London | Michele Farruggio is a native of Florence, but every day he drives to his wine business in Lombardy. That's ground zero of the European coronavirus outbreak, which the World Health Organisation on Saturday (AEDT) dubbed the epicentre of the global pandemic.

Italy, whose caseload topped 18,000 over the weekend, with 1300-plus deaths, is in the world's most advanced lockdown. No shops open except those selling food and drugs, no cafes, bars or entertainment, no walking in the street without a reason.