Going out for a walk, walking the dog, going for a run or playing outdoor sports. Until a few weeks ago they were normal and daily activities for millions of citizens, but in the time of the coronavirus everything is called into question, including our freedom of movement.
You have to stay at home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible. Going out is allowed only and exclusively for work, situations of need, health reasons and return to one's home, home or residence. Anyone who does so must bring a self-certification on which the police will carry out checks. Beware of stating falsehoods: in just two days over 130 people were checked and 4275 were fined.
The rapid evolution of events, the numerous decrees issued, but also the conflicting statements of politicians and institutions have created considerable confusion among citizens. Can or can't you go for a walk? Are outdoor sports allowed? Go out to buy cigarettes? Answering only yes or no could push many citizens to make mistakes that could cost them dearly, both in terms of health and in terms of fines and penalties. Wanting to provide a more complete explanation, we can say that the diktat is to limit travel as much as possible, but to date there is no absolute ban for any of these activities. Let's see what the competent institutions say.
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WALKS AND OUTDOOR SPORTS: THE VIMINALE CIRCULAR
In a circular of 12 March 2020 signed by the chief of staff of the Viminale, Matteo Piantedosi, it is clarified that:
"As regards situations of need, it is specified that travel is allowed for proven primary needs that cannot be postponed, such as for example for food supply, or for the daily management of pets, or to carry out outdoor sports and motor activities , respecting the interpersonal distance of at least one meter.
Source: Ministry of the Interior
Do you need self-certification for a walk? Uses, underlines the Ministry of the Interior, as for any other type of movement, on foot, by bike, by car or by public transport.
CORONAVIRUS: THE FAQS OF THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH
An indirect confirmation also comes from the Ministry of Health which has updated its Faq on the "new coronavirus". Responding to a question relating to access to public parks and gardens, the ministry led by Roberto Speranza explains:
"Yes, parks and public gardens can remain open to guarantee the performance of outdoor sports and motor activities, as provided for by article 1, paragraph 3 of the dpcm, provided that they are not in a group and that the interpersonal distance of a meter".
Source: Ministry of Health.
Sandra Zampa, Undersecretary of Health, on her Twitter profile adds: “For clarity on the subject of coronavirus and behavior: sport and motor activities carried out in open spaces are allowed in compliance with the interpersonal distance of one meter. In any case, gatherings must be avoided.
THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE
The above declarations are also confirmed on the Government website where there is a special section that answers the most common questions among citizens on the measures adopted by the #stayathome decree:
Is it allowed to do physical activity?Yes, outdoor motor activity is allowed as long as it's not in a group. Gatherings are always prohibited.
Source: Government.it
Based on these indications, those who want to stretch their legs or do physical activity can therefore do so, (although it would be better to avoid) without risking fines. However, the rules must be respected: you must go alone, no company. Always keep the safety distance of one meter and make sure that there are not too many people in the same place.
Obviously what has just been said does not apply to those who are in quarantine or tests positive for the virus, shows symptoms of respiratory infection or fever above 37,5 degrees. In these cases, the prohibition of mobility is peremptory and there is a risk of very harsh penalties.
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