The country is currently battling a fresh surge in coronavirus cases, his Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi a few days ago.

I thank the Italians for their infinite patience.

I am aware that today's measures will have consequences for the education of Children, for the economy and also for the psychological state of all of us.

The president of the Red Cross reminded me of the psychological difficulty that some people have suffered, especially the elderly.

But I think that is the same for everybody, especially for people who live alone, who today feel even more alone.

It is difficult for them to see the people who they love.

These measures are necessary to avoid a deterioration that would make even more stringent measures inevitable.

Non essential shops will be closed across the country from the third to the fifth of April.

On those days, Italians will only be allowed to leave their homes for work, health or emergency reasons.

A number of regions, though including wealthy Lombardy, looks set to be placed under full lockdown from as early as Monday due to a recent jump, infections and hospitalizations.

Italy saw infections rise by 10% this week compared with the week before, with officials warning of new, highly contagious variants gaining ground.