From the BBC:
“Covid-19:
Italy tightens rules after coronavirus cases surge”
Italy has
announced a new raft of measures to tighten restrictions amid a surge in
coronavirus cases. A mask-wearing PM Giuseppe Conte said the measures were
needed "to avoid a new lockdown". Mayors will get powers to close
public areas after 21:00 and the opening times of restaurants and the size of
groups allowed will tighten. The moves came as Italy recorded its highest daily
infection rate for the second day in a row. Another 11,705 new cases were
announced on Sunday, beating the previous record, which came a day earlier on
Saturday, of 10,925. Italy was the European nation hardest hit at the start of
the pandemic. It has now recorded 414,000 confirmed coronavirus cases. Its
36,500 deaths place it second to only the UK in Europe. Mr Conte said in a
televised address on Sunday evening: "We cannot waste time, we must put in
place measures to avoid a generalised lockdown, which could severely compromise
the economy." He said: "The government is here but everyone has to do
their part." He added: "The most effective measures remain the basic
precautions: mask, distance and hand hygiene. We must pay attention to
situations where we let our guard down - with relatives and friends. In these
situations, the maximum precaution is required."
Among the
other measures announced:
Changes in
schooling mainly affect older pupils in high schools. Starting times will be
later and more distance-learning will be encouraged
Bars and
restaurants to close at midnight, but after 18:00 only table service will be
allowed. The maximum in a group will be six
Conferences and
local festivals are suspended
Amateur contact
sports must stop
Gyms and
swimming pools will have to adapt to new protocols within seven days
^ It seems the
second wave has hit Italy. ^
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