Italian PM signs decree that puts large parts of the north on lockdown

Some 16 million of people were placed under forced quarantine in northern Italy early Sunday as Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signed a decree to strictly limit movement in and out of large areas of the north.

Lombardy, Italy's richest region, as well as 14 provinces in four other regions, including the cities of Venice, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia and Rimini are targeted.

"There will be no movement in or out of these areas, or within them, unless for proven, work-related reasons, emergencies or health reasons," Conte told a news conference in the middle of the night after hours of confusion over his plans.

The move aims to halt the spread of the deadly coronavirus that is sweeping the globe and will stay in force until April 3.

The decree also required museums, theaters, cinemas and other entertainment venues nationwide to be shut.

The novel coronavirus has infected over 6,000 people and killed 233 in Italy so far, making it the hardest hit country in Europe.