Some of the strict quarantine measures currently in place to stop the spread of coronavirus, including the closure of most businesses and a ban on public gatherings, were set to be lifted on Friday.
But Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza announced on Monday evening that “all containment measures would be extended at least until Easter” on April 12.
The government had already confirmed that schools would remain closed past the initial deadline of April 3.
The official announcement of the decree extending the quarantine period is expected on Wednesday or Thursday, according to Italian daily La Repubblica.
Despite evidence that the infection rate is starting to slow in the country, authorities have stressed that this does not mean measures will be lifted and continue to urge people to stay at home.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said any lifting of quarantine restrictions would be done gradually to ensure Italy does not undo any progress made against the disease.
Italy is now almost three weeks into a national lockdown that has emptied cities and paralysed the workforce.
The rest of the world is watching closely to see if Italy’s drastic quarantine measures eventually prevail.
