Five areas of Italy will become "orange zones" by the end of the week, with strict restrictions ordered in response to growing coronavirus infection.
From January 10, Calabria, Emilia Romegna, Lombardy, Sicily and Veneto will become the Orange Zone, according to officials. Health Minister Roberto Esperanza has announced that the whole of Italy has now been designated a "pervasive" yellow zone following the lifting of Christmas and New Year restrictions, with shops, bars and restaurants open, and food and beverage businesses open from 6 p.m. Will have to shut down its services and people will have to stay indoors under curfew from 10pm to 5pm.
Strict red zone restrictions will be in place across the country on Saturdays and Sundays, and travel to bars and restaurants will only be allowed.
Although most areas will return to the Yellow Zone rules from Monday, Calabria, Emilia Romegna, Lombardy, Sicily and Veneto will remain in the Orange Zone until at least January 15.
The prime minister is set to announce a new emergency decree at any time to change or extend Italy's existing corona virus rules.
