The January 15 COVID-19 Decree: Florence & Tuscany Remain a ‘Yellow Zone’ for Now

Italian Prime Minister Conte’s latest decree signed on January 15 is effective immediately and lasts until March 5, 2021. Most rules remain the same. The country’s regional color system is still in place, with a recent incorporation of a slightly stricter yellow zone – zona rinforzata – and a white zone. Tuscany is classified as this reinforced yellow zone at least until January 30.

A self-certification form is not necessary to move around except during the curfew between 10 pm and 5 am. Travel between regions is not expected to restart until February 15, even if the desired destination is also in another yellow zone, except for motive of work, health, emergency or necessity. If entering Italy from another EU country, the quarantine requirement has been lifted given the passenger provides a negative result from a COVID test taken within 48 hours of departure. Up to two guests are allowed to visit the homes of others, in addition to children under 14 years old and people with disabilities.

Museums are set to reopen on weekdays from January 18, while the previously planned opening of ski resorts within the Tuscan region on the same day has been postponed to February 15.  Dining indoors resumes with a limit of four people per table. Take-away and delivery services are allowed to continue past 6 pm for restaurants and other facilities with kitchens only. Retail stores may maintain their regular hours. Malls and shopping centers are also open during the week but close on weekends. Gym, pool, and contact sport activity remains suspended though outdoor exercise is allowed given a two-meter distance (6.5 ft.) between people is respected.  (cathy doherty)