Italy Prepares New Restrictions after Spike in Cases

Italy is preparing new nationwide restrictions, including at private parties, following a recent spike in new coronavirus cases.

Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza stated Sunday, during an interview with RAI state TV, that Italy needed to add restrictions after easing them for several weeks, in an attempt to avoid a new national lockdown.

Speranza noted that the country needs a change of pace and to intervene with measures not comparable to those adopted in the past, which could allow it to put the contagion under control and avoid tougher measures later on.

The minister revealed that he proposed a ban on private parties, involving, both children and adults, while Rome would also target hours for bars and restaurants, to minimize the contagion risk.

he added that other precautions may include physical contact that offers no chance to wear a mask.

The new restrictions package will be discussed with regions today, Monday.

Italy registered last Friday 5,000 new COVID-19 cases in a single day for the first time since March. Daily infections continued to register over 5,000 on Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio ruled out another national lockdown, saying the Italian economy could not afford it.