“If You love Italy, Keep Your Distance”, PM Conte started this way his long-awaited speech to the Italian public on Sunday night. In his 30 minute speech, PM granted Italians more freedom starting May 4th.
Conte said we will need to coexist with the virus for many months to come and the only way to not get sick is keep at least one meter distance and use common sense (wear a mask and wash your hands).
“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 cautioned against expecting bars and restaurants to open their doors in May – or tourists returning this summer.
“We will be reviewing our social distancing rules,” said Conte. “But this does not mean that we will be abandoning them.”
What are the main points of Italy’s new lockdown restrictions?
- Visiting relatives close by is allowed. 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. The price for masks will be reduced and fixed at €0.50.
- More freedom to move around. You will be allowed to return to your second homes, or visit public parks as long as there’s compliance with safety distances and requirements.
- Outdoor exercise allowed. From May 4th, we will be allowed to exercise outdoors without restrictions or police checks (at any distance from home) as long as you follow social distancing of at least one meter.
- Takeaway from restaurants now allowed. “We must go in one at a time and the food has to be consumed at home,” said PM Conte.
- Masks must be worn on public transport
- Everyone with a fever of 37 degrees or more must stay at home
- Restricted rush hour numbers on public transport. Public transport will have a maximum number of passengers set during peak traffic times to respect the distance of one meter between people.
- Shops and cultural sites to open on May 18th
- Hairdressers and beauticians are to open in June
PM Conte finished his speech by saying that if we don’t respect the rules the curve will rise again therefore we have to try to resolve the situation together, working as a team.
By In Trieste
