Italy's coronavirus caseload rises, four regions to see tighter rules

The number of coronavirus cases in Italy is increasing, intensive care beds are filling up, and several regions have moved to the more restricted 'yellow' zone classification.

As of Thursday, an average of 241 new infections per 100,000 people were registered by health authorities over the past seven days nationwide.

In the previous week, the seven-day incidence rate had been 176.

Occupancy rates in intensive care and hospital wards also continued to rise.

On Friday, authorities reported more than 28,600 new infections and 120 deaths in 24 hours.

Four areas

Health Minister Roberto Speranza ordered that as of Monday, the regions of Marche, Liguria, Veneto and the Autonomous Province of Trento would fall into the 'yellow' zone due to their higher case numbers and hospital occupancy rates.

This means one major change in particular: Wearing masks even outdoors. South Tyrol, Calabria and Friuli-Venezia Giulia are already in this zone.