IMB church planter in Italy baptizes in bathtub
ROME (BP) -- Although the actual number of people infected by COVID-19 (coronavirus) remains rather small when compared to the world's population, the responses to it have effectively shut down many parts of the world. In Italy, for example, the government continues to set stricter measures in order to stem the spread of the virus, that has infected (at the time of writing this) more than 10,000 people and killed more than 600. Italy is also a country that has experienced years of decreasing birth rates and is now considered an elderly country; the death rate in Italy is reflecting that reality. Currently travel is severely restricted, and stores and restaurants are all to remain closed until further notice. Only grocery stores and pharmacies are permitted to remain open, with some industries operating with restrictions. Going to a friend's house for lunch or dinner is not allowed.
