of christmas and new year. prime minister giuseppe conte has ordered bars, restaurants and nonessential shops are to close for two set periods to prevent a fresh surge in cases. shops will still be able to open for a few days between christmas and new year. the announcement ended days of indecision within italy's coalition. sweden is recommending for the first time that people wear facemasks on public transport as it tightens measures against the coronavirus. the government has so far resisted introducing lockdowns, but today said people should wear masks when travelling at peak times. it has also reduced the number of people allowed to meet in restaurants and go to shops and gyms. sweden's king carl gustaf has said his country failed in fighting the coronavirus after the country recorded 350,000 cases and more than 7000 deaths.