Italian authorities reported 407 deaths from the coronavirus on Wednesday evening, while more than 3000 people have tested positive for the virus.

In order to stop the virus spreading further, the Italian government’s special scientific committee on the coronavirus on Wednesday published a set of recommendations it hopes everyone in the country will follow.

“We have to work for the country by staying within the rules and adopting lifestyles that halt the classic paths of transmission,” Silvio Brusaferro, the president of Italy’s higher health institute, said on Wednesday.

No more hugs and kisses

The Italian habit of kissing and hugging while greeting people will have to stop for the next month, the committee has decreed.

Handshakes are also out.

Keep your distance from others

The official advice states that people should avoid crowded places and keep “at least one metre” away from anyone else at all times.

Self-isolate if you have any symptoms

Anyone showing any symptoms of potential coronavirus infection is advised to stay at home.

Do not go straight to a hospital or doctor.

Those in Italy can call the government’s coronavirus hotline on 1500 for emergency advice in English, Italian or Chinese.

Over-75s should stay at home

The official advice is for all people aged over 75 to stay at home and “avoid social contact”.

Anyone over the age of 65 with health problems and people with respiratory conditions has also been told to stay at home.

Don’t share drinks

The guidelines also warn not to drink from the same cups, glasses or bottles as anyone else “especially during sporting events”.

New restrictions on hospital visitors

This month people will no longer be allowed to accompany friends or relatives into emergency rooms across the nation and there will also be more restrictions on visitors to private clinics and aged care homes.

Sporting events closed to the public

Experts have recommended that all football matches and other sporting events in Italy be played behind closed doors.

This would include Serie A games, many of which have already been postponed due to the health ministry’s recommendations.

These rules are in addition to the basic hygiene advice previously issued by the Italian government.

Civil protection authorities are also setting set up tents in front of some hospitals to make sure suspected coronavirus cases do not come into contact with other patients.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 80 per cent of people who contract the coronavirus recover without needing special treatment.

Around one out of every six people infected becomes seriously ill.

Only around two per cent of cases are fatal.