Italian PM extends quarantine measures nationwide

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has extended quarantine measures introduced to combat the spread of novel coronavirus in all of Italy, restricting the citizens’ movements.

"Taking into account the recent data and the increased amount of those infected and dead, we have decided to extend the measures applied to Lombardy and several other areas on the entire territory of the country," Conte said during Monday’s press conference transmitted on Facebook. He added that people are only allowed to travel for work, due to family emergencies or for health reasons. The new measures will come into force starting March 10.

Conte added that all educational facilities in the country would be closed until April 3.

"We are introducing measures that can be described as "I’m staying home." The recent data on those infected and dead, as well as the amount of people in intensive care shows that it is time to change our habits. Every Italian must give up something for the sake of Italy," the PM said. Conte added that international travel would not be restricted, however, Italy will continue to supervise those arriving in the country. According to him, so far, the restrictions do not concern public transport, "so that people could still be able to reach their place of work."

The number of deaths caused by novel coronavirus in Italy has risen by 97 in the past 24 hours, with the total death toll reaching 463. The number of people infected with the virus in the country has exceeded 9,000, while over 700 people have recovered from the disease.