Italy orders shutdown of its heavy industry

A makeshift hospital facility is created in Bergamo, Italy

Italy has become the first developed nation in the West to wind down most of its industry to halt the spread of coronavirus.

After more than two weeks on lockdown, the government is expanding the mandatory closure of non-essential commercial activities to heavy industry.

The move is more in line with draconian measures taken by China than with declarations coming out of other Western countries, who are a week or two behind Italy’s rate of virus infections.

Industrial lobby Confindustria estimated a cost of 70 billion to 100bn euros (£64bn-£91bn) in lost national wealth a month if 70% of companies are closed, as anticipated.

Some big companies had already suspended activities but thousands of smaller firms were still running but with safety precautions.