Italy's coronavirus lockdown measures to be extended to April 13: health minister

Italy will extend its anti-coronavirus lockdown restrictions imposed last month to April 13, Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Wednesday.

"We must not confuse the first positive signals with an 'all clear' signal. Data shows that we are on the right path and that the drastic decisions are bearing fruit," Speranza told the upper house Senate.

Speranza said the "battle (against the virus) is still very long."

The restriction measures including closures of schools and none-essential business activities and venues are originally due to expire on April 3.

Italy now has 105,792 cases and 12,148 deaths related to the new coronavirus.