Italian PM announces nationwide ban on public gatherings, strict limits on movement

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced a nationwide ban on public gatherings and severe limits on movement except for work and emergencies, effective starting Tuesday.

Public transit will continue operating. 

The number of coronavirus-related fatalities in Italy spiked by 97 on Monday to 463, according to the BBC.

Schools and universities will remain closed until April 3.

"The restrictions are similar to those earlier applied to the worst affected Lombardy region, and 14 other provinces," according to the BBC.

"We all must give something up for the good of Italy,” Conte said. "We have to do it now, and we'll only be able if we all collaborate and adapt to these more stringent measures." 

“No more nightlife, decreed the prime minster, adding, "we can't allow this anymore since they are occasions for contagion.”