“Phase two starts now,” Conte said during the highly-anticipated television announcement on Sunday night.
“Now is the time to coexist with the virus.
“It’s fundamental for each and every one of us to be responsible, we must never approach each other, the safety distance must be at least one metre.”
Conte’s government has decided to gradually loosen the national confinement measures, on May 4 and May 18.
“We’re going to ease the lockdown from May 4 but there is a system in place which integrates the regions,” he said.
Each region “will have to inform the health ministry on the progress of the epidemiological curve and on the success of the measures”.
The central government’s measures will need to be approved and implemented by regional authorities.
Conte’s announcement followed a frantic week of talks with regional and business leaders aimed at deciding how the nation of 60 million will come out of its most traumatic experience since World War II.
Italy’s official coronavirus death toll of 26,664 is Europe’s highest, while more than 200,000 people in the country have tested positive for the virus.
Here are the key points of Italy’s eased lockdown restrictions:
Visiting nearby relatives is allowed
From May 4, Italians will be able to visit relatives as long as they take precautions and under no condition should there be large gatherings or parties, Conte said.
It will be possible to move from one municipality to another but the ban on travel between different regions will remain in place, except for proven work matters, health reasons and extraordinary circumstances.
Lower and fixed price for masks
“On May 4, the price for masks will be reduced and fixed at €0.50,” Conte announced.
“VAT on masks will be scrapped in a forthcoming decree.”
More freedom of movement
“We will allow you to return to your second homes or villas, or visit public parks as long as there’s compliance with safety distances and requirements,” Conte said.
Outdoor exercise allowed
From May 4, Italians will be able to exercise outdoors without restrictions or police checks as long as they follow social distancing of at least one metre.
Ban on takeaway lifted
“From May 4, we will give the go-ahead for take-away at restaurants,” Conte explained.
“We must go in one at a time and the food has to be consumed at home.
“Businesses concerned are allowed to reopen under the assumption of compliance with the security protocols.
“There will also be safety measures for the transport companies.”
Funerals of up to 15 people allowed
Conte also gave the green light for funerals to have up to 15 people attending, but they can only be close relatives and all of them must wear masks and maintain social distancing.
No other ceremonies or gatherings are permitted.
Masks must be worn on public transport
The loosening of Italy’s lockdown goes hand-in-hand with the adoption of strict safety measures, especially in terms of the mandatory use of face masks on all public transport, Conte confirmed.
Face masks or other cloths or scarves must be worn over the nose and mouth and may also be made of fabric.
Anyone with a temperature must stay at home
Everyone with a fever of 37°C or more must stay at home, Italy’s government has decided, whereas before it was a recommendation and not a legal obligation.
Restricted rush hour numbers on public transport
Buses, metro services and other public transport in Italy will have a maximum number of passengers set during peak traffic times to respect the distance of one metre between people.
There will also be markers added to seats to indicate those that cannot be used.
Shops and cultural sites to open on May 18
On May 18, the reopening of all shops as well as “exhibitions, museums and cultural sites” will be allowed if the first loosening of restrictions proves successful.
Bars, restaurants and hairdressers may open on June 1
The lockdown will continue for bars, restaurants, hairdressers and beauticians until at least June 1.
What will come next?
An update is expected in mid-May.
Schools will not reopen until September, Conte said earlier on Sunday.
Hugs and handshakes will still be discouraged and a decision to restart Italy’s Serie A football championship has been postponed.
Italy was entering an era “of responsibility and coexistence with the virus”, Conte told the nation in a televised address.
“Before phase three, we need to wait for a vaccination, and for new contagions to reach zero,” he explained.
“For now, we need to live with the virus.
“If we don't respect the rules the curve will rise again, deaths will increase and there will be irreversible damage to our economy.
“If you love Italy, keep your distance from others.”
