La Scala has announced that performances from today onwards are cancelled in light of the coronavirus threat. Tonight there was to have been a recital by soprano Aleksandra Kurzak.

Italia has 130 people under observation or ill, and in the Lombardy region, where Milan is the capital, there are 93 cases. The situation has worsened dramatically in the last 48 hours.

Some schools will close, all sporting events and school trips have been cancelled, and until there is a decision by the governing authorities, La Scala has decided to suspend its performances as a precautionary measure.

Information relating to the reprogramming and refunds can be obtained by writing to [email protected] or by calling +39 02 72 003 744 from 9 am until 6 pm.