Italy has been under strict isolation measures since March to counter the spread of Sars-Cov-2, the coronavirus responsible for the disease Covid-19. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has outlined the new measures that will accompany the country through phase two — the recovery phase.

The overarching theme of his address was a single one: Italians have made enormous efforts during the first phase, and the time has come to set aside anger and resentment and think about what each of us can do to drive the recovery — all of us, without exception. "We need to roll up our sleeves; we need an intense season of reforms. We will not hold back — we will keep fighting to change everything that is not working," Conte declared.

The latest news on coronavirus

Phase 2 begins on 4 May — what changes

From 4 to 18 May it will remain possible to travel within one's own region only for proven reasons and for the purpose of visiting relatives. These visits must be made wearing masks and always in compliance with the ban on gatherings. "People should not think they can hold family parties, though," the Prime Minister clarified, stressing once again that these visits may only take place within one's own region.

The permitted movements into and out of regions therefore remain unchanged: one cannot leave the region in which one is located, and travel between regions is permitted only for urgent work or health reasons. Returning to one's own home is now permitted.

Anyone displaying symptoms such as fever or respiratory problems must remain at home, avoid contact with others and notify their doctor.

If you love Italy, keep your distance. Giuseppe Conte

Wholesale trade reopens from 4 May

From the 4th, all manufacturing, construction and wholesale trade that is functional to manufacturing and construction will reopen. The full plan is set out in the new decree. A new opening protocol has been signed that all companies are required to comply with. Regions will be required to provide the state with a detailed plan of infection rates and the trajectory of the curve.

Access to villas, gardens, public parks and outdoor sporting activity permitted

Access to villas, gardens and public parks is now permitted, but always in compliance with the ban on gatherings. It will be possible to leave home to engage in sporting activity, but always maintaining distances. To allow a gradual resumption of sporting activities, training sessions for professionals recognised by their respective federations will be permitted, again avoiding gatherings and behind closed doors only.
Listen to "Coronavirus, quando una pandemia apre il decennio più importante per il clima" on Spreaker.

Funeral ceremonies permitted

There has been an opening regarding funeral ceremonies. They will be permitted, but with a maximum attendance of 15 people, preferably outdoors, always maintaining distances and with the obligation to wear masks.

Bars and restaurants permitted to offer takeaway service

Bars and restaurants will also be permitted to offer takeaway catering, but only if they are able to maintain distances. Food will have to be consumed elsewhere, and only one customer at a time will be allowed inside.

Retail trade reopens from 18 May

A reopening of retail trade is planned for 18 May. The intention is also to reopen museums, exhibitions and libraries, and to allow team training at sports facilities.

Restaurants and beauty centres to reopen from 1 June

From 1 June, the aim is to reopen bars more widely, along with restaurants, barbers, beauty centres and massage centres. These reopenings will require more time because they involve activities that require contact between people.

Schools, however, will remain closed until the end of the school year.

Phase 2 will be a phase of coexistence

For Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, a phase of coexistence is now beginning — one in which we must be aware that the infection curve could rise again, but whose trajectory must not spiral out of control.

It will be even more important to maintain distances of at least one metre, and to observe this precaution even with relatives and family members, because at least one in four people infected contracted the virus through family contact.

A very complex challenge awaits us in the coming months, which is why there can still be no total relaxation of restrictions. All of us, without exception, will have to lay the foundations for the restart. "We need to roll up our sleeves and we need an intense season of reforms. We will not hold back — we will keep fighting to change everything that is not working," the Prime Minister stated.

Mask prices to be fixed in phase 2

In the coming months it will still be necessary to live with the virus and adopt all the necessary precautions. To this end, market prices for masks will be fixed at around fifty cents, to prevent speculation and provide a fair and equitable price for businesses and consumers. A forthcoming measure will also remove VAT on these goods.

The recovery fund demonstrates the need for cooperation

According to Prime Minister Conte, the recovery fund has established an important principle: the response must be common, swift and courageous. "It is an innovative instrument that will offer the hardest-hit countries, such as Italy, the opportunity to recover. It was made possible through teamwork carried out with other European countries. Had Italy not pressed for these conditions from the outset, with determination, this historic result would never have been achieved. The Italian system obtained this response thanks to the efforts of everyone."

The ultimate goal will then be to translate this principle into concrete technical work — that is, to give this instrument real economic substance, to balance it and to avoid creating further debt. At European level there is admiration and solidarity for the measures already taken.

The Civil Protection update of Sunday 26 April

Civil Protection has released Italy's infection figures. The data for Sunday the 26th show a decline both in the number of people hospitalised in intensive care and in the number of people hospitalised with symptoms.

To date, 197,675 people have contracted the virus, an increase of 256 patients compared to yesterday. Among those currently positive, 2,009 are receiving treatment in intensive care, a decrease of 93 patients compared to yesterday. There are 21,372 people hospitalised with symptoms, a decrease of 161 patients compared to yesterday. Deaths stand at 260, bringing the total to 26,644. Furthermore, the overall number of those discharged and recovered has risen to 64,928, an increase of 1,808 people compared to yesterday.