June 3 marks a change in travel restrictions many Italians have been looking forward to: from that date, it’s possible to travel again between regions of Italy, which had been forbidden since March 9 except for reasons of work, health or emergency. Italians are now free to start planning their summer vacation or reach their second homes, or simply, to move freely. The national government can still decide to close certain area and ban travel to and from areas where the epidemiological threat is deemed high.
In addition, travel to and from EU countries, Schengen countries (26 European states that have abolished all passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders), the UK and northern Ireland, is also allowed from June 3. Citizens of those countries who arrive in Italy won’t have to undergo the 14-day self-quarantine anymore unless they’ve been in countries different from those stated above in the 14 days prior to entry into Italy.
People can travel together in the same car if they’re part of the same family, otherwise a maximum of two people per car is allowed; both need to wear a face mask, and the passenger should seat in the back seat.
Cinemas and theater will reopen on June 15, with a maximum of 200 people allowed inside; if the space is outdoors then 1,000 spectators are allowed. Masks will be mandatory both for staff and the public. Social distancing rules still apply and people are encouraged to buy tickets online to avoid lines at the entrance.
As for cafés and restaurants, open since May 18, table service will only be guaranteed until a certain hour to avoid crowds and gatherings especially in those areas with an intense nightlife, after scenes of young people forming groups outside bars without social distancing and without wearing masks caused a lot of controversy in the past couple of weeks.
The obligation to wear a mask in all public places, inside shops, hairdressers and beauticians, on planes and trains, on public transport and wherever it’s not possible to keep the minimum distance of one meter remains in place. Some regions, like Lombardy and Piedmont, currently those with the highest number of cases, mandate the use of masks also outdoors, except when working out.
Safety distance must be maintained and physical contact avoided for those who don’t live together, also among relatives and especially when interacting with the elderly.
Those with a temperature of 37.5 degrees or higher must stay at home. Citizens cannot refuse to be taken the temperature if the owner of a restaurant or hotel requires to do so. Access to public places with a temperature of 37.5 degrees or higher is forbidden.
People also cannot refuse to give their personal information to the owner of a bar or restaurant as the information can be used to track any contact in case of new infections.
Social distancing remains in place everywhere, including outdoor areas. Private gatherings should only take place when the safety distance of one meter can be guaranteed.
