Italy Goes Into Nationwide Lockdown as Virus Numbers Spiral

Conte calls for extension of restrictions throughout country
Travel, assembly bans go nationwide; schools close until April

Police officers and soldiers check passengers leaving from Milan main train station in Italy on March 9.Photographer: Claudio Furlan/LaPresse via AP

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By Tommaso Ebhardt and John Follain

March 9, 2020 at 9:27 PM UTC

Updated on

March 10, 2020 at 9:32 AM UTC

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Italy has become the first country to attempt a nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of the highly infectious coronavirus.

The death toll from the virus, which is on the cusp of turning into a pandemic, is edging toward 500. Italy’s prime minister has called this the country’s “darkest hour,” inviting comparisons to the U.K. during World War II. The effects, both psychological and economic, could be devastating as the government struggles to contain the damage.