The health ministry has published an official ordinance declaring that the regions of Piedmont, Lombardy and Marche become 'orange' zones under Italy's tiered system of coronavirus rules.
Basilicata this week reported the highest contagion rate of any region, and has now been declared a red zone.
Molise, where there are already 33 municipalities in lockdown, was also classified as a red zone.
Sardinia meanwhile is set to become Italy's first lower-risk 'white zone'.
The changes come into effect on Monday, March 1st.
MAP: Which zone is your region in under Italy's coronavirus rules?
These measures are in force in in Sardinia from Monday March 1st until March 15th (excluding any towns covered by additonal mayors' ordinances).
In orange zones, bars and restaurants are closed and as people cannot leave their towns of residence unless for work reasons or emergencies.
READ ALSO: Where and how much are coronavirus cases rising in Italy?
Friday's report stated that the general level of risk nationwide had worsened for the fourth consecutive week.
Ten regions have an Rt (contagion rate) greater than 1, while Basilicata has an Rt over 1.25.
“Further mitigation measures are urgently needed across the nation, and timely mitigation-containment measures are needed in the areas of greatest spread to prevent health services being overwhelmed,” the report stated.
It said a “drastic reduction in physical interaction between people” was needed.
“It is fundamentally important that people avoid all contact with people other than those they live with that are not strictly necessary, and stay at home as mush as possible,” it said.
The number of regions where the number of Covid patients in intensive care was above the critical threshold and had increased from five to eight, data showed.
The report also found that the average age of people who had tested positive was falling, and is now at 44.
Agreed Jack! The question is though, how do you get a vaccine here in Italy?
I think it’s time for a vaccine passport or certificate that is counterfeit proof, that will allow free access across Schengen borders.
The economy needs to fire up again, to save livelihoods and families, and vaccinated individuals are extremely low-risk. We all drive, fly, eat and drink unhealthily sometimes. Life is not risk-free, and even if it was – how utterly boring that would be. Life is for living….