The entire population of Italy – 60 million people – has been told to stay at home in an unprecedented move aimed at containing the coronavirus.
The lockdown was originally confined to northern Italy but as the death toll began to climb, PM Giuseppe Conte said “strong and severe measures” were needed.
People will be forbidden to gather in public and all schools and universities will be closed until April 3.
All sporting events have been suspended nationwide.
Only those with a valid work or family reason that cannot be postponed will be allowed to travel.
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PM Conte has described the outbreak as Italy’s “darkest hour”, but added that “we will make it”.
All of Italy has been put under “lockdown”. But what does it mean?
- Travel has been restricted but exemptions will be given to those with valid reasons
- Bars and restaurants can remain open from 06:00 to 18:00, but must put a distance of at least one meter between customers
- Shops also have to make sure customers remain at least a meter apart
- Cinemas, theaters and museums have been ordered to close
- All ski resorts will be closed until further notice
- All sporting events – including soccer matches – are suspended nationwide
- Schools and universities will remain closed until April 3
- All public gatherings will be forbidden, including weddings, funerals and baptisms
The latest figures from Italy show 9,172 cases and 463 deaths as of March 10.
