Pope Francis is offering free coronavirus tests for Rome’s poor and homeless, the Vatican said on Thursday.
The tests are being offered at a clinic off St. Peter’s Square. Archbishop Rino Fisichella told reporters that some 50 coronavirus tests a day were being done and the initiative would continue indefinitely. Those who test negative get a certificate to enter a shelter and those who test positive are directed to further treatment.
Many of Italy’s homeless are foreigners who do not have a family doctor, and Italians who become homeless often are too embarrassed to return to their family doctors.
Italy has reported more than one-million COVID-19 cases.