With the second-highest COVID-19 death toll after China, Italy as been unable to significantly reduce cases. Patient mortality trends show that the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk, and casualties are linked to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), caused by the virus. Italy's government has restricted region populations to minimize close personal contact, but the constant rise in cases still heavily stresses the staff and resources of hospitals and care facilities. From working both day and night shifts, around 20% (n=350) of medical staff have contracted COVID-19 or died. To reduce capacity, uninfected ICU patients in Lombardy are being transported to hospitals outside the region.