“The scientific committee is beginning to see the results of the restrictions,” Conte said as Italy recorded its lowest daily death toll in a week.
“But we’re still a long way from the end, and therefore I’ve decided to sign a decree extending the measures until April 13.”
Italy has been under total lockdown since March 12, with people confined to their homes and only allowed to leave for essential reasons such as shopping or medical appointments.
Schools, museums, bars and restaurants remain closed and only essential businesses continue to operate.
“I’m sorry that these measures arrive during a holiday period like Easter, but this increased effort will give us time to evaluate,” Conte said.
“We’re not in a position to be able to ease the restrictions, to alleviate the inconvenience and spare you the sacrifices you are subjected to.”
Conte said the strict measures would be lifted gradually to ensure the nation doesn’t undo any progress it’s made in fighting the virus.
“When the curve subsides we could enter phase two, that of coexistence with the virus,” he said.
“Then, there will be phase three: that of gradually restoring normality and rebuilding the country.
“The moment the data is consolidated and the experts give their response, we’ll be able to identify an end date.
“But I can’t give it today.”
Since lockdown began, there has been confusion over whether Italians can go out for a run or walk, and whether parents can take children outside to get some fresh air.
This has been especially unclear due regional variations in restrictions and individual police officers interpreting the new laws differently.
The Italian Interior Ministry on Tuesday sent out a circular to regional authorities clarifying how the rules should be enforced.
After numerous appeals to let children outside after three weeks of self-isolation, the government announced it is allowing parents to take minors out for a short walk, but children can be accompanied by only one adult.
The ministry added that going out for a walk or run near home is fine, though bike rides, games and other recreational activities are still banned.
Elderly and disabled people are also allowed out for a short walk near home, but only one other adult can accompany them.
Anyone going outside for these reasons must still complete a self-certification form and take it with them.
The ministry stressed that the restrictions had not been relaxed and that these were “only interpretative details of the current regulatory framework”.
Last week the government increased the maximum fine for breaching rules from €206 to €3000, while some regions have made the penalty even higher.
