Vincenzo Nibali, Elia Viviani, and Matteo Trentin are urging Italian cyclists to stay home during the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic to avoid putting extra strain on the Italian healthcare system.

Currently, 10,149 people have tested positive for coronavirus, 5,038 are hospitalized, 577 are on life support in intensive care units, 1004 have recovered, and 631 (mostly elderly) have died.

Under the latest decree issued by the Italian government, people are encouraged to stay at home and travel is limited to essential work, health reasons, and grocery shopping near their homes.

Races such as Tirreno-Adriatico, Milan-San Remo, and Trofeo Alfredo Binda were all postponed last week, and all sports were suspended at least until April 4. Gyms were closed and only professional and Olympic athletes were allowed to train behind closed doors or alone.

The decree allows people to practice sports in the park, but they must be at least one meter away from other people. Some people have interpreted this as allowing people to ride on public roads, and earlier this week many were seen riding. However, the Italian Cycling Federation and the Italian Professional Athletes Association have called for cyclists to stay at home.

Nibali, who is competing in Paris-Nice, has taken to social media to respect the one-meter distance decree established to limit the spread of the coronavirus in stores and public places, called the #Distantmauniti (far away but united) campaign.

"I can only hope that the situation will improve and that things will return to normal soon. I call on everyone to respect the instructions from the authorities: act responsibly, for your own sake and for everyone else's. #Distantmauniti. all will be well.

Viviani also participated in Paris-Nice and tried to encourage his fellow Italians.

"It is difficult, if not impossible, to stay focused on the race when my country is going through a really difficult phase that requires drastic decisions to prevent the spread of serious problems," Viviani wrote on social media.

"My thoughts go out to those who are suffering and who are working hard every day to fight the Covid 19 virus. As Italians, I am convinced that we will get through this. Forza Italia!"

Trentin is currently not racing as his CCC team has opted not to race until late March. He is based in Monaco, but has pleaded with Italian cyclists to stay home.

"Stop for a minute. There will be time to go riding in the next few months. Let's not risk occupying hospital beds that others now need. Let's hope these sacrifices are more respectful and lead to a better future, with more cycling and better health. #staysafe"