Italians Share Singalong From Their Windows On Empty Street Amid Coronavirus Lockdown

A video of a deserted Italian street breaking out in a singalong has gone viral.

The country is in lockdown amid the spread of coronavirus with citizens forced to remain at home in a bid to slow the growing death toll, which has now surpassed 1,000 people.

Footage shared on Twitter shows a street in Siena, Tuscany, singing 'Canto della Verbena' ('And While Siena Sleeps') from their windows - a traditional song of the city.

The person who shared the video said people sang the song to 'warm their hearts' during this difficult times - and even local dogs can be heard getting involved.

The video has now been viewed 1.5 million times and evidently people across the world found it deeply touching.

Commenting on the video, one person said: "People breaking out in song, lifting each other's spirits during this tragedy, is an act of striking beauty. It's a reminder that, especially during a tragedy, the human spirit keeps us all going in hope. We shine our best in the darkness. Thank you, Siena. You made my day."

PA

Another said: "Reminiscent of the chants from Wuhan high-rise apartments early in the epidemic there. Stay strong Italy. Praying for you guys."

A third added: "That's actually very beautiful .. they are separated all in their own spaces.. but they are together."

The current number of infections in Italy stands at 15,113, making it the world's worst hit country after China. The government has subsequently imposed the strictest lockdown in Europe, with all shops apart from pharmacies and those stocking food now closed.

The country's foreign minister, Luigi Di Maio, said he hoped the tough measures would mean Italy would be the first nation in the continent to overcome the disease.

PA

Speaking to the BBC, he said: "Italy was the first nation in Europe to be affected so badly, but I hope it also means that Italy is the first one to leave the emergency behind.

"Our grandfathers were drafted to go to war; we're being asked to stay at home.

"If a doctor and a nurse can work for 24 hours non-stop, we can give up leaving our own home. The huge majority of citizens are respecting the rules. Those who aren't will face sanctions: either fines or criminal charges."

Topics: Awesome, Inspirational, Coronavirus, Community, Italy

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey