Italy’s prime minister Giuseppe Conte signed a new emergency decree shortly after midnight on November 4. The decree goes into effect on Friday, November 6 and will be valid until December 3.
A number of restrictions will be applied nationwide, while stricter measures such as local lockdowns will be decided according to the number of cases in a certain region or area. Italian regions therefore will be classified in three different zones according to the perceived level of contagion risk and how hospitals are doing with the number of patients hospitalized for Covid. The zones are: red (highest risk), orange (intermediate) and yellow (moderate). Each zone will have different rules and prohibitions.
The measures applied at the national level are as follows:
- Curfew from 10 pm to 5am; during this time, people are allowed to go out only for reasons of work, health or necessity, and will need to carry a form explaining the reason for being out.
- High schools will return to distance learning; in elementary and middle schools it will be compulsory to wear a face mask in class at all times.
- Malls and large stores selling non-essential goods will be closed on weekends.
- Bars and restaurants still have to close at 6 pm as per the previous emergency decree. A maximum of four people will be allowed at the same table and only if part of the same household.
- It is forbidden to consume food and alcohol in public places after 6 pm.
- Local public transport including buses and trains return to a 50% capacity.
- Museums, theaters and cinemas remain closed.
The regions or areas that will be classified as red, or high risk, will undergo the following restrictions:
- It will not be possible to leave or entry the region (unless returning to one’s residence), except for reasons of work, health or necessity, carrying a certification explaining the reason for moving.
- It will not be possible to even leave one’s own town limits.
- Bars, restaurants and eateries will be closed. Only takeaway until 10 pm and delivery will be allowed.
- Outdoor sports activities will be forbidden; it will only be possible to take a walk very close to one’s house.
Regions classified as red zones are Lombardy, Piedmont, Aosta Valley, and Calabria.
*Article updated on Thursday, November 5, 2020. Information is subject to change.
