Italy orders COVID tests on travelers from Greece, Spain, Croatia, Malta

FILE PHOTO: Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza speaks to reporters in Rome, Italy.

Italy ruled on Wednesday that people traveling from Croatia, Greece, Malta and Spain must be tested for the coronavirus on arrival, as new infections increase in the four countries which are popular holiday destinations for Italians.

Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Facebook he had signed the new order, adding that anyone traveling from or through Colombia would not be allowed in Italy.

“We have to continue with a prudent approach to defend the results we’ve achieved thanks to the sacrifice we have all made in recent months,” Speranza said.

Italy was the first country outside China to be badly hit by the disease, and has recorded more than 35,000 deaths since its outbreak came to light on Feb. 21.