Italy relaxes coronavirus restrictions in most regions

Rome, Feb 1 (AFP/APP): Italy on Monday relaxed coronavirus restrictions in most of its regions, allowing greater freedom to travel and the daytime reopening of bars, restaurants and museums.

The government announced an easing of restrictions on Friday, even after the World Health Organization (WHO) and other experts warned that the move may be premature.

Sixteen regions are now under the lower-risk “yellow” category, while five — Sicily, Sardinia and Puglia in the south, Umbria in the centre and South Tyrol in the north — are still “orange.” In Rome, which is in the “yellow” region of Lazio, the Colosseum and other tourist landmarks such as the Pantheon and the Borghese Gallery reopened their doors.

The Vatican also eased coronavirus restrictions, allowing visitors back into the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel after being closed for 88 days — the longest closure since World War II.

However, museums can stay open in “yellow” regions only during the week. In “orange” areas, bars and restaurants are limited to takeaway or home delivery service, people cannot leave their towns of residence except for work or urgent needs, and museums remain shut.

A nationwide curfew remains in place from 10 pm to 5 am, along with social distancing and mask-wearing in public.