Italy Enters Phase 3 After 97 Days of Lockdown

Italy was one of the European countries most affected by the COVID-19 virus crisis officially recording over 34,000 victims.
The country went into lockdown on March 10, 2020, almost 100 days ago. Although numbers continue to decrease, coronavirus cases are still being reported daily.

Public safety and health measures that have already been implemented such as social distancing, wearing masks and limiting numbers at public gatherings will continue over the next few months.

May 4th marked the date of phase 2 when shops, private businesses, restaurants and cafes opened.

On Monday, June 15th, Italy will enter into Phase 3 of a plan to gradually reopen businesses and public spaces which will extend to July 14th and bring an end to the state of emergency set for July 31.

What is opening?

From Monday, June 15th cinemas and theaters can reopen. Cinemas, theaters, cultural events and shows can now open their doors. Pre-assigned seating respecting personal space with at least 1 meter for both staff and spectators are required by the venue. Audiences are limited to 1000 spectators for outdoor performances and 200 for indoor performances regardless of venue size.

Gaming rooms, bingo halls as well as wellness centers, spas, cultural and social centers may also reopen from June 15th.

Starting June 25th both amateur and professional contact sports and team sports (basketball, martial arts, etc) can take place.

On July 14th night clubs both indoor and outdoor can reopen provided that the distancing and safety measures can be implemented.

Other businesses both commercial and industrial will still be required to comply with regulatory protocols; the use of masks, sanification and maintaining personal distancing of 1-m between workers and customers.

Healthcare personnel, public administrators, schools and transport will also be taking continued special measures throughout Italy.

Can we travel to Italy?

As of June 3rd travel between regions in Italy was allowed without the need for self-certification.

As of June 15th, travelers can freely move within Italy, between European Union States and the Schengen area.

From July 1 borders outside the European Union States and the Schengen area are said to open.

Cruise services and passenger ships are suspended until further notice.

Ski resorts can open in regions that have authority from the Ministry of Health.

Schools in Italy adapted to online learning and the scholastic year officially ended June 8th but plans and organisation of school openings in September are still uncertain.

Outdoor and indoor summer camps for children and teenagers will be possible provided they follow security and health protocols. Groups of ages 3 to 5 year olds will have one adult for every 5 children. Groups of ages 6 to 11 year olds will have one adult for every 10 children. Supervision for groups of 12 to 17 year olds will be determined by the school/camp.

Public measures are still necessary in order to protect the elderly and those with weak or compromised immune systems.
Data from salute.gov.it reports that the average age of Covid-19 deaths is 80 years old; 58.7% men and 41.3% women. It is reported that 59.7% of all victims already had three or more pre-existing conditions.

When will it end?

A team of scientists from the University of Technology in Singapore using a complex mathematical calculation based on coronavirus contagion curves has predicted the end date of the epidemic in Italy for August 12, 2020.

This prediction, however, should be taken with a grain of salt as other studies imply that the COVID-19 coronavirus will possibly be with us for years to come.

Taking proper safety measures and following hygiene protocols is the best way to stop the spread and is the responsibility of each and every one of us.

Article by Celia Abernethy, Easy Milano Editor
Featured photo / Canva Pro

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