An entire country in slow motion. In Italy, the containment zone, known as the "red zone", has been extended to the entire national territory. Authorities announced a series of drastic measures on Monday evening to stem the epidemic of the new coronavirus, which has killed more than 400 people in the country.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte called on all Italians to "avoid displacement" on national territory, and ordered a "ban on assembly".
These new draconian measures, which the head of government has not specified the implementation methods, will be detailed in a decree which will come into effect on Tuesday throughout Italy, the second most affected country after China, with nearly 10,000 cases identified.
"We have to change our habits"
"There is no time to lose," he said. The figures tell us that we have a significant increase in cases of contagion, people hospitalized in intensive care and unfortunately also people who have died. We have to change our habits. They must change now. "
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Until now, the country had placed a quarter of its population in quarantine until April 3, from Milan, the economic capital, to Venice, the Mecca of tourism. From now on, all Italians will have to fill out a form to have the right to move outside the country or from one municipality to another, according to France TV Rome. It will only be possible to travel for "proven work needs", situations of necessity or "health reasons".
The suspended football championship
Masses, weddings and funerals will be suspended. Doors to theaters, museums and cinemas must close, as well as gyms, swimming pools, nightclubs and bars. The Italian government has also announced the extension of the closing time for schools and universities in the country. These establishments will remain private until April 3.
The head of the Italian government also ordered the suspension of the very popular Serie A football championship. "There is no reason why matches and sporting events should continue and I am thinking of the football championship", said he said, without mentioning the cases of the Champions League or Europa League matches planned in Italy in the coming weeks, or other sports. All ski resorts will also close.