Italy imposes nationwide lockdown over coronavirus

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced that all of Italy will be placed under a nationwide lockdown until April 3rd in an unprecedented effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The new restrictions, which take effect on Tuesday, require Italians to stay at home except for essential reasons like work, medical needs, or emergencies.

All schools and universities will remain closed until next month, and public gatherings, including all sporting events, are forbidden.

This nationwide lockdown expands upon the stricter measures previously imposed on the northern regions of Italy, which have been the hardest hit by the virus.

The outbreak has led to over 9,000 confirmed cases and 463 deaths, placing a significant strain on the national healthcare system.

In response to the growing crisis, the Italian government has also ordered the closure of bars and restaurants at 6 p.m. and mandated ski resorts to shut down.

The coronavirus crisis has also triggered riots in several prisons due to the suspension of visiting rights, resulting in at least seven inmate deaths.

The economic impact of these measures is substantial, with the Italian stock market experiencing further declines and the government considering an increase in the national budget deficit to support the economy.