All Italian regions but one to drop Covid restrictions from Monday as infection rate falls further
Italy’s health ministry has allowed all regions except for Valle d'Aosta to drop most remaining coronavirus-related rules from Monday following this week's health data review.
Health Minister Roberto Speranza on Friday signed an ordinance putting the whole country, except for the northern region of Valle d'Aosta, into the low-restriction 'white zone'.
The ministry reviewed regional restrictions following the findings of the latest health data report published on Friday, which showed that the rate of new infections in the country remained low.
EXPLAINED: What are the rules in Italy’s coronavirus ‘white zones’?
The national average Rt reproduction number, which shows the rate of new infections, was steady at 0.69 (it was 0.68 last week).
Italy’s national average 7-day incidence rate had fallen from 25 cases per 100,000 inhabitants to 16.
To be placed in the low-restriction white zone, regions must have registered fewer than 50 coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants for three weeks consecutively.
The classification means regional authorities are allowed to drop most of the remaining coronavirus restrictions earlier than planned under the national roadmap for reopening.
So far, only mask-wearing and social distancing rules must remain in place in white zones, the health minister has said. House parties and large gatherings are also forbidden.
READ ALSO: Delta variant in Italy: What’s the risk of another Covid-19 surge?
For now, nightclubs and discos are still waiting for a firm date for reopening, and it is not known if or when Italy may relax the rules on wearing masks outdoors.
Italy’s evening curfew – which is not applicable in white zones – currently starts at midnight and will be scrapped completely on June 21st.
The final set of rules in each region depends on the local authority, as each is free to impose stricter rules than those set by the national government.
The Italian health ministry on Friday meanwhile announced it will reinstate a mandatory quarantine requirement for all UK arrivals from Monday amid concerns about the spread of the Delta coronavirus variant.
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Health Minister Roberto Speranza on Friday signed an ordinance putting the whole country, except for the northern region of Valle d'Aosta, into the low-restriction 'white zone'.
The ministry reviewed regional restrictions following the findings of the latest health data report published on Friday, which showed that the rate of new infections in the country remained low.
EXPLAINED: What are the rules in Italy’s coronavirus ‘white zones’?
The national average Rt reproduction number, which shows the rate of new infections, was steady at 0.69 (it was 0.68 last week).
Italy’s national average 7-day incidence rate had fallen from 25 cases per 100,000 inhabitants to 16.
To be placed in the low-restriction white zone, regions must have registered fewer than 50 coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants for three weeks consecutively.
The classification means regional authorities are allowed to drop most of the remaining coronavirus restrictions earlier than planned under the national roadmap for reopening.
So far, only mask-wearing and social distancing rules must remain in place in white zones, the health minister has said. House parties and large gatherings are also forbidden.
READ ALSO: Delta variant in Italy: What’s the risk of another Covid-19 surge?
For now, nightclubs and discos are still waiting for a firm date for reopening, and it is not known if or when Italy may relax the rules on wearing masks outdoors.
Italy’s evening curfew – which is not applicable in white zones – currently starts at midnight and will be scrapped completely on June 21st.
The final set of rules in each region depends on the local authority, as each is free to impose stricter rules than those set by the national government.
The Italian health ministry on Friday meanwhile announced it will reinstate a mandatory quarantine requirement for all UK arrivals from Monday amid concerns about the spread of the Delta coronavirus variant.
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