Biosecurity

Italy Shuts Down All Stores Except Supermarkets And Pharmacies, Escalating Coronavirus Lockdown

Italy on Wednesday ordered the closure of all businesses except for pharmacies, grocery stores and banks—the most dramatic actions any government has taken to combat the coronavirus as Italy contends with the world’s most severe outbreak outside of China. 

• Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said in a statement all commercial and retail activities must shut down, including all shops, bars and restaurants.
• Factories can still manufacture products, but will be required to adopt safety measures, such as regulating work shifts, allowing employees to take days off and closing all non-essential departments.
• Farms and other agriculture companies will still be able to produce food, but they will also have to adopt safety measures.
• Essential government functions, such as transportation, utilities and the postal service will still be up and running.
• The measures will likely harm Italy’s economy and some are worried the virus may push the country into a recession.