The Italian Prime Minister has announced restrictions on movement across the entire country, in the most drastic response yet to the spread of coronavirus.

We understand that all these measures will create inconveniences.

We understand that these measures will impose sacrifices, sometimes small and sometimes very large.

But this is a time where we must take responsibility for ourselves.

Italy is effectively on lockdown.

They've shut down the entire country in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19.

So that means something like 60 million people are under strict travel restrictions.

They're being told to basically stay home for everything but essential work and getting things like food.

If they want to move around the country for worker health reasons, they need to get special permission.

People mandated to keep at least three feet away from anyone else or face up to three months in jail.

Streets are quiet, public gatherings and meetings are off limits now.

Theaters, gyms, ski resorts, clubs, sporting events, they're all closed.

Even weddings and funerals need to be delayed and places that are open are empty.

The shops in the tourist areas of Rome are standing empty.

Bars and restaurants are empty.

Grocery stores are still up and running and so are pharmacies.

But they're apparently only seeing patients through a glass or plastic barrier.

And I've spoken to Italians this week who tell me how dramatic this changes, how sudden it feels.

Italy is this densely packed country. A lot of people live in apartments.

They're used to gathering and meeting in public spaces, having their evening, passagata, like a walk around the main streets and the cities and towns where they live and congregating in these places.

And now these public spaces are dead.

We have to remain positive and calm and live in the best way, taking all precautions.

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