Yesterday, MotoPinas.com reported that the arrival of the Yamaha XSR 155 in the country might be delayed due to the quarantine and lockdown protocols currently in place in certain countries in order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). In fact, other events and gatherings in certain areas around the globe, including the Philippines, have been postponed or cancelled, and classes have been suspended until local authorities figure out how to deal with the virus.
The effects of the COVID-19 seem to be bigger than what we think and are not isolated to the Asian continent or economy. Yesterday, Italian Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte, has ordered the quarantine of the entire Italian nation as a measure to contain the effects of the COVID-19. This followed an earlier restriction on northern Italian provinces that affected 16-million people.
The quarantine on the entire country restricts the movement of the population except for necessity, work, and health circumstances only. All sporting events have also been canceled.
As a consequence, the production and exports of goods, including motorcycles from Italian brands such as Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, and MV Agusta will also be affected.
Earlier this month, the MotoGP kickoff in Qatar was canceled after the Qatari government-imposed travel restrictions on certain nationalities competing in the race, including Italians, who, are among the best riders racing this season. The Thailand GP was also postponed due to COVID-19 fears.
