The number of deaths increased from 233 to 366.
Italy has now recorded more cases of viruses than any other country except China, where the disease has declined.
Italy took a page from China’s playbook on Sunday, seeking to lock up another 16 million people, more than a quarter of its population, for about a month to avoid the relentless march of the new coronavirus in Europe.
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Weddings and museums, cinemas and grocery shopping malls were affected by the new restrictions, which targeted a component of northern Italy but disrupted the country’s daily life. The confusion reigned after the announcement of the quarantine, with citizens and tourists from Venice to Milan looking to find out how and when the new measures would come into force. Passengers huddled on trains reserved for status seats, sticking their faces in scarves and sharing disinfectant gel.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signed a quarantine decree early Sunday morning for the disgusting and rich north of the country. Enclosed spaces included Venice and Milan, the Italian monetary centre. The ordinary measures will remain in force until 3 April, the authorities said.
Tourists from the region, in addition to those abroad, were free to return home, officials from the Italian maritime transport ministry said, and noted that airports and exercise stations remained open.
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The Pope, who was ill, celebrated his Sunday blessing through a video that was in person, although not directly affected by the confinement. He described feeling like he was “in a cage.”
Italy has closed all museums and archaeological sites, including those far from the blocking zone. The northern regions affected by Sunday’s decree have closed cinemas and ski slopes.
Restaurants across Italy were intended, one way or another, to keep consumers separate from others.
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The Vatican museums were closed, adding the Sistine Chapel, a blow to the Italian tourism industry. Alitalia, the Italian airline that was already in monetary difficulties before the virus, suspended all domestic and foreign flights from Milan Malpensa airport as of Monday.
The Associated Press contributed to the report.