Phase 2 of the Italian strategy against the coronavirus - that of reopening after the total lockdown - will be characterized by gradualness. On the basis of the new Decree of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (Dpcm), announced on Sunday evening at a press conference by Giuseppe Conte, starting from next May 4th only the building, manufacturing and building construction sectors will be wholesale related to these sectors.
REOPENING FROM 27 APRIL
Starting tomorrow, April 27, companies in the manufacturing sector whose activity is mainly aimed at exports will be able to reopen, together with companies in the construction sector, limited to construction sites on hydrogeological instability, schools, prisons and public housing.
For all other sectors it will be necessary to wait at least another week.
RESTAURANTS, BARS, HAIRDRESSERS, BARBERS
Bars and restaurants, which have so far remained open only for home deliveries, will also be allowed to carry out the take-away delivery service from 4 May. “But let no one think that gatherings can form in front of the refreshment post,” Conte specified.
Restaurants and bars, along with hairdressers, barbers, beauty salons and massage parlors, will reopen more widely from June XNUMX.
MASKS
Masks will be mandatory in all closed places, but - with an order from Commissioner Arcuri - prices will be controlled to avoid speculation, including through the cancellation of VAT. For surgical masks the price should be 50 cents a piece.
SELF-CERTIFICATION AND VISITS TO CLOSE RELATIVES
Self-certification will continue to be required for travel (by car and on foot). However, from 4 May the form will be slightly modified to introduce the possibility of visiting the next of kin. Until May 18, both travel between regions (unless for reasons of work, health or proven need) and crowded family reunions will remain prohibited. “Even in family relationships you need to be careful – said Conte – Let's take into account that, according to scientists, the cause of at least one in four infections is to be found in family relationships. If you love Italy, keep your distance".
TRANSPORTATION
During a summit held on Sunday afternoon, the National Association of Municipalities asked the Government for special powers to be able to manage Phase 2 and precise regulation of public transport, which risks becoming new vectors of contagion.
On all means of transport (planes, trains and ships) there will be extraordinary sanitation and signals on seats that do not need to be occupied to allow the safety distance of at least one meter to be maintained. There will be a maximum access limit on each vehicle and the mask will be mandatory. As for trams and buses, rides will be increased during peak hours to avoid blockages and queues.
SPORT (PROFESSIONAL AND NON)
It will be possible to start playing outdoor sports again, even away from home, but always keeping a safe distance of at least one meter from other people.
From 4 May, the activities of professional athletes engaged in individual activities will also start again, but behind closed doors. For team sports, the resumption date is May 18.
PARKS AND VILLAS
Access to parks and villas will be allowed, but in compliance with distances and with access quotas. Local authorities will be able to choose not to reopen these places if it is not possible to comply with the requirements.
MASSES AND FUNERALS
Masses will not be able to take place yet, while an exemption is foreseen for funerals, to which, however, no more than 15 people will be admitted. If possible, the functions must take place outdoors and with a mask, always respecting the safety distances.
MUSEUMS, LIBRARIES AND ART PLACES
The closure of museums, libraries, art galleries and cultural venues continues. In this sector, the reopening will come only two weeks after the official start of phase two, i.e. on May 18th.
THE RECOVERY FUND
"With the Recovery Fund we have achieved an important step forward – Conte said again at the press conference – but now we must translate the political will into technical work, filling this instrument with economic consistency, balancing it well, making sure that no new debt is created through this instrument. Above all, it must be offered immediately to the most affected countries".
ECONOMIC MEASURES
“As for the economic measures, some of you are still dissatisfied, but I would like to say that the effort has been extraordinary – underlined the Premier – For the babysitter bonus, INPS has received 78 applications, for the extraordinary parental leave 237 thousand. Furthermore, we have already paid out 3,5 million in bonuses of 600 euros. Some are still waiting, there are some delays, for which I apologize, but I would like to remind you that, including layoffs, there are 11 million applications. This amount of work was normally managed by INPS in 5 years”.
