Italy adopts new restrictions to avoid lockdown

Bars and restaurants to close early and cinemas and gyms have to shut.

With rising coronavirus cases throughout the nation, the Italian government on Sunday 25th October 2020 adopted a raft of new measures imposing further restrictions. The new decree, signed after night-long negotiations with regional governors, will be effective from October 26th until November 24th.

Under the new rules, bars and restaurants must close at 6 p.m., and can stay open later only for takeaway service. A maximum of four people can sit at a table together. Consuming food and drinks in public places will also be banned from 6 p.m.,

Cinemas, theatres, gyms and swimming pools must all close, although museums can remain open.

Gatherings for weddings, baptisms and funerals are banned, as are all events and fairs. Distance learning will be applied in high schools for at least 75 percent of students.

The decree discourages movements across regions, if not for strict health or job reasons, but no limitation will be introduced by law.

“We need to do as much as possible to protect our health and our economy and avoid a second general lockdown,” Giuseppe Conte, the premier, said at a news conference on Sunday.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE NEW DECREE