GOVERNMENT PLANS MORE VIRUS PRECAUTIONS

ROME The Italian government will likely impose new restrictions in the coming week to try to beat back rising coronavirus cases, Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Sunday.

The cabinet is due to meet Tuesday to decide how to respond to an increase in infections, with southern Italian regions for the first time looking vulnerable to the disease.

“The battle isn't over. We don't have the numbers seen in other European countries ... but we are in a phase of significant growth and I hope the country finds a spirit of unity,” Speranza told state broadcaster RAI.

The measures under review include making the wearing of masks obligatory outdoors across the whole country and reintroducing curbs on social gatherings.

Italy registered 2,844 new cases on Saturday.