Italy's nationwide lockdown has come into effect, forcing people to stay indoors and turning usually bustling tourist locations into ghost towns.
The European country's 60 million people were told by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Tuesday (NZT) that restrictions previously imposed only on northern regions struck by the coronavirus were being extended throughout the entire country on Wednesday.
The number of people who have died from the illness in Italy has soared to 631 - up 168 in a single day.
The lockdown until April 3 means that all public events have been cancelled, while theatres, gyms, pools, schools, universities and other places where the public may congregate have been closed. Restaurants and some shops can stay open, but only if people stay more than a metre apart and only for restricted hours.
Movement is only allowed for work or emergencies and people should remain indoors.
Many of the usually busy Italian centres have consequently been deserted. Landmarks like Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon were mostly empty, with tourists being told to return to their hotels.
One restaurant owner told Reuters that they were fearing for the business' future.
"It looks like an apocalypse has struck, there is no one around," Mario Monfreda said.
"It is a total disaster. This will reduce us to nothing ... More people are going to die as a result of the economic crisis that this lockdown is going to cause than the virus itself."
In response to the lockdown, Ryanair and British Airways, two of Europe's main airlines, have suspended all flights to, from and within the nation.
"Passengers looking for repatriation can obtain a free move to an earlier Ryanair flight operating up until midnight Fri 13 Mar," a statement from Ryanair said.
"Ryanair continues to comply fully with WHO and national Government guidance and travel bans."
Austria has banned people from entering the country from Italy by all modes of transport unless they can provide a doctor's certificate. Austrians who have been touring Italy will be allowed home, but must self-isolate for 14 days.
The lockdown will have a severe economic impact on Italy, with some projections suggesting its economic output will be cut by between 10 and 15 percent. Tourism and transport is down 90 percent, according to the country's treasury's former chief economist, Lorenzo Codogno.
A collection of GoFundme campaigns launched to help Italy's hospitals and medical professionals has raised more than $7 million in 24 hours.
