Long Lines at Stores and Quiet Streets for Romans as Nationwide Lockdown Takes Hold

A lockdown first announced for northern regions of Italy at the weekend was expanded nationwide on March 9, as the number of coronavirus cases in the country passed 9,000.

Announcing the extraordinary measures, which will be in place until at least April 3, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said “Italy’s future is in our hands.”

Rome resident Aliza Lilly Jam shared videos of everyday life in the Italian capital as the new measures were announced. Her video shows a line of people waiting, one meter apart, outside a store in Rome that she said was only allowing in 10 shoppers at at a time.

Other videos she posted showed near-deserted streets in the capital, the many tourist attractions of which are now closed. Other events affected by the lockdown include games in Italy’s top soccer league, Serie A. Restaurants and bars, meanwhile, will have to close by 6 pm. Credit: Aliza Lilly Jam via Storyful