Italy could be about to make its quarantine lockdown measures even more draconian, closing businesses, shops and all non-essential services in a desperate attempt to halt the spread of coronavirus.

More than 10,000 people have been infected in Italy, and the country's death toll rose to 631 on Tuesday – up by 168 from Monday.

The northern region of Lombardy, the worst hit part, wants to implement what one Italian newspaper called "the Wuhan model" – the strictest possible control measures for at least two weeks.

Regional leaders are warning that failure to do so risks the collapse of the hospital system.

Under the proposed new regime, public transport would be drastically curtailed, some government offices would be closed and only pharmacies and shops selling food would be allowed to remain open.

Regional politicians in cities such as Milan and Bergamo are pushing for the unprecedented shutdown, which is being discussed by the national government in Rome. They argue that while the measures would be painful and hugely disruptive in the short term, they could save lives and help Italy win the battle against the virus in the long term.