The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued new travel advice for those heading to Italy during the coronavirus outbreak.

The country is the worst-affected region outside of Asia, with 2,260 cases of the virus in Italy as of Wednesday morning, and 79 deaths so far. This includes more than 20 in the past 24 hours.

Only one out of Italy’s 20 regions, Valle D’Aosta, is yet to record a case.

And now the Italian government have now revealed a series of extraordinary protection measures that will be introduced as they step up to halt the spread of the virus.

Travel restrictions

The additional restrictions will allow regions to implement civil protection measures in response to the outbreak, and will include the isolation of more affected areas.

The previous measures implemented in February have now been extended as the country works to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia Romagna are now subject to restrictions, including school closures and changes to sporting fixtures, as well as the provinces closest to the outbreaks.

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:

Codogno

Castiglione d’Adda

Casalpusterlengo

Fombio

Maleo

Somaglia

Bertonico

Terranova dei Passerini

Castelgerundo

San Fiorano

Vo’ Euganeo

Italy’s health authorities said they may set up a new red zone quarantine near the northern city of Bergamo to try to contain the spread, which in turn could see the FCO advice cover more parts of the country.

Containment measures

The Italian Prime Minister has announced a wave of new measures being considered to battle the spread, and will apply for the whole country for 30 days.

As part of the Italian government's special scientific committee on Coronavirus on Wednesday morning, a set of recommendations have been published for everyone currently in the country.

These include no handshakes, no hugs or kisses, and people may be asked to stay at least metre away from one another.

The official advice also states that people should avoid crowded places.

The guidelines warn people not to drink from the same cups, glasses or bottles as anyone else and people will no longer be able to accompany friends and relatives in the country's A&E departments.

Over-75s may be advised to stay at home and people over 65 may also be told to do the same if they have health conditions.

Other measures being considered include the cancellation of conferences and meetings, and sports events may have to take place behind closed doors.

Italy’s government has also announced it is considering closing all schools and colleges for two weeks to contain its spread.

Self isolation

Anyone showing even mild symptoms of a potential coronavirus infection is advised to self isolate and to avoid hospitals and doctors surgeries.

In Italy, you can call the government's coronavirus hotline on 112 for emergency advice in English, Italian or Chinese.

Returning travellers who have been to one parts of northern Italy since February 19 (anywhere north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini) are urged to stay indoors and avoid contact with other people immediately and use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next.