Thousands of panicked people sought to leave Lombardy when they heard the Italian government imposed an order to blockade more than 16 million people to stop Covid-19.

The whole of Lombardy, including the capital of Milan, and 14 provinces throughout northern Italy, heavily affected by Covid-19, were forced to blockade until March 3, when the number deaths increased from 233 to 366, an increase of more than 50% in just 24 hours.

From the afternoon of 7/3, thousands of people rushed to the train station or into cars leaving after drafting the blockade of the above areas was revealed by Corriere della Sera. On the morning of March 8, dozens of police and medical personnel wearing masks and protective gear waited at train stations in Lombardy to prevent passengers evacuating to the southern area to avoid the blockade.

"The leaked information has caused many to try to escape, counterproductive to the goals set in the blockade," said Roberto Burioni, professor of microbiology and virology at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan, say. "If unfortunate, some people flee will be infected."

The Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and Veneto regions account for 85% of the current total of 7,375 infections in Italy and more than 90% of deaths. The southern Puglia region recorded 26 cases, while the provinces of Basilicata and Calabria were only 3 and 4 cases.

Michele Emiliano, governor of the Puglia region, yesterday signed an order to force all people from northern Italy in the past hours to quarantine.

"Get off the train at the first station, don't board the plane to the cities of Bari and Brindisi, drive back, get off the bus at the next stop," he wrote on Facebook, reminding people trying to leave. from the north area. "Don't bring the disease in Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia to our Puglia. You're putting the virus into your lungs, your grandparents, uncles, parents, cousins."

Under the blockade ordinance, police and armed forces will patrol points of entry into the Lombardy region, such as train stations, highway exits, as well as border areas of 14 provinces. People are only allowed to leave these areas in an emergency and can be fined and imprisoned up to 3 months for violating the ban.

Lombardy region and blockade provinces in Italy. Graphics: 9News.

However, local officials have not decided whether to delay aviation operations or not. Italian airline Alitalia announced it would suspend all domestic and international flights from Milan's Malpensa airport and maintain only a small number of domestic flights from the city's Linate airport.

However, Serie A matches are still being held in an audience-free stadium, although the Italian Minister of Sports has called for a stop. Three prisoners were killed after a riot in the Modena city prison in the Emilia region after an emergency decree banning body visits to prevent the spread of the virus.

Some people who remain in the quarantine area have expressed their support for measures to control the outbreak in Italy.

"Of course, I feel quite bewildered and scared," said Alessia Scoma, 30, a business consultant in Milan. "But I agree with this measure and feel ashamed of those who have left Lombardy and fled irresponsibly. They can infect relatives and that is something I can never forgive." .

Outside the quarantine area, many people expressed concern.

"My mother is in Bergamo (Bergamo province, Lombardy)", said Francesca Nava, 45, in Rome. "She's 70 years old and is seriously ill. The thought of not being able to see her mother for weeks or maybe months and just what happened to her makes me feel short of breath and completely helpless."

Ricciardi, one of the scientists involved in signing the blockade decree, said the information leaked and caused panic when Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte sent a draft plan to the regions to wait for their approval.

Mr Conte called the information leak "unacceptable". "This information has created instability, insecurity and confusion, we cannot tolerate," he said at a news conference yesterday morning.

Italy has closed all schools across the country. Movie theaters, theaters, gyms, swimming pools, ski resorts will all be closed. Bars and restaurants can be open from 6am to 6pm, but must ensure enough space for customers to stand at least one meter from each other. Weddings and funerals have been banned in epidemic areas. However, public transport in all blocked areas is expected to be maintained.

Beppe Sala, Mayor of Milan, called on people to "change their lifestyle". "Please stay in your house as much as possible," he said. However, he also warned the consequences of the blockade

"We are facing a state of emergency, but the blockade of a quarter of the country will cause immeasurable damage to Italian families. People are at risk of losing their jobs. I hope the government. will quickly activate funds. Like it or not, Milan is still the heart of this country. "

Professor Burioni said that sacrificing familiar lifestyles is necessary to curb the spread of the virus.

"The most important thing now is for each of us to stay home," he said. "Avoid unnecessary social interactions as much as possible. We have a responsibility to do what is necessary to prevent infection. We have found that strict policies in China have a very good impact. We need to do that ".