Coronavirus: Confusion and fear sweep through Italy amid lockdown

One woman, who runs a hotel near the Piazza Maggiore, with its grand Basilica, said she was confused by what the government is doing.

“One day they say one thing, and the next day they do just the opposite,” she told the BBC. “One day they say we are in a terrible period, and the next day they say it is not so bad.”

Her business, like so many in the tourist trade, has taken a big hit. This should be high season, but the hotels here are deserted.