Movements from May 4th: the new rules in 9 points

From 4 May, the rules on travel have changed. We will be able to leave the house a little more, but no gatherings, no "family parties", we will always need to keep a safe distance and, when contacts are inevitable, use masks. 

 “We are not yet in a position to restore full freedom of movement, but we are studying an easing of the current, more rigid restrictions. I have already anticipated that it will not be a "free all", said Premier Giuseppe Conte during the press conference to present the dpcm of 26 April.

In view of the 2 phase  there is some good news: we will be able to see the closest relatives again, play outdoor sports - including parks - and move within our Region. Everything else will have to wait. The coronavirus is in fact in the containment phase, but it has not yet been defeated. Self-certification? Will continue to serve.

Here, in detail, the new travel rules in force since 4 May. 

MOVEMENTS FROM MAY 4TH: WHAT CAN BE DONE

The decree of 26 April allows travel motivated "by proven work needs or situations of necessity or for health reasons". So far, nothing changes. However, the dpcm specifies that “they are considered necessary travel to meet relatives provided that the ban on gatherings and the interpersonal distance of at least one meter are respected and respiratory tract protections are used". It is in these three lines of article 1 that one of the most important innovations lies, which will enter into force on May 4th. You will be able to meet relatives residing in your Region: parents, brothers, uncles, grandparents, nephews. It will be a way to reunite the "families that have been separated by the lockdown", specified the Prime Minister at the press conference, but the necessary precautions must be taken: always use masks, keep a distance of one meter, no family parties. 

YOU WILL MEET BOYFRIENDS

Good news for lovers. As mentioned, the decree speaks of visits to "relatives". The problem is that officially this definition means "relatives and family members" with whom there is a blood bond or a legal bond (marriage or civil union). According to a first interpretation - which has created quite a few controversies - this definition would have excluded visits to engaged couples, cohabitants, etc.. In the afternoon of 27 April, a clarification arrived from Palazzo Chigi: by relatives, the Government explained, we mean "relatives and affine, spouse, cohabitants, stable boyfriends, stable affections".

TRAVEL: YES WITHIN THE REGION, NO OUTSIDE 

Citizens will be able to move within their own municipality or region for work, necessity or health needs. They still remain on the other hand, travel "by public or private transport" in different regions is prohibited from those in which we find ourselves, if not for work or health reasons. However, another small prohibition falls: "it is in any case permitted - reads the decree - to return to one's home, home or residence". This possibility had been prohibited to avoid exodus from the Northern to the Southern Regions which could have increased the infections in the South. Students or off-site workers who have been away from their families due to the lockdown will therefore be able to return home.

The absolute ban on movement remains for those who are in quarantine or have a fever above 37,5°. 

YES TO OUTDOOR SPORTS

It will be allowed to play sports outdoors, even when moving away from one's home. However, there are two stringent conditions. Motor or sporting activity can only be done individually or in any case keeping a distance of two meters for the first and at least one meter for the second ". 

From 4 May, green light also for motor activity with children or for walks with non self-sufficient people. Professional training will also start again, but only for individual disciplines. For team sports (such as football) you will have to wait until May 18th.

PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS REOPEN

From 4 May, access to parks, villas and public gardens will be permitted. However, access must be limited and the safety distance of one meter must be respected. The areas equipped for children will remain closed. Before deciding to go, however, pay attention to what has been established by the Municipality:

"the mayor may order the temporary closure of specific areas in which it is not possible otherwise to ensure compliance with the provisions of this letter".

Source: Dpcm 26 April

OK TO TAKE AWAY FOOD

No longer just home deliveries (where they were allowed). From next Monday it will be possible to go out to buy food prepared by bars or restaurants and take it home or to the office. It will not be possible to consume food inside the club or outside. The safety distance must be respected. “You will have to enter one at a time – explained Conte -, respecting the line, the distances, with the protective devices”.

MASSES AND FUNERALS

From May 4, funerals can be celebrated, but only in the presence of close family members (first or second degree relatives) with a maximum of 15 people present. All at a distance and equipped with masks. Masses still stopped. 

SELF-CERTIFICATION: THE OBLIGATION PERSISTS

Despite the easing of restrictions, citizens will have to continue to fill in and present self-certifications: “It is clear – said the Premier – that when the travel regime remains limited, it is difficult to eliminate self-certification. It will remain as long as there are limitations”. The form will be modified again in order to insert the new reasons for the movements envisaged by the dpcm of 26 April. 

MASKS: WHEN TO WEAR THEM

The masks they must be worn in all cases in which it is not possible to maintain adequate safety distances. They will be mandatory on public transport or during medical visits. When they reopen, they will also be used in shops, at the hairdresser's or in beauty centres. 

Article 3 of the decree of 26 April reads: 

"it is mandatory throughout the national territory to use respiratory protection in closed places accessible to the public, including means of transport and in any case on all occasions in which it is not possible to continuously guarantee the maintenance of the safety distance"

Source: Dpcm 26 April

As for their price, Premier Conte announced: "We have asked Commissioner Arcuri to set the market price, it is a fair price that we have set at 0,50 euro cents for each surgical mask". “Furthermore”, explained the prime minister, “our commitment is to completely eliminate VAT”.

(Last update: 17.44 pm on 27 April)