What remained open were only grocery stores and whole food chain.They made it sound pretty deadly. I mean they shut down everything except MPs, the first thing you'd think they'd shut down and impose strict measures to be closed, but they were open.
City streets were empty though, everyone was at home waiting for their next orders from their favorite anchormen/women.
I know for a fact the decision was not made based on science. Because no scientist had enough data on this new virus and its consequences. I worked at the time on online exchange between canadian scientists and Italiens scientists (don't get me wrong i'm just a tech guy) Why Italy? Because they were hit first (China was hiding all info). Italy is worldwide renowned for their healthcare. And they were crumbling. That scared the shit out of many countries who took drastic public measures.
looking back now those measures were way too drastic. They did more damages than good. Even myself who was following along can admit that. But hey its easier to bet on a horse once the race is finished isn't?