COVID: Second lockdown must be averted says Conte

(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 23 - Premier Giuseppe Conte on Friday called on the Italian public to be especially scrupulous in respecting the rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in order to prevent the nation having to endure a second lockdown.
    Italy has seen a sharp rise in contagion and registered over 16,000 new cases and 136 deaths on Thursday.
    "We must avert a second nationwide lockdown," Conte said.
    "That's why we must remain vigilant and ready to intervene where necessary".
    The premier admitted that "there growing concern about the increase in contagion in Europe and Italy".
    "We must keep attention high, strengthened by the experience of the spring.
    "We must contain contagion and seek to avoid the stoppage of production and labour activities, the closure of public offices and the closure of the schools". (ANSA).