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After nearly two months of lockdown, yesterday Italy began easing its restrictions, allowing Italians to use parks, exercise, travel within their own regions, and get takeout from bars and restaurants.
However, while some lockdown restrictions have been lifted, residents are still expected to maintain social distancing and wear face coverings in public.
Stores, restaurants, and public transport have adapted to the new post-lockdown rules, with social distancing measures in place in public areas. These photos taken yesterday show how Italy is responding to the lockdown slowly being lifted, as the country enters phase two of its response to the pandemic.
Italy has recorded more than 211,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and more than 29,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Traveling and Public Transport in Italy
Italy Public Transport Social Distancing
Commuters using public transport are required to wear protective masks and keep a distance of one meter from other people. These photos show signs on train and bus seats that have to remain empty and markers on the floor to ensure social distancing. People arriving at Termini train station in Rome also had their body temperatures taken by the staff.
Exercise in Public Spaces
Italy Parks Reopening
Italian authorities reopened parks and public spaces yesterday as citizens are now permitted to head outdoors for a walk or to exercise.
Yesterday was the first day Italians were allowed to meet with people outside of their households, though visits must be limited to relatives, and should only be made if necessary. Additionally, people should maintain a distance of one meter when meeting with somebody outside of their household.
Photos show walkers, cyclists, and joggers exercising at a park in Rome yesterday, with some wearing face masks, while others sit and rest on benches or on the ground.
Social Distancing in Stores and Restaurants
Italy Restaurants Take Out
Restaurants in Italy are now allowed to serve take-out. Photos show staff in personal protective equipment sanitizing a restaurant kitchen to conform with the new health and safety guidelines. Restaurants and cafes should also limit the number of customers who enter and should serve take-out from a counter near the door if possible.
Small stores only permit one customer at a time and larger stores should have regulated and staggered access. Stores have hand sanitizing stations at their entrances, and the new rules say staff should wear masks and gloves, and provide disposable gloves for customers.
Photos show small stores with lines outside and floor markings to encourage social distancing, and signs in a shop window in Italy remind customers to wear masks and to keep their distance from one another.
