ROME (ITALY) – With coronavirus infections rising in the country, especially among the youth, Italy ordered the closure of discos and night clubs and made face masks mandatory in some areas at night.
In Italy, which was the first European country to be hit hard by the virus, new cases last week were more than double and the average age of people getting infected has dropped below 40.
The new restrictions will come into force on Monday, two days after an Italian holiday when many youngsters go out to socialise, and it will remain in place until September.
In areas near bars and pubs, masks will be mandatory from 6 pm to 6 am.
“We cannot nullify the sacrifices made in past months. Our priority must be that of opening schools in September, in full safety,” Health Minister Roberto Speranza said.
In a Facebook post, he urged young people to be vigilant as “if they infect their parents and their grandparents, they risk creating real damage”.
When the government allowed clubs and pubs to reopen, there was criticism that social distancing will not be maintained and masks won’t be worn.
The industry gets an annual revenue of 4 billion euros.
Industry Minister Stefano Patuanelli said economic damage was inevitable as there was no alternative.
As many as 479 new cases were recorded on Sunday compared to 629 a day earlier.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field