Italy is to close all schools and universities from Thursday to try to contain its worsening coronavirus outbreak, a government source said, as cases continued to rise in Europe's worst-hit country.
Only schools and universities in the northern regions most heavily affected by the epidemic have been closed so far.
Italy's death toll due to the new coronavirus had reached 79 on Tuesday, with more than 2,500 confirmed cases since the outbreak began 13 days ago.
The extension of the schools shut-down will last at least until mid-March, the source said.
In another sign of mounting concern, the sports minister said on Wednesday the government was likely to order all top-flight Serie A football matches be played behind closed doors until the outbreak eases.
(Source: AlJazeera)