On the day when new Sars-Cov-2 infections in Italy reached 11,705 in a single day against 146,541 swabs carried out (equal to a positivity rate of 8 per cent relative to swabs performed), Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte held a press conference to present a new dpcm — which stands for decreto del presidente del Consiglio dei ministri, i.e. a decree of the President of the Council of Ministers — to counter the spread of Covid-19. A dpcm that comes just a few, very few days after the previous one signed on 13 October, given the speed at which the virus is spreading across the country.

The new provisions

Schools: yes to distance learning (dad) and afternoon shifts

Secondary schools may adopt flexible arrangements, such as distance learning, in organising their activities. The use of dad can therefore be increased, while remaining complementary to in-person teaching. In addition, pupils' arrival and departure times can be further adjusted, including through the possible use of afternoon shifts, with the stipulation that entry must in no case take place before 9:00.

Area closures at mayors' discretion

Mayors may order the closure to the public, after 21:00, of streets or squares in urban centres where crowding situations may arise, without prejudice to the possibility of access and egress to lawfully open commercial premises and private residences.

Bars and restaurants with tables of a maximum of 6 people

Catering service activities, such as bars, pubs, restaurants, ice cream parlours and pastry shops, are permitted from 5:00 until 24:00, but only where table service is possible and with a maximum of six people per table. Otherwise, takeaway service is only permitted until 18:00. Home delivery remains permitted at all times.

Establishments selling food and beverages at service and fuel stations located along motorways, in hospitals and at airports remain open, with the obligation to ensure in all cases that an interpersonal distance of at least one metre is maintained.

Congresses, local fairs and trade fairs in person suspended

Local fairs and community festivals may not take place. National and international trade fair events and congresses may be held, following the adoption of protocols validated by the Comitato tecnico scientifico, and in accordance with organisational measures suited to the size and characteristics of the venues, such as to guarantee attendees the possibility of maintaining an interpersonal distance of at least one metre. All conference or congress activities are suspended, with the exception of those held in a remote format.

Betting shops open from 8:00 to 21:00

The activities of amusement arcades, betting shops and bingo halls are permitted from 8:00 to 21:00. Opening is permitted on condition that the regions and autonomous provinces have previously verified the compatibility of carrying out the aforementioned activities with the progress of the epidemiological situation in their territories.

Coronavirus data in Italy updated to 18 October

Total confirmed cases in Italy since the start of the epidemic stand at 414,241, while the number of deaths is 36,543. People currently hospitalised with symptoms number 7,131, of whom 750 are in intensive care. Meanwhile, people currently in home isolation number 118,356. The data are updated daily by the Fondazione Gimbe in line with the figures released by the Protezione civile and the ministero della Salute.

Lombardy the worst-affected region

The most critical situation is recorded in Lombardy, with 2,975 new infections out of 30,981 swabs carried out, for a percentage of 9.6 per cent. For this reason, the director general of the Ats (Agenzia di tutela della salute) of Milan, Walter Bergamaschi, declared to the all-news broadcaster Sky Tg24: "Admissions to intensive care are rising and positive cases are also growing steadily. The situation is critical in Lombardy, but particularly in Milan and in the Metropolitan City. The help of all citizens is needed to stop the virus in its tracks."