The new decree contains measures to help self-employed workers and to stop companies from laying off employees due to the financial fallout of the coronavirus crisis in Italy. Many businesses have been forced to close as the country fights to control the biggest coronavirus outbreak in Europe.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Tuesday hailed the 25-billion-euro ($28-billion) programme as the "Italian model" that he suggested other countries could adopt. Italy's 2,503 deaths so far account for more than half of those reported outside China, and all of Italy is currently under strict quarantine measures until at least April 3.