Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has said the government is extending the nationwide lockdown to contain the coronavirus until May 3, though a few types of shops would be allowed to re-open from April 14.

“This is a difficult but necessary decision for which I take all political responsibility,” Conte told a news conference.

The draconian curbs on movement and the shutdown imposed on most shops and businesses across Italy went into effect on March 9, and were scheduled to expire on Monday.

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