The government loosened a planned restriction on travel between towns over the Christmas holidays on the dates when “red zone” rules apply.
It had on Friday tightened the coronavirus rules and imposed a nationwide lockdown over the festive season once again, in a bid to prevent a new spike in infections over the holidays.
“The situation remains difficult,” Conte said in a televised press conference just before 10:00 pm on Friday.
“Our experts are concerned that the contagion rate could soar over the Christmas period.”
The toughest red zone restrictions will now be in place over Christmas, New Year and the feast of the Epiphany, meaning Italy will go in and out of lockdown over the holiday period.
On the 10 red zone days during the holidays it will be possible to visit people in a different town within the same region, Palazzo Chigi clarified.
A maximum of two people at a time are allowed to visit family and friends once a day between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm, according to the update.
Restrictions do not apply to children aged under 14 and other dependents.
The government added the following clarification via to the coronavirus FAQ on its website on Monday:
“On public holidays and the day before holidays (December 24, 25, 26, 27 and 31 and 1, 2, 3, 5 and January 6) it will be possible, once a day, to travel to visit relatives or friends, even in other municipalities, but always and only within the same region.”
Travel remains limited between all regions from December 21 to January 6.
During that period, travel between regions is only allowed for work, health, and emergency reasons, and travellers require a completed self-certification form.
Conte on Friday announced a further €465 million in compensation for businesses hit by the closures.
“We stand alongside the business owners who will be affected by these measures,” he said.
“We have suspended tax contributions for those who have made losses. Anyone who suffers economic damage must be immediately compensated.”
