People who test positive for the coronavirus but refuse hospital treatment could face a prison sentence under a new regulation introduced in Italy's northeastern region of Veneto, Reuters reported.

The order by Governor Luca Zaia says that until the end of July, hospitals must tell the public prosecutor's office of anyone refusing admission after testing positive.

Anyone returning to Veneto, which includes the city of Venice, must also be given two compulsory swab tests, the order says, if they are returning from a business trip outside the European Union or a non-Schengen country.

Under Italian law, anyone who negligently spreads an epidemic risks a prison sentence up to 12 years, while anyone who does so willfully may face up to life imprisonment.