have now confirmed that none of the individuals tested positive and there is no public health risk. This comes as a relief to residents who were worried after hearing that two of the migrants had escaped from a hospital in Scafati, where they were being treated.
The mayor of Scafati assured the public that there was no danger, explaining that the two individuals who left the hospital had also received negative test results. He said that they would have been released from the hospital anyway and urged residents to remain calm.
Some people may ask: Why were the migrants still quarantined if they tested negative? The answer is that the tests were done gradually after their arrival, and the quarantine remained in place until all results were confirmed to avoid any possible health risks.
Authorities also reported that on August 15, a number of the migrants tried to leave a reception centre in Eboli where they were being held. Some were stopped by police in different parts of the city, including on a nearby highway, while others managed to escape. Officials said there were no reports of violence during the incidents.
After receiving the final negative test results, health officials in Salerno officially ended the quarantine. The migrants will now be transferred to emergency reception centres (CAS) where their asylum claims will be processed and necessary support will be provided.
Local authorities explained that the entire operation was closely monitored to protect both public health and the rights of the migrants. They added that the situation had now returned to normal and there was no reason for concern among residents.