First Italian COVID-19 patient registered in Lombardy, Italy

February 20, 2020: the first Italian patient affected by COVID-19 is registered in Lombardy, a region in northern Italy. [1}

[Update May 28, 2026 – The Highwire – what really happened in Italy. – WATCH]

In December 2019 through January 2020, a mass vaccination campaign was rolled out in Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy, for several outbreaks of invasive meningococcal disease.  The official statement  noting “… it should be emphasized that since the vaccine begins to be effective after 15-20 days from its administration, new cases may occur until the vaccination of the local population begins to give its effects.”[2, 3]