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Italy adopts tougher lockdown measures as coronavirus crisis deepens

Thursday, 12 March 2020 11:32 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 12 March 2020 11:32 PM ]

Max Civili
Press TV, Rome

Italy has introduced tough lockdown measures amid a deepening corona-virus crisis. A vast majority of Italians are showing support for the restrictions put in place by the government.

Italy continues to sink deeper into the coronavirus crisis - with over 12,000 people infected and about 1,000 deaths.

In a bid to contain the outbreak, Prime minister Giuseppe Conte on Wednesday announced a series of tough measures to further restrict movement.

Most Italians welcomed the introduction of the new restrictions as the most logical decision.

Opinion polls show nine out of 10 Italians have backed the government's measures to tackle the coronavirus crisis, with many saying they would support even tougher steps. Rome has recently added new restrictions to the lockdown, including shutting down all nonessential commercial activities until March 25.

Shops such as cafes, bars, restaurants, hairdressers all will have their shutters down for about two weeks while pharmacies, supermarkets and stores selling food and other essential items, including hardware shops, will be allowed to open. Also public transport and banks can continue operating. Several people have been arrested and dozens cited for breaking the lockdown rules.

Italy's national health system is reportedly on the brink of collapse due to the high number of infected people being hospitalized across Italy. According to the latest figures more than 60% of the beds in intensive care units are occupied.

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