Italy will extend most of the coronavirus restrictions that were imposed during the Christmas holiday season until Jan. 15 as it battles the coronavirus pandemic.
Italy’s Council of Ministers on Tuesday approved a decree-law that prohibits travel between the country’s regions except for health or work reasons. People who live in “red zones,” areas hit the hardest by COVID-19, will be permitted to “move” just once a day to another single private home in their municipality and there must not be more than two adults per group.
Photos: Faces on the Front Lines
Bars and restaurants will only provide takeout services. High schools will reopen for in-person instruction on Jan. 11 at 50% capacity, with 50% learning remotely. Kindergarten and primary schools will reopen in-person on Jan. 7.
According to Italy’s Ministry of Health, the country reported 10,800 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the total to more than 2.16 million. More than 75,680 people have died, with 348 deaths recorded on Monday.
The restrictions will last until at least Jan. 15, and regional governors have the authority to implement even stricter constraints if they feel it’s necessary to curb the spread.