Italy, a Suddenly Distant Relative The rapid transmission of Covid-19 has prompted nations around the globe to adopt measures to reduce rates of infection, including travel bans. But for Argentina and Uruguay, abruptly separating from one of the world’s coronavirus hotspots, Italy, has involved much more than canceling a few transatlantic flights. Given the long history of Italian migration to South America, severing this connection presents economic uncertainty and disrupts deep cultural bonds.