Lazzarin P, Avagnina I, Divisic A, Agosto C, Giacomelli L, Benini F. Management strategies adopted by a pediatric palliative care network in northern Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 13]. Acta Paediatr. 2020;10.1111/apa.15411.

The Veneto region of northern Italy, which has about 5 million inhabitants, was the second area of the country, after Lombardy, to face the spread of COVID-19. After the first case on 21 February 2020, the number of cases increased exponentially, and lockdown was enforced. The regional healthcare system was forced to implement appropriate measures to protect patients and healthcare providers from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which causes COVID-19, while ensuring continued care.