The current state of emergency is set to expire on Friday.
"Although the contagion curve and the impact (of the coronavirus) on the national health service have reduced significantly, something that encourages us, the data tell us that the virus continues to circulate in our country," Conte said.
The state of emergency gives government officials temporary power to quickly tamp down new
Conte said the extension would ensure that the government can "remain on guard and be ready to intervene quickly if the situation worsens."
But the extension of the state of emergency does not necessarily mean the specific rules of the current state of emergency will be extended. Members of the Council of Ministers will negotiate the terms for the new period.