Phase 2, reopening from May 4 but not for everyone: here's how

Phase 2 ready to go: but when, how and also where? On the beginning of the famous "coexistence with the virus", the Government is oriented for May 4 but not for everyone, while the task force led by Vittorio Colao is hard at work preparing all the necessary indications. The final decisions have not yet been taken but the main objectives are still the same three: guarantee health, avoid new waves of contagion and prevent economic activities from getting bogged down irreparably.

There is a hurry, but above all prudence. As has already emerged, the lineup of reopenings foresees businesses first, only after the shops, bars, restaurants and finally, just last, the recreational and crowded activities par excellence: concerts, sporting events, cinemas, discos, gyms. However, the calendar will not only be marked by the type of activity, but also by the place: it is possible that the Government will identify macro areas within which to move, which perhaps will coincide with the borders of the regions.

BUSINESSES

For companies, in some cases it will start again before the fateful 4 May. As early as Wednesday 22 April, some companies could restart which will have demonstrated that they can comply with the rules by now known to all: spacing of at least 1 meter between workstations, gloves and masks, cleaning twice a day, disinfectant dispensers available to workers, sanitization of the ventilation systems (a very important aspect, which is rarely talked about) and obviously smart working from home for those who already do it and will be able to continue doing it. The go-ahead will be for the textile and fashion, automotive, waste and construction sectors, but only if the safety conditions are strictly observed. And the low territorial risk will also be decisive.

SHOPS AND HAIRDRESSER

For trade, we have to wait at least for May 4, but the openings will not be automatic. Entrances will have to be staggered, as is already done for open establishments: one customer and two workers for a 40 square meter room, if it is smaller, a maximum of two people inside at a time. The choice in this case will be agreed with the regional governors: it is conceivable that the North will push to restart, while the South which has managed to contain the wave does not want to risk being mocked for excessive imprudence. Hairdressing and beautician shops will only be able to work by appointment, with one customer at a time, and by equipping themselves with devices similar to those used in doctor's offices. Any used items must be sterilized.

BARS AND RESTAURANTS

For this category, the hypothesized date is May 11, which also corresponds to the end of the lockdown in France (Macron would even like to reopen some schools, starting on the 12th). The activities will obviously be revolutionized: the summer will allow you to take advantage of the open spaces, but that's not enough. However, a clear distance between the tables is needed, even 2 meters, to allow the passage of waiters and other customers. The categories are pounding, with the arrival of the tourist season that one would like to save in some way, but technically the evaluation is very complicated.

CINEMA, THEATERS, GYMS

These are the most dangerous activities. Red dot. According to the experts, it should even be discussed again in September, but once again the summer will perhaps allow the opening of open-air arenas, with ample seating distances and strictly online ticket sales to avoid queues. For gyms the situation is critical: in theory they should be avoided, also by virtue of the fact that physical activity increases respiratory intensity and the emission of the famous droplets, the droplets of saliva that we expel even more under exertion. One hypothesis could be that of individual lessons, such as personal trainers.

WHAT WILL CHANGE ON MAY 4: PARKS, JOGGING, SECOND HOMES

Beyond the categories of activities mentioned, May 4th will in any case be a watershed that will allow us to resume part of our so-to-speak outdoor and vaguely social life. Meanwhile, some parks should reopen, with the possibility of bringing the children to play, even if with controlled and limited entrances and with methods of use that guarantee distancing even between children. They must be accompanied by a single parent, equipped with a mask. Then it should be jogging, which caused so much discussion, has been readmitted: you can go back to running outdoors, obviously alone and respecting distances, but no longer just 200 meters from home. Maybe even up to 1 km. On the table there is also the hypothesis of time slots (early in the morning and in the evening) reserved for runners. Still no team sports, of course.

After a month and a half of isolation, it will perhaps also be possible to return to a minimum of social life. For example invite friends over, as long as in spaces and conditions that guarantee a certain distance, and no more than 3-4 people together. From May 4 they could finally be second homes cleared, for those who have them. After all, it is one of the safest journeys, perhaps with a private car and limited only to family members who have already been in contact with each other for two months. However, the problem remains of avoiding the displacement of the infections and therefore here too one could proceed not in a homogeneous way and by cutting out any areas most affected by the virus.