The virus has killed 827 people and infected more than 12,000 in Italy.

Italy on Wednesday recorded almost 200 more deaths linked to coronavirus in just 24 hours.

Imposed on Tuesday, the nationwide quarantine measures include a ban on all public events, the closure of schools and public spaces – including museums and movie theatres – the suspension of all sporting events and a ban on religious ceremonies including funerals and weddings.

In an attempt to further contain the virus, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced on Wednesday that all stores across the country would be closed, apart from pharmacies and food shops.

“We will close shops, bars, pubs and restaurants,” Conte said in a national television address, adding that home delivery is permitted.

Some supermarkets and pharmacies were only allowing a small number of customers in at a time in order to maintain enough space between them.

The drastic measures have caused captivating scenes across the seemingly vacant nation, which is usually inundated with tourists.

Major tourist sites in Rome, such as the Spanish Steps (above), have been deserted in recent days, amid the nationwide lockdown and increasingly strict travel bans.

Even the most popular landmarks in the Eternal City, like the Trevi Fountain, were eerily empty.

There was hardly a soul in sight at the Colosseum.

A group of nuns were among the few who ventured outdoors in the city centre, pictured in front of the Pantheon.

Meanwhile in Venice, gondolas were void of both passengers and gondoliers.

And the Rialto Bridge, which is usually highly congested all year round, was almost completely empty.

Even the famous Duomo and its piazza were quiet, aside from the odd person wearing a face mask.

The 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping mall, at the heart of Italy’s financial capital, was completely dead, with shutters to all shops down.

Streets, restaurants and popular tourist attractions were also empty in Bologna.

Turin was the epitome of a ghost town, and you could hear a coin drop in its main streets and squares.

Lines and footprints were drawn on the ground in some places to ensure the safety distance between customers waiting for food.