section_path: Economic impact by continent, region and country/Europe/Italy
section_name: Italy
paragraph_text: Italy
  
  On 21 February, at least ten towns in the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy, with a total population of 50,000, were locked down in quarantine. Schools and universities have been closed throughout Northern Italy along with museums, and various festivities, concerts, sporting events and church masses have been cancelled as of 23 February. On 4 March, these closures were extended to all schools and universities nationwide.
  
  Sustained panic buying of groceries has reportedly cleared out supermarkets, and several major events were cancelled, such as the annual Carnival of Venice, along with the cancellation of Serie A football matches on 23 February by the Sports Ministry. Concerns about the Milan Fashion Week has led to several fashion houses declaring that they will only hold broadcast, closed-door shows with no spectators. As of 26 February 2020, there have been 456 coronavirus cases in Italy, 190 of which have been also confirmed by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità.
  
  By 12 March 2020, the number of cases in Italy had risen to 15,113, including 1,016 fatalities. On 9 March 2020, Italy declared a nationwide quarantine. Since 10 March 2020, all residents need a special form to be allowed to leave their homes. On 11 March 2020, all shops and businesses were closed except food shops and pharmacies. After the "Sostegni Decree" of 23 March 2021, the Italian government has ended the ban on collective dismissals since 1 July, except for the textile, fashion and footwear economic sectors for which it has been extended until 31 October.