A Kiwi living in coronavirus-stricken Italy says people are dying alone and the military has stepped in to remove bodies.
Annabella Garwood told Newshub strict containment measures mean no one can visit their loved ones in hospital - even when it could be their last chance.
"These victims aren't able to say goodbye to their families because no one can go into the hospitals. So there are people who are dying and they're alone and no one can go in and see them," she said.
On Sunday Italy's death toll leapt by 793 to 4825 - an increase of 19.6 percent. It's the largest daily rise since the contagion broke out a month ago.
The entire country has been locked down since March 9. Non-essential travel and public events are banned and all non-essential business and shops have closed in an attempt to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
In order to leave her home and get groceries Garwood has to fill out a declaration form. The only time she can leave her house is to go to the supermarket, the pharmacy or to work.
The police patrol the streets to ensure no one is wandering.
"It's very strict, it's going to get stricter but it's the only way we can slow this virus," she told Newshub.
In Lombardy, the hardest-hit area, Garwood says the military has been deployed to enforce stricter lockdown measures. She says the military are also helping to transport bodies.
"There's not enough room so they have to be moved to other regions."
