Former Giro d'Italia winner Ivan Basso joined a number of Italian athletes and celebrities who have publicly appealed for people to come together and respect the advice and rules of the latest government decree to fight the spread of the coronavirus and its effects.

According to the latest official announcement by the Italian government, there are 7,375 people positive for coronavirus, with over 3,500 in the hospital, 650 in intensive care units, and 366 dead. Of these, 267 have died and 3372 have been diagnosed in Lombardy.

Basso lives between Milan and Varese and sued on behalf of Lombardy. He won the Giro d'Italia in 2006 and 2010 and continues to reign as a public figure in Italian sport.

"We must respect the rules, but above all we must help each other to respect the rules," Basso said in a video message posted by Lombardy on social media.

"As a team, we must help each other and work together. That is the only way to get through this very difficult moment."

"When we get through it, we will be stronger than ever because of our unity. Together we will stop the virus, together we will win."

On Sunday, the Italian government introduced stricter new rules restricting the movement of 16 million people in large parts of northern Italy, including Milan and all of Lombardy.

People can still travel through the region for work, but are advised to limit their movements as much as possible. Bars and restaurants are open until 6 p.m., but customers must sit or stand at least one meter away. Most towns and cities are deserted due to the collapse of tourism and the economy.

Last week, the decree sparked the cancellation of all races scheduled for March, including Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico, and Milan-San Remo. Paris-Nice will still take place, but the spread of the virus across Europe has cast doubt on the rest of the spring racing calendar.