In Covid-ravaged Italy, hopes are being raised for a somewhat normal summer as outdoor cafes and entertainment venues partially reopen. In France, some restrictions are also being lifted on Monday.
”Finally!” exclaims 26-year-old Daniele Vespa, head waiter at the Baccano restaurant near the Trevi Fountain in Rome.”.
Three-quarters of Italy's regions will be classified as "yellow" under the country's Covid alert system from Monday, meaning bars and restaurants can resume outdoor table service and - for the first time in six months - stay open into the evening.
However, the curfew that applies from 10 p.m. remains in effect.
”"Hopefully we can soon also open for indoor serving," Daniele Vespa tells AFP.
”"It is the beginning of a return to normality.".
Cinemas, theaters and concert venues are also allowed to open, but with a limit of no more than half the number of visitors they normally have room for.
Pressure has been mounting on Prime Minister Mario Draghi to begin easing restrictions as the country suffers its worst economic recession since World War II. The number of new infections and intensive care admissions has recently declined and the vaccination program has gained momentum, with 17.5 million doses given so far, according to AFP.
But the average daily death toll over the past week is still over 300. Some experts warn of a new wave of infections in the summer if the gradual reopening causes residents tired of restrictions to relax their caution too much.
Italy was the first country in Europe to be hit by the pandemic in early 2020 and remains one of the continent's worst-hit countries. The hope now is that the battered economy will be saved through a major investment and reform plan, partly financed by EU funds.
Draghi will present the details of the plan on Monday, which the government expects will lead to growth of 3.6 percent by 2026.
In France, kindergartens and primary schools will reopen on Monday after being closed for three weeks. It is the first step in a gradual reopening ahead of the summer. The next step is planned for May 3.
Source: TT
