Draghi described the move as a “calculated risk” based on “improving” coronavirus contagion data, adding that “it is possible to look to the future with cautious optimism and confidence”.
The government is under pressure to ease restrictions after a string of protests, some of which turned violent, from a wide range of groups, from entertainment workers to restaurant owners.
“These measures are a response to the sufferings of many,” Draghi said, adding that they “bring greater serenity in the country and lay the ground for the relaunch of the economy”.
The easing of restrictions will see the return of lower-risk “yellow zones”, in a “reinforced” version, after weeks of Italy being divided between high-risk “red zones” and medium-risk “orange zones”.
The move will see restaurants and bars with outdoor seating permitted to serve customers at tables, both for lunch and dinner, with the current nightly curfew of 10:00 pm remaining in place.
The prime minister also said that a ban on movement between Italy’s regions will be lifted, with no travel restrictions between yellow zones and the introduction of a pass allowing people to travel between regions under different classifications.
The prime minister did not mention any plans to relax current restrictions on international travel at this point.
Schools and universities will resume face-to-face learning for all students, everywhere except in the highest-risk red zones where senior high-school students will continue their studies via remote learning.
Draghi said other tentative dates on the government’s timetable would be confirmed depending on the status of the virus in Italy.
They include the opening outdoor pools from May 15, gyms from June 1 and fairs, conventions and other public events in July.
Draghi said it would be crucial that people strictly respected social distancing rules and wore face masks to move forward with the reopenings.
