Italy Quarantines 16 Million People For Oen Month In Coronavirus Lockdown

Daily Mail: Italy's death toll nears 400 as number of infected rises to 7,375 (the most outside China) and PM puts 16 MILLION citizens on lock down and threatens them with a fine or JAIL if they leave quarantine zones

* Italy has the highest number of cases outside China, the epicentre of the killer bug, overtaking South Korea
* Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signed a decree that will continue until April 3 limiting movement in the North
* Affects about 16 million people in regions including : Lombardy, Modena, Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia
* There are no roadblocks in place and trains, buses and airports are still running meaning people can get about
* Anyone who flouts the quarantine rules could face three months in prison or a fine of up to £178
* Bars and restaurants will remain open but must ensure that everyone is seated at least three feet apart
* Foreign Office said British tourists 'are free to return home or complete their holiday' under Italian guidelines

The coronavirus death toll in Italy has risen by 133 to 366 as the country imposed a lockdown affecting 16 million people in a desperate bid to combat the spread of the killer bug.

The number of confirmed cases in the country increased by 1,492 to 7,375, with the new figures representing by far the largest daily rise in fatalities since the outbreak came to light last month.

Italy, which is the hardest hit European nation, has the highest number of cases outside China, the epicentre of the deadly disease, overtaking South Korea.

The head of the Civil Protection Agency said today that, of those originally infected, 622 had fully recovered, compared to 589 the day before. Some 650 people were in intensive care against a previous 567.

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