New Pandemic Regulations in Italy

 

In the face of the rise of Coronavirus infections, the Italian government has extended the national state of emergency previously due to expire on October 1, 2020, through January 31.  Along with that decision, regulations regarding the wearing of face masks have become stricter:  they must be worn at all times indoors except at home and outdoors as well, with the exception of during sports activities, and in the car either alone or with family members/loved ones.  At cafés, masks may lowered only when eating or drinking, while at a restaurant masks may be removed at the table, but must be put on again when using the restroom, entering or exiting.  Fines for not complying with the new rules range from €400 to €1000, effective immediately.

Starting October 9, and effective until October 31, a total of no more 1000 people on Friday and Saturday night between the hours of 10 to  2 pm will be allowed into piazza Santa Spirito, filtering through gates to the square, which normally holds many more sitting at bars, cafés and restaurants or on the steps of the church who are not observing social distancing.

October 7 also saw 300 new reported cases of Covid-19 in Tuscany, the most in a single day since March 2020 and 339 on October 8.   (rosanna cirigliano)