For Lorenzo Vanni, Thursday was truly historic — it was the first day in 53 years his bar-restaurant in Rome, called Vanni, didn’t serve a single drink or meal.

In the district of Prati, just next to Vatican City, Vanni has every year stayed open on Christmas Day, January 1 and even Ferragosto, a day when just about everyone leaves the city to celebrate the Feast of Assumption.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Wednesday night expanded already heavy restrictions to include bars, restaurants and shops, now forced to close their doors as the country tries to slow its coronavirus infection rate.

Vanni in Rome, closed for its first day in 53 years under Italy's coronavirus lockdown. Hada Messia

“Today in Rome the atmosphere is surreal. It's strange, like in a movie. I am stunned, incredulous. It has never happened before,” Vanni said.

“During a war, for example, you hear planes flying over your head, but now the enemy is invisible."

He says he's very worried about its employees. "It's a total disaster for workers.”

Vanni was founded by Lorenzo grandfather in 1929 and has moved locations several times, finding its current spot in 1967.

With pride, he described Vanni is a Roman landmark "where people meet and chat, socialize — it’s a point of reference in the neighborhood.”

"People called me this morning asking me where they will eat from now on,” he said.

"My main concern are the employees, their families and mine of course. Now we have to think about how to buy supplies and the state must put everyone in a position to do so."

He is asking the government to offer businesses like his tax relief.

“Otherwise it will condemn companies to certain closure."