Day one of Italy's nationwide coronavirus lockdown has brought unusual scenes to many regions across the country.
Pescara, a popular tourist destination on Italy's east coast, is best known for its attractive beaches but no longer carries the foot traffic it once enjoyed.
“It's like we're at war, we go out only with the mask and there is no one around. It’s a paradoxical situation,” one local told SBS News.
Residents knew it was only a matter of time but many were seemingly unprepared for the swift cultural shift.
"The cases (of coronavirus) were increasing so it was inevitable - but we still weren’t ready, but this is Italy."
Locals in Pescara protecting against the virus Source: SBS World News
The Italian government enforced a ban on travel and public gatherings until 3 April, and on the first day of the lockdown, the country saw it’s the highest single-day death toll with 168 lives lost.
More than 630 people have now died and more than 10,000 people have been infected.
Hurt in the hospitality sector
Like so much of the Adriatic Coast, Pescara's economy relies heavily on tourism - but with the lockdowns coinciding with the start of the peak season - the forecasts are grim.
Restaurants have closed their doors and those that are still open have enforced a strict one-meter rule between patrons.
Former Formula One driver Tonio Liuzzi has been forced to shutter his two restaurants in Pescara and an additional business in Milan.
“Definitely the situation is critical we will see the peak in the next 7 days," Mr Liuzzi told SBS News.
Tonio Liuzzi Source: SBS World News
The now-businessman believes that wealthier regions in the country's north have the potential to bounce back, however, that optimism does not extend across the nation.
"It will be more difficult in the center and south, they will take longer to restart."
“I believe from my point of view that it will be another month of nightmare and after that everything will restart.”
For almost three decades Alfredo Di Tillio has worked at Pescara’s biggest hotel, The Esplanade.
Alfredo Di Tillio Source: SBS World News
“We have 150 rooms of which only two are occupied, so we can say that we are empty ... or almost,” Mr Di Tillio told SBS News.
"It is a nightmare, a surreal situation. If this problem continues there is a big risk for the summer trade."
Central Europe’s largest budget airline Wizz Air canceled all flights into Italy until the nationwide ban is lifted early next month.
Ryan Air, Easy Jet, Air Canada, British Airlines and Air France have all suspended air travel to the Mediterranean country.
In Australia, 112 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed, three people have died from the condition.
Of those reported cases, 24 people have recovered.
