New virus wave forces Rome to Easter in lockdown

Italy entered a three-day nationwide lockdown on Saturday in a bid to fight a new wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

All regions are now classified as 'red zones' with almost all shops shut down, restaurants and bars open for takeaway only, and people only allowed out for essential reasons.

Residents are allowed to excerise near their homes and visiting relatives during the weekend is also permitted but limited to one visit per day.

Police established road checks in Rome and other cities to ensure people were observing the stricter rules and to stop any large gatherings in squares or parks during a weekend when Italians usually go on picnics or visits to cities.

The stricter measures are set to last over the Easter weekend through until Easter Monday.

Italy is battling a new wave of the pandemic, as the government continues to step up its vaccination efforts.