“I’m fine, I am in isolation in my accommodation, in compliance with the directives issued by the government authorities and with the health protocols envisaged; on the basis of which we are proceeding to verify the contacts we had in the last few days.”

Farina said that his deputy General Federico Bonato will replace him “for the activities I cannot take part in”.

The coronavirus has been especially harmful in Italy,  with at least 16 million people having been quarantined in the country due to concerns over the disease.