Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic migrants have continued to make the perilous journey across the Mediterranean from northern Africa to Europe.
Over 30,000 people arrived in Italy during 2020 – three times the amount who made it the year before. In an attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus, in April last year Italy closed its ports to rescue vessels and launched a small fleet of quarantine ferries to hold migrants for two weeks before they were allowed on shore. But quarantine has proven fatal for some migrant travellers, many of whom arrive weak or sick after exhausting and dangerous journeys at sea.
