June 3 Welcomes a New Post-Lockdown Phase, with Some Limitations

 

At the seaside in Italy with social distancing

Wednesday, June 3 will mark the official end of lockdown in Italy.  Although particular practices will continue to be regulated, it will now be possible to travel among regions within Italy, as well as throughout the European Union, and the Schengen area including Switzerland and the United Kingdom. However, travel to and from non-EU and non-Schengen countries––except for urgent work or health reasons––will not resume until Tuesday, June 16. 

In addition to these updates, complete access to parks and participation at masses, and funerals will be possible in compliance with a safety distance of at least two meters. People will also be able to visit museums and other places of culture, as well as to continue their slow and safe return to beach clubs, bars, restaurants, barbers and hairdressers with spacing limitations and other security protocols.  At the seaside, each beach umbrella must occupy a minimum space of 10 square meters (32 square ft).  Hot spring establishments have the green light in Tuscany only, thanks to a special ordinance issued by Governor Enrico Rossi, with social distancing between each person in the warm waters mandated at a minimum of four square meters (13 square ft.).  Natural steam grottos, saunas and Turkish baths remain prohibited for use.

While this new post-lockdown phase of the coronavirus emergency suggests hope for the new post-lockdown season, certain activities remain off-limits for two more weeks. Summer camps, cinemas, theaters and concert venues will only reopen June 15––again with capacity and distance limitations.  

Similarly, schools and universities remain closed, in addition to the suspension of congresses, reunions, meetings, social events, spas and cruises. Professional soccer could start again as early as June 13, according to Minister Spadafora. 

Other regulations which will remain to be upheld until further notice include regulated visits to retirement homes. Relatives will also still not be able to remain in the emergency room waiting areas. The protocol to remain at home for those in quarantine, with respiratory infections, or with a fever above 37.5 degrees celsius (99.5 Fahrenheit) will also remain intact. (elizabeth berry)