Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced, late Friday, that his country decided to impose nationwide lockdown in all parts of Italy, during the Christmas and New Year holiday, to prevent a new surge in coronavirus cases.
Conte stated, in a new conference, that it was “not an easy decision,” adding, “Our experts were seriously worried that there would be a jump in cases over Christmas. We therefore had to act.”
Conte also mentioned that the rules were designed to "allow the minimum socialization that is suitable for this period."
Italy will be under "red-zone" restrictions over the public holidays, as non-essential shops, restaurants and bars will be closed. Italians are only allowed to travel for work, health and emergency reasons, in addition to limiting home visits. Religious celebrations will be allowed until 10:00 pm .
Nonetheless, food shops, hairdressing salons, pharmacies, tobacconists, laundries, and bookstores are going to remain open.
Those restrictions shall be placed in the country on 24 to 27 December, 31 December to 3 January, and 5 to 6 January.
He affirmed that during this period people "can leave the house only for reasons of work, necessity and health."
The Italian PM indicated that the confinement of the "red-zone" restrictions would be relaxed on December 28, 29, 30 as well as on January 4. On these days, shops would be open until 9:00 pm, and citizens can be allowed to move freely.
Italy was the first western country hit by the epidemic in February, recording the highest Covid-19 death toll in Europe, with close to 68,000 fatalities.
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