The streets of Rome are deserted amid COVID-19 fears

Italy, the scene of Europe's worst outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus, has taken its most drastic steps yet to contain the outbreak.

The Spanish Steps in Rome - normally very crowded - are nearly empty Source: SBS

The government has ordered everyone across the country not to move around other than for work and emergencies, banned all public gatherings and suspended sporting events, including soccer matches.

 SBS has been on the streets of Rome, talking to the small number of people who have ventured out.