Published: 26/04/2021 By The Abode Team
Some of Italy’s coronavirus restrictions are being eased from today in regions designated ‘yellow’ zones. Here’s a closer look at what changes and where.Restrictions change across most – but not all – of Italy as the government’s new ‘reopening’ decree comes into force today, April 26th. Rule changes only apply to areas classed as lower-risk ‘yellow’ zones under the nation’s tiered system of restrictions.
The majority of Italy’s 20 regions and autonomous provinces turn yellow from Monday, after the latest health data released on Friday showed the coronavirus infection rate was falling in most of the country.
Five regions remain under the moderate-risk ‘orange’ zone rules: Basilicata, Calabria, Puglia, Sicily and Valle d’Aosta.
The only region to stay in the highest-risk red zone is Sardinia.
All other regions are yellow, meaning certain restrictions are relaxed.
What changes in yellow zones from Monday:
After weeks of being limited to takeaways and deliveries only, you’ll now be able to go out for a meal if you live in a yellow zone.
Restaurants, bars and ice-cream shops will be able to serve customers at both lunch and dinner – but only at outdoor tables, and businesses must close in time for the 10pm curfew.
All schools and universities will be able to resume in-person teaching in yellow and orange zones.
Cinemas and theatre shows will be allowed outdoors. Indoor showings can also go ahead, but will have their capacity limited to 50 percent.
All shops can stay open in yellow zones.
Outdoor sports will also be allowed.
Restrictions on non-essential travel between regions in yellow zones have also been dropped.
However, the 10pm-5am curfew remains in place nationwide.
For residents of higher-risk red and orange zones, not much changes from Monday. It will however be possible to travel to and from red and orange zone regions for non-essential reasons if using a new travel pass, the government announced. Further gradual easing of the restrictions is scheduled over the next few weeks, as long as the overall health situation continues to improve.
Beach clubs and swimming pools can reopen in mid-May, while gyms must wait until June 1st under the government’s plan.