Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is urging Italians and tourists to avoid ski holidays during the Christmas holidays in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

Conte says it will not be possible "to allow ski holidays".

”We can't afford it.

Italian ski resorts in the Alps and Dolomites typically see a huge influx of guests during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Many ski resorts have introduced rules on how many people are allowed on ski lifts and on the slopes. But that is not enough, Conte says in a television interview.

”Everything related to holidays on snow is difficult to control,” says the Prime Minister.

The Italian ski industry warns that a shutdown threatens entire Alpine communities.

Several Italian regions have partially shut down to avoid widespread infection. The restrictions are currently in place until December 3rd.

On Monday, Italy reported 630 coronavirus-related deaths in a single day. More than 50,000 people have died from COVID-19-related illnesses during the pandemic.

Source: TT