Italy wakes up on empty streets after unprecedented isolation by coronavirus

Rome - Italy woke up with deserted streets on Tuesday after the government expanded quarantine measures across the country in an attempt to contain Europe's worst coronavirus outbreak .

The measures, announced at the end of Monday by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, increased the isolations already in place in the Lombardy region, in northern Italy, and in neighboring provinces, reducing the movement of people and closing public spaces.

“Italy's future is in our hands. We are all going to do our part, giving up something for our collective well-being, ”tweeted Conte, encouraging people to commit themselves individually.

The  italy we were asked to leave the house only in cases of labor, health and emergencies for at least three weeks. Travelers will have to fill out a statement with their reasons and take it with them.

Outdoor events, including sports, have been banned, while bars and restaurants will have to close at 6pm. Schools and universities will remain closed until April 3.

“All of Italy is closed now” was the headline in the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

During the day, the streets of Rome were quieter than usual. City dwellers easily found places on the normally crowded subway during peak morning hours.

 Shortly after the measures were announced, consumers rushed to buy food and basic necessities at supermarkets, prompting the government to assert that supplies would be guaranteed and asking people not to panic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised Italy's “aggressive” response since the first cases of the virus broke out near Milan about three weeks ago, although the economic losses are great.

 On Monday, the Milan stock exchange fell more than 11%, and Italy's borrowing costs skyrocketed, reviving fears that an economy already on the brink of recession and struggling with the eurozone's second largest debt could plunge in crisis.