The ban, part of nationwide restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of virus, was set to expire on Thursday but will remain in place until at least March 27.

Mario Draghi’s newly formed government also extended restrictions on visiting friends and relatives, under which no more than two adults can visit another person’s home.

In high-risk “red zones”, no visitors are allowed whatsoever.

“It is essential to continue with the restrictions with the [spread of coronavirus] variants,” Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza said.

The regional travel ban does not apply to travel for work, health or emergency reasons, or to anyone who needs to travel to return home.

Travel within Italy for tourism remains prohibited.

Italy has recorded 2,809,246 infections in total since the start of the pandemic, as well as 95,718 deaths.