UPDATE: Here's what you need to know about the coronavirus crisis in Italy

The latest news on the current situation of the coronavirus in Italy and on how the measures taken by the Italian authorities could affect you.

What is the situation in Italy?

The number of deaths reported by coronaviruses in Italy in the last 24 hours was 889, bringing the total number of deaths to over 10.000, according to the latest data from the Department of Civil Protection in Italy.

5.974 new infections have been reported throughout Italy in the past 24 hours, bringing the infected total to 92.472.

This includes 12.384 confirmed healed patients and a total of 10.024 deceased.

While the estimated mortality rate is ten percent in Italy, experts say this is unlikely to be the real figure, the head of Civil Protection said there are likely to be up to ten times more cases in the country than are been detected.

Earlier in the week, the rate of coronavirus infection in Italy had slowed for four consecutive days from Sunday to Wednesday, fueling hopes that the epidemic was slowing down in Italy.

But things seemed less certain on Thursday after the infection rate rose again, in the most affected region of Lombardy and elsewhere in Italy.

Army trucks prepared to transport coffins from the worst affected region of Lombardy to crematoria elsewhere Thursday 26 March. 

The world is carefully watching the signs of hope from Italy and politicians around the world who are considering whether to implement quarantine measures are looking for evidence that they have worked in Italy.

"The next 3-5 days are crucial to see if Italy's blocking measures will have an impact and whether the United States will diverge or follow the Italian trajectory," investment bank Morgan Stanley wrote Tuesday.

"We note, however, that the mortality rate has slowed by an exponential increase since the start of the blockade," said the bank.

There was high hope after the death toll also dropped for two consecutive days on Sunday and Monday.

But Tuesday's daily balance was the second highest recorded in Italy since the start of the crisis.

And while infections seem to slow down in some of the areas most affected at the beginning of the epidemic, there were still worrying signs in the southern and central regions, such as Campania around Naples and Lazio around Rome.

COVID-19 deaths in Campania increased from 49 Monday to 74 Wednesday. Around Rome, deaths increased from 63 on Monday to 95 on Wednesday.

Deaths in the northern Piedmont region around the industrial city of Turin also increased from 315 on Monday to 449 on Wednesday.

The figures for all three regions represent leaps of around 50 percent in two days.

Few scientists expect that Italy's numbers - if they are really falling - will follow a steady downward line.

Previously, experts had predicted that the number of cases would peak in Italy at some point from March 23 onwards - perhaps as early as early April - although many point out that regional variations and other factors indicate that this it is very difficult to predict.

How does Italy respond to the crisis?

Italy has closed all stores except pharmacies and grocery stores and has closed all businesses except essential ones.

People are asked not to go out unless it is necessary, for example to buy food or go to work. Traveling between different cities or municipalities is prohibited except for work or in emergency situations.

Italy introduced national quarantine measures on 12 March.

Since then, the rules have been repeatedly enforced by a series of government decrees.

Each update indicates that a new version of the module needed to exit is released. Here is the latest version of Thursday 26 March and how to compile it.

The latest announcement, Tuesday night, raised the maximum fine for breaking quarantine rules from € 206 to € 3.000. Sanctions are even higher in some regions according to local regulations and more serious offenses could result in prison sentences.

Bars, cafes and restaurants have also closed, although many offer home delivery to customers, as everyone is advised to stay at home.

A poll on Thursday found that 96 percent of all Italians support quarantine measures, seeing the closure of most businesses and all schools and public institutions "positively" or "very positively", and only four percent said they were against it.

What about traveling to Italy?

Traveling to Italy is becoming almost impossible and now not recommended by most governments.

Thursday 12 March it was announced that Rome would close Ciampino airport and a Fiumicino airport terminal due to lack of demand and many of the country's Frecciarossa and intercity long-distance trains have been suspended.

Numerous airlines have canceled flights, while countries like Spain have suspended all flights from the country.

United States President Donald Trump announced a travel ban for the 11 EU nations in the Schengen zone on 26 March. U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the United States will be able to return home after the entry into force on Friday March 13. However, this will depend on whether they can find flights.

The United States has issued a level 3 travel alert for all of Italy, advise against all non-essential travel in the country due to the "widespread community transmission" of Coronavirus and has issued a level 4 "Do not travel" notice for most affected regions of Lombardy and Veneto.

The British government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against all travel, except essential ones, to Italy.

"The FCO now advises against all travel, except essential ones, in Italy, due to an ongoing coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and in line with various checks and restrictions imposed by the Italian authorities on March 9," he says.

Austria and Slovenia have imposed restrictions on the borders with Italy, as well as Switzerland.

Therefore, while foreign nationals are allowed to leave Italy and may have to show their plane tickets to police checks, they may find it more difficult due to the lack of flights.

What is coronavirus?

It is a respiratory disease that belongs to the same family as the common cold.

The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transportation hub - started in a fish market in late December.

According to the WHO, over 80 percent of patients with virus infection experience mild symptoms and recover, while 14 percent develop serious diseases such as pneumonia.

The elderly and people with conditions that weaken their immune systems are more likely to develop severe symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

The initial symptoms are not dissimilar to the common flu, since the virus belongs to the same family.

Symptoms include cough, headache, fatigue, fever, pain and breathing difficulties.

COVID-19 is mainly spread through air contact or contact with contaminated objects.

Its incubation period is 2 to 14 days, with an average of seven days.

How can I protect myself?

You should follow the government's directions and take the same precautions in Italy that you should do elsewhere:

Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing or before eating.
Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of respiratory disease.
Wear a mask if you suspect that you are sick or if you are helping someone else who is sick.
Clean the surfaces with alcohol or chlorine based disinfectants.
Do not take antibiotics or antiviral drugs unless it has been prescribed by your doctor.

You don't have to worry about handling anything manufactured or shipped from China, or catching coronavirus from (or giving it to) a pet.

You can find the latest information on coronavirus in Italy at the Italian Ministry of Health, the embassy of your country or the WHO.

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

If you think you have the virus, don't go to the hospital or doctor's office.

Health authorities are concerned about potentially infected people who show up in hospitals and transmit the virus.

A special telephone line from the Ministry of Health has been launched with further information on the virus and how to avoid it. Callers on 1500 can get more information in Italian, English and Chinese.

In an emergency situation, you must always call the emergency number 112.

According to the WHO, about 80% of people who contract the new coronavirus recover without the need for special care.

About one in six people who suffer from COVID-19 become seriously ill and develop breathing difficulties.

About 3,4% of cases are fatal, according to the latest WHO figures. The elderly and those with basic medical problems such as hypertension, heart problems or diabetes are more likely to develop serious diseases.