by In Trieste
The Italian government has lifted the requirement to wear masks in many indoor public places from Sunday 1 May but has retained the mask mandate in certain situations until 15 June.
From 1 May masks are no longer required in bars and restaurants (both inside and outdoors), shops, shopping malls, post offices, banks, night clubs, public offices, gyms, hairdressers, barbers and beauticians.
However the government has issued a recommendation to wear masks in crowded enclosed public places.
Until 15 June, masks must continue to be worn on all forms of public transport, cinemas and theaters, hospitals and care homes, indoor sporting events and concerts, schools and universities.
Public transport
The more protective FFP2 masks must be worn on all local and long-distance public transport – including buses, trams, subways, regional trains, high-speed trains, ferries and planes until 15 June.
Cinemas, theaters, concerts
The FFP2 masks will be worn in cinemas, theaters and for all indoor shows such as concerts.
Sport
FFP2 masks are required in indoor sporting events while masks are recommended – but not required – for outdoor sports events and in stadiums.
Schools
Masks must continue to be worn in schools until the end of the current academic year. The obligation, which applies to children over the age of six, will however see students allowed to wear the regular surgical mask rather than the FFP2 variety from 1 May.
Workplace
In the workplace, masks are “strongly recommended” in public offices, for employees dealing with the public, in crowded spaces, in lifts and in the queue at the canteen. However the government has left it up to employers to decide whether or not to maintain the mask-wearing measures.
Museums
The wearing of masks is “strongly recommended” when visiting museums and archeologic sites, according to the websites of some museums and reports in Italian media. However a statement on the website of the Italian culture ministry states that surgical (chirurgica) masks are still required when visiting museums.
Churches
Italy’s Conference of Bishops (CEI) issued a statement saying that masks continue to be recommended for Mass, religious celebrations in churches and indoor parish activities, reports news agency ANSA.
