Italy has taken even more drastic measures in its battle against Coronavirus by putting the entire country into total shutdown for the next 15 days.

The unprecedented move, which follows nationwide quarantine measures, will mean that Italy will see the suspension of all non-essential commercial businesses in a bid to halt the escalating Coronavirus crisis.
The measures, which take effect on 12 March, will mean the closure of offices, shops, bars, hair salons and restaurants, and the cessation of all non-essential production.

Supermarkets and pharmacies will remain open, however, and all emergency and services relating to health, food, transport, and energy will continue to operate.
It is now only permitted to leave the house to buy food or medicine. Only one person per household is permitted to leave the house – for food or medicine only.

Anyone who sets foot outside their door must carry with them a self-certified document, which must be filled out and signed. The measures were announced late on 11 March by Italian premier Giuseppe Conte who stressed that there was absolutely no need to run to food shops, which will remain open as normal.
Earlier today the Italian government announced the allocation of €25 billion to help Italy’s economy tackle the economic fallout from the Coronavirus outbreak.