Italy May Set Heavier Fines for Coronavirus Lockdown Violations

(Bloomberg) --

Italy’s government may impose fines of up to 3,000 euros for violations of a nationwide lockdown as the country struggles to counter Europe’s worst coronavirus outbreak.

A cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte later Tuesday is expected to approve the fines and police powers to seize the vehicles of anyone caught violating the restrictions, which ban movements inside the country and shutter almost all industrial production, according to people familiar with the matter who declined to be named discussing confidential deliberations. The current fine for violations is 206 euros.

The cabinet is also planning to approve a measure allowing for the extension of different levels of lockdown up to July 31, if circumstances should warrant it, according to a document seen by Bloomberg.

The government is seeking to prevent thousands of idled workers with roots in southern Italy heading back from the worst-hit northern regions, bringing the disease with them. Newspaper Corriere della Sera reported earlier Tuesday on possible new measures, saying drones and tracking devices may also be adopted.

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