Coronavirus: Conte tightens lockdown, closes all non-essential businesses, after almost 800 deaths in 24 hours.

(ANSA) - Rome, March 20 - Premier Giuseppe Conte on Saturday further intensified the lockdown, closing all non-essential businesses, after Italy registered almost 800 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours.

The premier said supermarkets, pharmacies, food stores, banks, post offices and transport services will keep going.

While most shops had already been closed down by the lockdown, many factories had continued to operate.