Italy tightens COVID restrictions as experts warn of growing prevalence of variants

The state of play: For the first time since late January, two regions — Basilicata and Molise — have been placed in the country's red-zone, the strictest tier of Italy's color-coded system.

• All bars, restaurants and non-essential businesses must close and movement will be severely limited.
• The tiers (white, yellow, orange and red) are based on infection levels and other factors.
• In Lombardy, Marche and Piedmont, which were moved from the yellow to the orange zone, restaurants and bars must close except for carry-out. Residents are also not allowed to leave their towns except for emergencies or health and work reasons.
• Yes, but: The island of Sardinia became the first region to move to the minimally restrictive white zone, according to Reuters.

What they're saying: “Many outbreaks are due to the (new) variants. I am concerned about the progress of the epidemic," said Gianni Rezza, a senior health ministry adviser, per Reuters.

• "We must keep up our guard and we must intervene promptly and strongly where needed,” Rezza added.

The big picture: Earlier this week, the country extended a ban on non-essential travel between the regions through at least March 27, per Reuters.

• Italy began its inoculation campaign last year, and has so far administered more than 4.2 million doses of the vaccine. More than 1.3 million people have been fully vaccinated.
• According to health ministry data, the country recorded 20,499 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, up from 19,886 the day before.
• More than 2.9 million cases and 97,500 deaths have been reported in Italy since the pandemic began.