“As the novel coronavirus reached a global milestone, topping 100,000 cases across more than 100 countries over the weekend, Italy is imposing an extraordinary lockdown on about a quarter of its population and restricting public activities throughout the entire country.

“The quarantine includes the cities of Milan and Venice, as well as the entire northern region of Lombardy, Italy’s financial heart.

“It affects more than 16 million people in coronavirus hotbed areas and is scheduled to remain in effect until at least April 3.

“Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced the move after confirmed cases in Italy spiked over the weekend. By Sunday, more than 7,300 people had been sickened and 366 had died — an uptick of 133 dead from the day before.”

Read more at NPR