Coronavirus: Italy goes on lockdown

As the number of victims in Italy from coronavirus keeps rising, the Italian government has announced new measures that will affect the entire country, in an attempt to fight the disease.

Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte during a press conference at Chigi Palace, Rome, Italy, 09 March 2020. Source: AAP Image/EPA/FILIPPO ATTILI / CHIGI PALACE PRESS OFFICE

The Italian government has taken the decision to place the entire country on a lockdown. From Tuesday, all public gatherings will be forbidden, while transport will take place only for work, medical reasons or an emergency. 

“The right decision today is to stay at home. Our future and the future of Italy is in our hands. These hands have to be more responsible today than ever before,” said the country's Prime Minsiter, Giuseppe Conte.

The measures, which will affect the lives of 60 million people, are expected to last until 3rd of April. 

You can read more in English here. 

Police officers and soldiers check passengers leaving from Milan main train station, Italy, Monday, 9 March, 2020. Source: AAP