Italy woke up yesterday on deserted streets with unprecedented restrictions after the government expanded quarantine measures to cover the entire country in an attempt to slow the worst outbreak of the Corona virus in Europe.
The measures announced by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte the day before yesterday include the expansion of steps already taken in the wealthy Lombardy region in the north of the country, parts of the neighboring regions, the tightening of traffic and the closure of public places.
Conte wrote on Twitter, encouraging people to take personal responsibility. "The future of Italy is in our hands," he said. Let us all do our part by doing something for the common good. ”
The authorities have instructed people not to move within the next three weeks at the very least except for work, health or emergency needs, and with the exception of that they must stay in their homes, and anyone who decides to move must fill out a form announcing his justifications and carrying it with him.
Large gatherings and outdoor events, including sporting events, are banned, and restaurants and bars have to close at 6 pm, and schools and universities will remain closed until April 3.
In the early morning, the streets of Rome seemed frighteningly quieter than usual, as cars moved freely in the streets, which usually witness large traffic congestions in an atmosphere similar to the general atmosphere in the city of Milan, the financial capital of the country, which applies more stringent restrictions.