Italy clamps down on public events, travel to halt spread of Coronavirus

ROME, ITALY - MARCH 10: Various shots from deserted tourist places of Rome on March 10, 2020 as millions of Italians prefer to stay at home as the country experiences Europe's highest death toll, which has reached 463 so far. It is due to the fear of the deadly coronavirus that almost no locals and tourists can be seen around the charming attractions of Rome. Italy’s prime minister announced late Monday, March 9, that measures to combat the novel coronavirus would be extended nationwide. Giuseppe Conte said at a press conference that free movement within the country would be limited as part of a decree adopted by the Council of Ministers. Conte said with the latest figures suggesting the government should take essential steps to battle the coronavirus, or COVID-19, the entire country would be a “red zone” and people should stay home. He said all primary and secondary schools as well as universities would be shut down until April 3 and sports events would be suspended. The number of confirmed cases climbed to 9,172, making Italy one of the worst-hit countries in the world. Many countries in Europe are cancelling events to stem the virus' spread. The global death toll is around 3,800, with more than 110,000 confirmed cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As part of efforts to contain the outbreak, governments have closed borders and suspended land and air travel with the worst-hit countries, including China, Iran, and Italy. After declaring the outbreak an international health emergency in January, the WHO last month updated the global risk level to “very high.”(Footage by Baris Seckin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)