The number of coronavirus deaths in Italy jumped by a record 133 in the past 24 hours to touch 366, health officials confirmed.
Authorities highlighted that 622 patients have recovered so far, although there has been a spike in infections from 5,883 to 7,375.
The country now has the most deaths of any country outside China, where the coronavirus first emerged.
It comes as the Lombardy region in northern Italy was placed under lockdown till April 3 in an attempt to contain the outbreak.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte also announced the closure of schools, gyms, museums, nightclubs and other venues in the country.
Russian air strikes kill 10, injure more than 50 in Ukraine's Kyiv
Firefighters battle wildfire in southern France
US, Iran talks conclude in Doha, focused on Strait of Hormuz
Trump honours Theodore Roosevelt in North Dakota, debuts new Air Force One
Kenyan court charges 8 schoolgirls with fellow students' murder
At least 5 people killed in fire in Antwerp apartment block
Three people die in Mexico World Cup celebrations as fans crowd streets
After Venezuela quakes, citizens lead rescues amid military theft accusations
