Italy’s Prime Minister on Sunday announced a new set of eased restrictions for the country's 60 million inhabitants, almost two months after the country went into lockdown in reaction to the Covid-19 outbreak.
“Phase 2 starts now,” Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told journalists during the highly awaited TV announcement.
“Now is the time to coexist with the virus”.
“It’s fundamental for each and every one of us to be responsible, we must never approach each other, the safety distance must be at least one metre.”
Conte, 55, went on to explain how his government had decided to proceed on a number of measures which will loosen the confinement measures on May 4th and May 18th.
"We’re going to ease the lockdown from May 4th but there is a system in place which integrates the regions, they will have to inform us on the progress of the epidemiological curve and on the success of the measures", meaning that the central government’s measures are also subject to be approved by regional authorities.
Here are the main points of Italy’s new lockdown restrictions:
Visiting relatives close by is allowed
From May 4th, Italians can visit relatives as long as they take precautions and under no condition should there be large gatherings or parties, Italy’s PM announced.
It will be possible to move from one municipality to another but the ban on travel between different regions of Italy continues, except for proven work matters, health reasons and extraordinary circumstances.
Fixed price for masks
“On May 4th, the price for masks will will reduced and fixed at €0.50,” Conte announced.
“VAT on masks will be scrapped in a forthcoming decree.”
More freedom to move around
“We will allow you to return to your second homes or villas, or visit public parks as long as there’s compliance with safety distances and requirements,” Conte said.
Outdoor exercise allowed
Froom May 4th, people in Italy will be able to exercise outdoors without restrictions or police checks (at any distance from home) as long as they follow social distancing of at least one metre.
Takeaway from restaurants now allowed
"From May 4th, we will give the go-ahead for take-away at restaurants,” Italy’s PM explained.
"We must go in one at a time and the food has to be consumed at home".
"Businesses concerned are allowed to reopen under the assumption of compliance with the security protocols.
“There will also be a safety measures for the transport companies".
More people allowed at funerals
Conte also gave the green light for funeral to have up to 15 people attending, but they can only be close relatives and all of them must wear masks.
Masks must be worn on public transport
The loosening of Italy’s lockdown goes hand in hand with the adoption of strict safety measures, especially in terms of the mandatory use of face masks on all public transport, Conte confirmed on Sunday’s TV announcement.
Face masks or other cloths or scarves must be worn over the nose and mouth and may also be made of fabric.
Anyone with a temperature must stay at home by law
Everyone with a fever of 37 degrees or more must stay at home, Italy’s government has decided, whereas before it was a recommendation and not a legal obligation.
Restricted rush hour numbers on public transport
Buses, metro services and other public transport in Italy will have a maximum number of passengers set during peak traffic times to respect the distance of one metre between people.
There will also be markers added to seats to indicate those that cannot be used.
Some retail and cultural sites to open on May 18th
"On May 18th, the reopening of the retail trade" as well as "exhibitions, museums and cultural sites” may be allowed if May 4th’s loosening of restrictions are successful.
The lockdown for hairdressers and beauticians, which may have to wait until June, has also been extended.
Other shops and retailers will remain closed for now.
What will come next?
“Before Phase three, we need to wait for a vaccination, and for new contagions to reach zero," Conte explained.
"For now, we need to live with the virus.”
“We can get angry and look for a scapegoat – the government, the press - or we can try to resolve the situation together, working as a team.
“If the curve rises during phase two, we need to respond rapidly.
“If we don't respect the rules the curve will rise again, deaths will increase and there will be irreversible damage to our economy.”