Italy sees new records for virus infections, deaths

Italy saw a record new high in the numbers of infections and deaths reported on Wednesday, adding more than 4,200 new positive cases to a total of 35,713.

Another 475 people died, increasing the death toll to 2,978 and bringing Italy close to eclipsing China's total number of dead of 3,241.

The majority of the deaths have been people over 70 with pre-existing health conditions and only 30 percent have been women, according to officials.

The Italian government has ordered an unprecedented lockdown across the country, directing businesses to close and restricting people's movement until April 3rd.

Mayors of many Italian cities, including Rome and Milan, decided on Saturday to close public playgrounds and parks, too.

Italian health officials say they are still waiting to see the results of the lockdown and are hoping that the huge numbers of infected and deaths in northern Italy will not be repeated in the south.

The majority of Italians are staying at home with brief breaks to go to the supermaket or walk their dogs. But there have also been people who have not followed the measures instructed, and government officials have continud to repeat the importance of maintaining social distance.

"The decisive weapon is our behaviour," explained Silvio Brusaferro, President of Italy's Higher Institute of Health, "today the battle has to be won with our behaviour."