Italy Toughens Coronavirus Restrictions

Italy on Sunday announced tougher measures on public life in its efforts to contain a surge in coronavirus infections.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte stated in a televised address that the measures were needed "to avoid a new lockdown".

Conte gave the mayors the powers to shut public squares from 9 PM and the opening times of restaurants and the size of groups allowed will tighten.

Public gathering events such as Parties, festivals, conferences, and conventions have also been suspended, which takeaways will have to close at midnight.

Conte added that the government would consider closing gyms and swimming pools after further checks on security measures this week.

The moves came as the country recorded its highest daily infection rate for the second day in a row.

Italy reported on Sunday another 11,705 new cases, beating the previous record, which was registered a day earlier on Saturday, of 10,925.