Rome, Feb 25 (/AKI) Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte on Tuesday denied reports that he had decided to close all schools amid the growing coronavirus emergency in Italy.
"The Prime Minister denies reports that are circulating at the present time that schools of every level and type in Italy are to remain closed on his orders," said a statement from Conte's office.
"Any decisions and measures taken by the government will be communicated solely via official channels and sources," it added.
Italy has been badly affected by the coronavirus with at least 231 cases - the largest number of cases in Europe. Seven people have died from the virus in recent days. Italian authorities announced a series of drastic measures over the weekend to try to contain the outbreak that began in two northern regions - Lombardy and Veneto.
Cases have also been confirmed in Tuscany and Sicily and school trips throughout Italy have been cancelled, initially until mid-March.
Global cases of the coronavirus have topped 80,000, the vast majority in China.
/AKI
( With inputs from IANS )