Rome (AP) - The Italian government has closed all non-vital production activities in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Among other things, supermarkets, banks, post office and pharmacies are excluded, said Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.
He spoke of the "greatest challenge after World War II". "We have decided to close any productive activity that is not critical and essential to guarantee us essential goods and services."
The country had reported nearly 800 deaths in just one day on Saturday, more than ever since the virus broke out in the country. So far, 4,825 people have died, civil protection in Rome said. That is 793 more than the previous day. The northern region of Lombardy is particularly badly affected, where the virus broke out at the end of February and hospitals are now on the verge of collapse.
Italy is the country with the highest number of officially reported coronavirus deaths in the world. The government had therefore only tightened the curfews on Friday, which have applied nationwide since March 10. However, regional politicians in the north called for further measures, also because some people still do not comply with the requirements. The outbreak had been noticed in Lombardy a month ago. For example, many factories and offices where people went to work were still open.