Govt to double hotspot places in Sicily, Calabria - Valenti

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 16 - The government intends to double the number of places available in hotspot facilities in Sicily and Calabria providing initial reception, identification and triage for migrants and refugees arriving by sea in Italy, the special commissioner for the migrant emergency Valerio Valenti said on Tuesday.
    "Our goal is to double the number of places for migrants in hotspots in Sicily and Calabria. At least a thousand more places," said Valenti during a press conference in Rome to present the new Italian Red Cross management of the Lampedusa hotspot starting June 1.
    Valenti said work will be carried out to improve reception conditions at the facility on the tiny Sicilian island but without creating additional places.
    Capacity will therefore remain below 400.
    Transfers off the island by air and sea will also be stepped up to prevent overcrowding.
    Valenti said the goal is to provide "a dignified reception" also keeping specific needs in mind and to "try to put a human face on reception." (ANSA).