Italy declares nationwide quarantine

The authorities have decided to close all non-food stores and catering facilities.

The Italian government has announced a nationwide quarantine against the spread of the second wave of the virus. Beginning December 24, all public institutions in the republic will be closed, and a ban on citizens' movement is in place. 

The authorities have decided to close all non-food stores and catering establishments in the country, only allowing take-away and non-delivery purposes. Restrictions are imposed on holiday gatherings as part of Christmas celebrations. For example, residents are prohibited from gathering in town squares. Minor relaxations will be in force from December 28 to 30 and on January 4, reports news agency TASS. 

Simultaneously, the government has decided not to introduce a long-term quarantine. Many Italians have already bought thousands of tickets for their travels around the country in January 2021. 

The Italian government has also decided to postpone opening ski resorts in the northern provinces of the country. Previously the government assumed that they would be working on January 7. Still, then the opening date was postponed to the end of January. After the New Year in the country, plan to launch a campaign of mass vaccination of citizens. 

Officials noted that the country's new restrictions had not affected churches and beauty salons, operating in the normal mode, subject to security measures. 

Partial restrictions for business have been in force in Italy since October, divided into regions according to its epidemiological situation. Republican authorities had not planned to impose a new quarantine similar to the one in effect in the spring of 2020. But at the last minute, like in other Western European countries, officials tightened restrictions before the New Year holidays. 

Photo credit: Photogenica.

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