08/04/2020 (Agence Europe) – Italian ports can no longer accommodate migrant boats rescued by NGOs because of COVID-19, the Italian government announced on 8 April, according to Reuters. The decision was taken as a Sea Eye vessel was heading for Italy with 150 people rescued from Libya on board. Rome has indicated that the closure of Italian ports will last as long as the emergency measures decreed in the country to combat the pandemic are in place. Italian ports can no longer be considered as ‘safe ports’. At this stage, the Italian emergency measures are expected to last until 31 July. The NGO in question turned to Berlin, its host country, to welcome these people. (SP)