More than 60 million Italians woke up to lockdown conditions, after the measures imposed on the northern “red zone” were extended to the whole country. The rest of Europe prepares for stricter measures trying to contain the spread of the virus.
More than 60 million people in Italy have been placed under lockdown after the government extended emergency measures across the entire country in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, has announced the drastic measures at a press conference late on Monday nigth. He told people to "stay at home" and banned all public gatherings.
"There is no more time. I will take responsibility for these measures. Our future is in our hands," he told reporters.
Italy is struggling to contain Europe’s worst outbreak of Covid-19, which has claimed 463 lives and infected 9,172 people.
Under the decree, all public events will be banned, cinemas, theatres, gyms, discos and pubs closed, and funerals, weddings and sporting events cancelled – including Serie A matches. All schools and universities will remain closed until 3 April.
The WHO said the threat of a pandemic is ‘very real’ but stressed the virus could still be controlled.
Death toll over 4,000
The death toll globally passed 4,000, and infections are at over 114,000.
French culture minister contracted virus
France’s culture minister, Franck Riester, became the latest French politician to contract the virus, after several lawmakers were diagnosed in recent days.
UK: The fatality rate will rise
The UK will see "many thousands of people" contract coronavirus, the deputy chief medical officer told Sky news.
Dr Jenny Harries said the fatality rate will rise before it drops again in the early stages of the outbreak.
