Thoughts from the front line: Italy's virus fighters
AFP
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The medics of an intensive care unit of suburban Rome's Tor Vergata hospital have agreed to share their message to the world from the front lines of their battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

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Paramedics work in a tent that was set up outside the hospital of Cremona, northern Italy, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (File photo: AP)

Here were their thoughts or impressions -- summarised in a single phrase -- as Italy's death toll neared 25,000 on Wednesday, second only to the United States.

              

Alessandro Iacchetti, 58, nurse: "Never give up."

              

Maria Pia Mastrantonio, 48, decontamination nurse: "With lots of sweetness and tremendous strength."

              

Alessandra Gianlorenzi, 48, administrative coordinator: "No time to pause for thought -- only determination and courage."

              

Claudia Silvestri, 33, anesthesiologist: "We are there for you."

              

Concettina Donzelli, 40, nurse: "The virus is right there, before our eyes."

              

Erika Semproni, 40, nurse: "Compassion and tenderness."

              

Fabio Scipioni, 48, nurse: "United we stand."

              

Andrea Proietti, 41, nurse: "Supersensitivity."

              

Giovanna Passeri, 42, nurse: "Conflict."

              

Barbara Scalabrino, 41, nurse: "Turning today's uncertainty into tomorrow's certainty."

              

Beatrice Gennuso, 52, technical operator: "If I could, I would turn back the clock."

              

Francesca De Cillis, 43, psychotherapist: "Everything will be fine."

              

Manuela Valerioti, 40, nurse: "Hope sees the invisible."

              

Chiara Del Signore, 39, nurse: "A winner is a dreamer who never gives up." (Nelson Mandela quote)   

      

Davide Saieva, 40, nurse: "We'll show them who we are!"