This week, Italy entered the second phase of its COVID-19 (coronavirus) lockdown plan, which included lifting some of the strict measures that have been in place for nearly two months. The new decree, which began Monday, May 4, allows people to visit parks, exercise outdoors and return to their permanent residences, even if it means traveling from one region to another; additional travel over long distances is still limited, however.
The new regulations, according to Italy’s The Local, will be in place until May 17. This news follows the reports that Italy does not plan to close to tourists in 2020 and that the minister of cultural heritage, activities and tourism is working with other members of the European Union to reopen travel safely.
If you are traveling to your permanent place of residence, you must remain there—you will not be allowed to travel between two or more addresses. Additionally, some regions in the south have imposed a mandatory quarantine for anyone traveling from the north. Anyone traveling from overseas is required to spend two weeks in self-isolation, as Italy’s regulations regarding travel from abroad remain unchanged in Phase Two.
The new decree lets people visit their relatives who live in the same region as them; this includes a variety of direct family members (parents, siblings, in-laws, cousins, etc.) but not friends. With that said, gatherings of any kind remain banned and social distancing and mask requirements must be obeyed when visiting any family.
Regarding parks, some where it will be hard to maintain social distancing measures (as in a playground or outdoor gym), may remain closed. Which parks reopen remain up to the regional governors or mayors. As far as outdoor exercise, the limit on staying within 200 meters of your home has been lifted but team sports are still banned.
People who work in the construction, manufacturing, wholesale and real estate industries are allowed back to work, in additions to architects, accountants, engineers, lawyers and other professionals. Restaurants, which were previously only open for delivery, are now open for takeout. A select number of shops, including gardening centers, will reopen, joining grocery stores, newsstands, pharmacies, children’s clothing stores and book shops, which have been open.
Note: You will still need a certification form to go outside.
This article originally appeared on www.travelagentcentral.com.
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