All amateur sporting events have also been put on hold in the wealthy northern region where the first cases of Covid-19 in Europe emerged in February.

Under the new restrictions that will stay in effect until November 6th, bars will after 6pm only be able to serve customers seated at tables, and the sale of takeaway alcohol is also banned after that time.

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Lombardy, the most populous region of Italy, has also prohibited the consumption of food and drink in all public outside areas under the new rules.

Lombardy, the hardest-hit area in Italy, is mostly targeting young people, with restrictions on sport, nightlife and education — it has now called for schools to alternate online and in-person lessons.

Italy's second-worst affected region of Campania in the south has also introduced new measures, including the controversial closure of schools as well as bans on parties and funeral processions.

The measures in both regions are stricter than those imposed nationwide by Italy's latest emergency decree on Monday.

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Italy's government on Saturday is reportedly considering further restrictions, on the advice of its panel of scientific experts.

Italy on Friday reported more than 10,000 new infections in 24 hours as the numbers of new cases, as well as deaths and hospitalisations, continue to .

The government last week also made the wearing of masks compulsory whenever outside the house, and extended the state of emergency until January 31st.