Covid, from masks to Cig: here are the 8 news from the Government

Italy will be in state of emergency until 31 January 2021 and, to counter the increase in infections, it will be Mandatory wearing of masks outdoors in the presence of non-cohabiting persons. This was established by the Council of Ministers which approved the decree law which extends the anti-Covid regulations currently in force (and expiring today at midnight) until next October 15th and introduces the new provisions on masks. The same provision contains the extension of the terms for Cig applications, more restrictive rules for the regions, the obligation to undergo a swab for those coming from 8 countries and the extension until the end of 2021 of the Immuni app. A new dpcm will be prepared by 15 October which will confirm and update the rules, with possible new restrictions.

The news comes after the go-ahead from the Chamber to the resolution of the majority which authorized the Government to launch a new decree for the management of the pandemic. The extension of the current rules therefore avoids a regulatory vacuum and gives the Executive another 8 days to discuss the changes to be implemented to deal with the increase in infections and avoid the surge seen in Spain, France also in Italy and UK.

THE NEW RULES ON MASKS OUTDOORS

The decree establishes the obligation to always have masks with you and to wear them:

"in all outdoor locations when you are in the vicinity of other non-cohabiting people, and in any case subject to the anti-contagion protocols envisaged for specific economic, productive and social activities, as well as the guidelines for the consumption of food and drink". 

Compared to the advances, the decree provides for a further tightening: masks are mandatory even in closed placesexcept for private homes. Previously indoors, there was an obligation only for places open to the public.

The obligation does not apply to children under six, however people who play sports outdoors and for those with pathologies or disabilities incompatible with the use of the mask and their companions (if unable to wear it).

“The mask will always be worn. The sentence in the Dpcm means that in situations of isolation, i.e. a run in the woods or while I'm in a park where there is no one, or in a condition of isolation I can not wear it. So the indication is to always carry it with you ", specified the undersecretary of Health Sandra Zampa, guest on "Today is another day" on Rai 1.

FINES AND SANCTIONS

Those who violate the rules will face a fine ranging from 400 and 1.000 euros. The sanction becomes much more onerous for those who do not respect the quarantine: a fine of 500 to 5 thousand euros plus a penal sanction punishable by 3-18 months in prison. 

EXTENSION REQUESTS CIG

The deadlines for submitting applications for ordinary layoffs and in derogation and for ordinary allowances have been extended to 31 October 2020. "In this way we ensure that all companies have a further possibility to send the requests and data necessary for the payment of the Covid-19 cig services, guaranteeing workers access to the income support measures provided for by the August decree", explained the minister del Lavoro, Nunzia Catalfo.

SWABS FOR THOSE WHO COME FROM 8 COUNTRIES

The obligation to undergo a swab for those arriving from Croatia, Greece, Malta, Spain has already been in force since this summer. The Government has added to the list of countries arriving from which the swab is also mandatory Great Britain, Holland and Belgium as well as Paris and seven other regions of France.

THE RULES FOR THE REGIONS

The regions will be able to impose more restrictive rules than those provided by the Government if they deem it necessary to contain the infections. On the contrary, however, it will not be possible to make the rules established at national level more "mild". The purpose of this measure is to prevent a recurrence of cases such as the one that involved discos this summer. State regulations provided for them to be left closed, the various Regions have decided to allow them to be opened, with the consequences that are known to all. 

SIMPLIFIED SMART WORKING CONFIRMED

La extension of the state of emergency as of 31 January 2021 it will allow companies and workers to continue with smart working without resorting to individual agreements. 

OTHER STANDARDS CONFIRMED

The capacity limits for parties, events, cinemas, theaters and indoor concerts have been confirmed: maximum 200 people. The safety protocols previously established for offices, bars and restaurants and the rules on physical distancing (at least one metre) and the ban on gatherings also remain in force. Anyone with a fever of more than 37,5 must stay at home.

IMMUNE

The Immuni App will remain active until December 31, 2021 in order to respond to "health protection and prevention needs, linked to the spread of Covid 19 also of a cross-border nature". Furthermore, "Interoperability with platforms that operate, with the same purposes, in the territory of the European Union is permitted".