Here's what to do if you have a holiday to Italy booked

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have advised against “all but essential” travel to Italy after the entire country was placed on lockdown due to the outbreak of coronavirus Covid-19.

In a statement on Monday night (March 9) prime minister Giuseppe Conte told all Italian’s to “stay at home” and banned all public gatherings.

The extreme measures come as Italy struggles to contain the novel coronavirus Covid-19 which has claimed the lives of 463 citizens – the most outside of China.

A popular tourist destination, the measures have also seen the country sealed off to tourists.

Here’s what you need to know if your holiday plans have been affected by the lockdown.

What should I do if I am already in Italy?

It is estimated that there are between 30,000 and 40,000 British citizens already in Italy on a temporary basis.

The FCO have advised: “British nationals remain able to depart Italy without restriction. Airports remain open throughout Italy.

“However, airline schedules are subject to change and some flights are being cancelled. Travellers are advised to check flight details with airlines.”

British airlines Easyjet and British Airways appear to have cancelled all their flights to and from Italy, while irish airline Ryanair are running a limited schedule in an attempt to repatriate affected travellers.

The situation with airlines is changing by the hour and stranded travellers may be better suited to exit the country via long-distance rail which is currently operating a near-regular schedule. Once exited travellers can book a flight from southern France, or Switzerland.

If your flight operator runs a service from your alternative departure city, ask if you can be flown home.

Am I due a refund?

If your holiday is scheduled up to early April and has been cancelled you may be eligible to a refund.

If you booked a package holiday you are owed a full refund within two weeks.

Flights booked separately should also be refunded fairly swiftly if the carrier has been unable to run your booked flight.