Coronavirus: empty streets, eerie silence as Italy starts first weekend under shutdown

The country, which has recorded 1,266 deaths from the virus, has imposed sweeping measures that have left millions confined to their homes

But the crisis is also bringing out examples of social solidarity, with many Italians singing in their balconies to raise morale

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A deserted shopping street in Rome. Photo: AP

Published: 12:37am, 15 Mar 2020Updated: 12:37am, 15 Mar 2020

Views of empty streets, closed shops and a heavy silence greeted Italians from their windows on Saturday morning as the country spends its first weekend under lockdown in a bid to contain its coronavirus outbreak.

Since Monday the country, which has recorded 17,660 infections and 1,266 deaths from the virus, has enacted a set of sweeping measures which have left millions virtually confined to their homes and shut down large parts of the economy.

However, late on Friday Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte insisted that “Italy is not stopping” after a meeting with unions and businesses where security procedures were agreed to protect those Italians still going to work.

Italian media report that the government is expected this weekend to announce details of further measures to soften the shock to the economy, including moratoriums on loan payments, extending tax deadlines and making sure self-isolation is covered under sick leave.

The spate of measures curbing almost every aspect of daily life has nonetheless continued.