No more Rome-ing for 15m in Italy

Over 15 million people across a vast swathe of northern Italy woke up yesterday to find themselves cut off from the rest of the country after the government imposed a virtual lockdown to prevent the coronavirus from spreading.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signed off on plans that strictly limit movement in and out of the rich north, including Venice and the financial capital Milan, for nearly a month, as the number of people infected jumped by over 1,200 in a 24-hour period.

The World Health Organization saluted the nation's "genuine sacrifices."

Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted: "The government and the people of Italy are taking bold, courageous steps aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus and protecting their country and world.

"They are making genuine sacrifices. WHO stands in solidarity with Italy and is here to continue supporting you."

But it was not clear, however, how strictly the order would be enforced or how authorities could prevent people from leaving.

The decree said only people with a "serious" reason that cannot be postponed, such as urgent work or family issues, would be allowed in or out of the quarantine zones, which affect a quarter of Italy's population of 60 million. But it does allow for the return home of those who were in the affected areas but live elsewhere, including tourists.

Flights appeared to be operating normally out of Milan and Venice airports, while it was business as usual at some train stations.

With 5,800 infections and 230 fatalities recorded in all 22 regions, the country has recorded the most deaths from the disease of any country outside China, where the outbreak began in December.

The announcement came after the plan was leaked to the media on Saturday, infuriating Conte, who slammed it as "unacceptable," saying it had created "uncertainty, anxiety, [and] confusion." Italian virologist Roberto Burioni described the leak as "pure madness."

He added: "The draft of a very harsh decree is leaked, sparking panic and prompting people to try and flee the [then] theoretical red zone, carrying the virus with them. In the end, the only effect is to help the virus to spread. I'm lost for words."

The move also came as the first deaths are being recorded in Italy's less well medically equipped south.

The head of the Puglia region in southern Italy pleaded with anyone thinking of returning from Lombardy and the other 11 provinces in lockdown to "stop and turn around."

He said on Facebook: "Get off at the first station, don't get on the flights turn your cars around, get off the bus at the next stop.

"You are carrying to the lungs of your brothers and sisters, grandparents, uncles, cousins, and parents, the virus that has severely strained the health system in northern Italy.

Meanwhile, Italy's sport minister Vincenzo Spadafora asked the national football association to consider stopping top division Serie A matches.

Until now, Italy's soccer association FIGC has said Serie A matches could be played without spectators, adding that any events would be stopped should any player test positive for the virus.