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Italy on Lockdown to Contain Coronavirus Spread

Sabina Castelfranco

   LONDON - To combat the spread of coronavirus, the Italian government
   has taken the unprecedented step of turning all of Italy into a
   security zone and banned all unnecessary travel or movement from one's
   home unless necessary and justified.

   Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the new restrictive measures were
   absolutely essential for the present and future of the Italian nation
   and population. He said the constraints, affecting tens of millions of
   Italians, will be in place until early April.

   Italians are describing the new life they woke up to on Tuesday morning
   across the country as "surreal." Just weeks ago, people were going
   about business as usual, but now, they say, their lives have been
   turned upside down, everything has changed and uncertainly and fear
   prevail.
   In an unexpected move announced to the nation Monday evening on
   national television, Conte increased restrictive measures across Italy
   to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Italy has more than 9,000
   confirmed cases and intensive care units in hospitals are finding it
   close to impossible to deal with the growing numbers.

   Conte announced that starting Tuesday and until April 3, none of
   Italy's 60 million citizens would be able to travel or move from one
   place to another in the country unless it could be justified because of
   work, a medical reason or an emergency. He said all schools and
   universities would also remain closed until that date, as will museums
   and gyms and that sporting events are suspended.
   Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican has been closed, as have been all
   churches in the country. Weddings and funerals are canceled.
   

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