According to Reuters, Italy has recorded a jump in deaths from coronavirus of almost 800, taking the toll in the world's hardest hit country to almost 5,000.

Rome has ordered that all businesses must close until April 3, with the exception of those essential to maintaining the country's supply chain.

“It is the most difficult crisis in our post-war period,” Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said in a video posted on Facebook, adding “only production activities deemed vital for national production will be allowed”.