Italy starts phasing out nighttime curfew

Rome, May 17 (EFE).- Italy will begin shortening a nighttime curfew and have it completely phased out by 21 June, sources inside the government announced on Monday.

The measure in place to limit the spread of coronavirus will be pushed back to 11 pm local time within the upcoming days.

Mario Draghi’s government on Monday met with its panel of experts and scientists panel to discuss measures to promote summer tourism with the pandemic situation improving.

The government’s gradual reopening plan includes a further delay in the beginning of the curfew by one hour as of 7 June, a couple of weeks before the restriction is fully lifted.

It will be eased in the regions with a slight risk of contagion, known as yellow zones, which currently includes most of the country.

The government is also mulling easing other restrictions, including allowing indoor dining at bars and restaurant until 6 pm local time, according to local media.

Currently, restaurants and bars are allowed to serve clients outdoors until 6 pm.

Shopping malls will reopen on weekends as early as Saturday, while gyms are to reopen next Monday.

Italy will be reactivating sectors that have been shut down ahead of the summer, high tourist season for the country.

From Monday, travelers from the European Union, the United Kingdom and Israel are exempt from five-day quarantine and they will be only required to present a negative PCR or vaccination certificate. EFE