Italy government orders Christmas, New Year lockdown to prevent COVID surge

[rooster59]

Italy government orders Christmas, New Year lockdown to prevent COVID surge

 

People take pictures of the Christmas tree at Duomo square as the government prepares to bring in further restrictions over the Christmas period to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Milan, Italy, December 18, 2020. REUTERS/Flavio Lo Scalzo

 

ROME (Reuters) - Italy will be placed under nationwide lockdown for much of the Christmas and New Year holiday, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Friday, as the government looks to prevent a fresh surge in coronavirus cases.

 

The announcement ended days of indecision and wrangling within the coalition, which was split between those wanting a complete shutdown and those pressing for more limited action to help struggling businesses and to allow some family reunions.

 

Under the new rules, non-essential shops will be shuttered between Dec. 24-27, Dec. 31- Jan. 3 and Jan. 5-6. On those days, Italians will only be allowed to travel for work, health or emergency reasons.

 

Shops will be able to open between Dec. 28-30 and on Jan. 4 and people will be free to leave their houses at that time. However, throughout the holiday period, all bars and restaurants must remain closed.

 

(Reporting by Angelo Amante, Editing by Crispian Balmer)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-12-19

 

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[Golden Triangle]

Well that's one reason I'm happy to live in Thailand, I was out with a couple of mates at the local mom & pop shop having a few beers before the beer ban due to the local elections, home now & not going anywhere until Monday, no lockdown, no real restrictions except common sense & cleanliness.

 

I feel sorry for Europe and the world in general.

[vandeventer]

Pretty soon they will keep us in separate cages ,6 feet apart ,with cheap masks?

[Magenta408]

Can you believe this <deleted>?

[oldhippy]

2 hours ago, vandeventer said:

Pretty soon they will keep us in separate cages ,6 feet apart ,with cheap masks?

You prefer morgues?