- Italy's novel coronavirus outbreak is one of the worst in the world, prompting the government to initiate a strict nationwide lockdown.
- But southern regions are beginning to feel the weight of the economic blow as many residents begin to run out of food and money.
- An estimated 3.3 million Italians - one-third of whom are located in the south - work off-the-books for cash, making them unsure of when their next paycheck will come.
- This concern has caused some southern Italians to plot raids against grocery stores, and authorities are worried the situation could become violent.
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Italy has seen one of the most devastating coronavirus outbreaks in the world, prompting the Italian government to initiate a strict nationwide lockdown.
While many of the coronavirus cases are located in the wealthier northern cities of Italy, poorer regions in the south are beginning to face the threat of running out of food and cash.
Photos and videos have circulated showing people pleading with police for money, attempting to organize grocery raids, and calling on the government for aid.
As tensions grow in these southern regions, authorities are worried the situation could soon become violent.
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