The health ministry confirmed that the regions of Piedmont, Lombardy and Marche have been bumped up to moderate-risk “orange zones” under Italy’s four-tiered system of restrictions.

Basilicata last week reported the highest contagion rate of any region, and has now been declared a high-risk “red zone”.

Molise, where there are already 33 municipalities in lockdown, has also been classified a red zone.

The new rules will come into effect on Monday, March 1.

Meanwhile, the island of Sardinia is set to become Italy’s first “white zone”, in which the risk of contagion is extremely low.

In regions classified under this new band, gyms, swimming pools, cinemas, theatres and ski slopes are expected to be allowed to reopen.

In low-risk “yellow zones”, people are only subjected to nationwide restrictions but are otherwise free.

In orange zones, bars and restaurants are closed and people cannot leave their towns of residence unless for work, study and health reasons, or for emergencies.

People in the highest-risk red zones are told not to move around within their town except for work, study, health or other essential reasons, while non-essential businesses are also closed.

The changes are based on data from the weekly coronavirus monitoring report issued by Italy’s health ministry and the Higher Health Institute (ISS).

Friday’s report stated that the general level of risk nationwide had increased for the fourth consecutive week.

Ten regions have an Rt (contagion rate) greater than 1, while Basilicata has an Rt over 1.25.

“Further mitigation measures are urgently needed across the nation, and timely mitigation-containment measures are needed in the areas of greatest risk to prevent health services from being overwhelmed,” the report stated.

“It is crucial that people avoid all contact with people other than those they live with, and stay at home as much as possible.”

Italy last week extended a ban on non-essential travel between regions through at least March 27.

More than 2.9 million cases and 97,500 deaths have been reported in Italy since the pandemic began.