Coronavirus, new measures for the “Red zone” and the rest of Italy
Coronavirus: a new decree signed overnight by the Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and published in the Official Journal contains more stringent measures to contain the spread of the virus in Lombardy and in 14 other provinces where the number of infections are greater.
A series of other measures are valid throughout the national territory. Compared to the initial draft, which began to circulate yesterday evening, there are 14 provinces and not 11 provinces, in addition to Lombardy, affected by more rigorous measures to contain the infection. These provinces are Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia, Rimini, Pesaro e Urbino, Alessandria, Asti, Novara, Verbano Cusio Ossola, Vercelli, Padova, Treviso and Venezia. The measures stated in the decree are valid from today, March 8, until April 3.
RED ZONE MEASURES (Article 1 of the decree of 8 March 2020)
It is forbidden to enter and exit
Travel in and out of Lombardy and the 14 provinces stated above is prohibited. One can only move for emergencies or "proven" work needs, which must however be authorized by the prefect. Absolute ban on mobility for those who have been in quarantine.
Schools closed until April 3 - The teaching activity for schools of all levels, universities and academies is suspended until April 3.
Bars and restaurants open from 6 to 18 - The decree states an opening hours allowed for restaurant and bar services, from 6 to 18, provided that a place is able to comply with the "obligation" to ensure the interpersonal safety distance of 1 meter in the premises, with the sanction of suspension of the activity in case of violation. The suspension of exams for a driving license is also ordered.
Closed gyms and swimming pools. Derogation for games behind closed doors
The decree also establishes the closure in Lombardy and in the 14 provinces mentioned above of all gyms, swimming pools, spas and wellness centers. Outdoor sports competitions are allowed only behind closed doors (no fans). Shopping centers will have to be closed but only on the weekend. Other commercial activities, other than catering, may remain open on condition that they are able to guarantee a distance of one meter between customers. Instead, museums, cultural centers and ski resorts are closed. Contests are also suspended.
No weddings or funerals. Cinemas and theaters are closed
Civil and religious ceremonies, including funeral ceremonies, are suspended. All organized events are also suspended, as well as events in public or private places, including those of a cultural, recreational, sporting and religious nature, even if held in closed places but open to the public, such as large events, cinemas, theaters, pubs, schools dance halls, game rooms, betting rooms and bingo halls, discos and similar places.
Holidays
Whenever possible, employers are advised to encourage the use of ordinary leave or holidays by their employees.
VALID MEASURES IN THE REST OF ITALY (Articles 2 and 3 of the decree of 8 March 2020)
Schools are closed until March 15th
The teaching activity for schools of all levels and universities remains suspended until March 15th. Educational trips and school trips are suspended until April 3.
Cinemas, theaters and museums are closed
Throughout the whole national territory, the suspension of cinematographic, theatre events and events and shows of any nature "carried out in every place, both public and private". Opening of museums is suspended. The Municipality of Rome announces that it has ordered the closure of all museums, theatres and all places and institutes of culture.
Closed pubs, discos and bingo
Pubs, dance schools, game rooms, betting rooms and bingo halls, discos and similar clubs are suspended.
Bars and restaurants, gyms and swimming pools are open but with an obligation to keep distance of 1 meter between customers.
The managers of catering businesses can continue to keep the premises open, provided that they guarantee the interpersonal safety distance of at least one meter. Same goes for gyms and swimming pools, which can remain open as long as the visitors are guarantee safety distance from each other.
Limit travel
Among the preventive measures, art. 3 point C reads: "It is recommended to limit, where possible, the movement to strictly necessary cases".
Prohibition of staying in emergency rooms
Patient carers cannot stay in the emergency room waiting. Access of relatives and visitors to hospitals is also limited.
Prohibition of mobility for quarantined individuals
Even in the rest of Italy who is in preventive quarantine or has tested positive for the virus cannot move from home.
No civil and religious ceremonies, including funerals
Weddings and funerals are also suspended throughout the country.
Medical congresses suspension
Conferences, meetings and events involving healthcare personnel are suspended.
Prison visits
The decree provides for people in prisons to carry out the visits not in person but by telephone or video.
Holidays
As in the red zone, same goes for the rest of Italy, whenever possible, employers are advised to encourage the use of ordinary leave or holidays by their employees.
Public transport and sanitation of vehicles
Public transport companies will have to take extraordinary measures to disinfect their vehicles.
Communicate to ASL (national heath care company) if you come from the red zone
Anyone returning to Italy from countries at epidemiological risk must communicate it to the competent ASL office. But also those who have passed through the red zones in the last 14 days (article 5, point 2).
THE SANCTIONS
Failure to comply with the decree is punished according to the article 650 of the Criminal Code, as required by the law of 23 February, i.e. with the arrest of up to 3 months and a fine of up to 206 euros.
Original article in Italian and the PDF of the decree you can read here.
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