BREAKING: The Italian government on Sunday took the most drastic measures yet to try and stop the rapid spread of the coronavirus, locking down the entire Lombardy region in the north of the country, including Milan, and more than a dozen other provinces.
"We want to protect the health of all citizens," Conte said."We are aware that this will create unease and that these measures will be a sacrifice, big and small. But this is the time to be responsible."
Sunday's decree restricts anyone from leaving or entering designated red zones except for ''undeferrable work needs or emergency situations'' starting Sunday through at least April 3, according to Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.Piero Cruciatti / AFP - Getty Images It applies to some 10 million residents in Lombardy and another 6 million in provinces throughout the country, including Venice, Parma and Modena.
Residents everywhere were instructed to avoid public gatherings. Cinemas, theaters, dance schools, bingo halls and pubs will also be closed. Restaurants will be allowed to remain open only if they can keep a 1 meter distance among customers. Shutting down the city could have a devastating impact on local businesses. Italy is the European Union's third largest economy, but tourism officials are projecting 32 million fewer foreign visitors and a loss of $8.1 billion in the second quarter alone. Foreign airlines are canceling flights to Milan, and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said the U.S. is screening all passengers from flights originating in Italy and other countries with coronavirus outbreaks.
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