Prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced the extraordinary step on Monday evening (9 March), stating there was “no more time” to contain Covid-19 via the measures implemented across the north of the country last week.

“Our future and the future of Italy is in our hands,” said Conte.

The move means a nationwide ban on public gatherings and stringent curbs on travel to, and within, the entire country.

People have been told to stay at home and will only be allowed to travel for urgent work or family reasons.

Passengers arriving by air will have to justify their travel to Italy, while cruise ships are expected to be denied docking at various ports. Temperature checks will be enforced at railway stations.

There have been more than 9,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Italy, and in excess of 450 deaths.

Tourist attractions shut

The Foreign Office strengthened its travel advice on Monday evening, and now advises against all but essential travel to the whole of Italy.

The FCO said the move was “in line with various controls and restrictions imposed by the Italian authorities”.

“British nationals remain able to depart Italy without restriction,” said the FCO. “Airports remain open throughout Italy.

“However, airline schedules are subject to change and some flights are being cancelled. Travellers are advised to check flight details with airlines.

“Additional restrictions include the closure of museums, cultural institutions and the suspension of all public gatherings and sporting events.

“Religious ceremonies and funerals are suspended. Ski facilities are closed. Restaurants and bars remain open with restricted hours and reduced seating.

The Department of Health and Public Health England has also bolstered its guidance for travellers returning from Italy.

Anyone returning to UK from Italy as of Monday (9 March) should stay indoors and avoid contact with others, even if they do not have symptoms.

Several airlines on Monday started cancelling flights to northern Italy, including Ryanair, while Etoa – the European Tourism Association – has called for immediate relief for Italy’s tourism sector, warning of “unprecedented short-term financial harm” to tour operators.

Abta advice

Abta, meanwhile, had updated its guidance to members and travellers in respect of the latest developments in Italy.

“The Foreign Office now advises against all but essential travel to Italy, in line with various controls and restrictions imposed by the Italian authorities,” said Abta in a statement.
 
“British nationals remain able to depart Italy without restriction, and airports remain open throughout Italy.

“However, airline schedules are subject to change and some flights are being cancelled. Customers currently in Italy should contact their travel provider to discuss their options and follow the instructions of local authorities and local public health advice.
 
“Customers who are imminently due to travel on package holidays which include Italy should be offered alternative arrangements by their travel provider. If no suitable alternatives are available, package holiday customers should be offered a full refund.
 
“Customers who have booked their flights and accommodation directly should speak to their airline and accommodation provider to discuss their options. They should also check their travel insurance to see if this will cover any additional costs.
 
“Customers with an existing package holiday booked, and those considering making plans, can have confidence that there are protections in place for package holidays should the travel advice to their destination change.”