For northern Italy on Feb 21 the number of confirmed cases was 17. Yesterday it was 1,128, with 29 possible virus-linked deaths.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-29/italy-s-total-known-coronavirus-infections-top-1-000-cases

This perfectly illustrates the problem for governments. A number of horses must be allowed to bolt before public opinion allows the stable door to be bolted. This is a judgement call almost certain to be proved too late.
We shall see.
From the wall street journal a week ago:
"Schools are closed and gatherings are banned as Italy reports a sixth virus-related death"

One disconcerting fact that has come to light is that a person who is asymptomatic may be shedding the virus and could make others ill. How often asymptomatic transmission is occurring is unclear.