Phase 2: Masses to be allowed from May 18

(ANSA) - Rome, May 7 - Masses will once more be allowed to be celebrated in phase two of the coronavirus emergency from May 18, according to a deal between the government and the Italian Bishops Conference (CEI) reached on Thursday.
    Until now, in phase two, which began on Monday with the partial easing of lockdown, only funerals were allowed with a maximum of 15 participants.
    The government signed a protocol with the CEI Thursday that will come into force on Monday, May 18, sources said.
    Masses will have to respect rigid social distancing and worshippers will have to wear facemasks.
    Premier Giuseppe Conte said the norms in the protocol would ensure Masses resume "in the safest way possible".
    He said "I thank the CEI for the moral and material support it is giving the whole national community in this difficult moment for the country".
    Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese said the protocol was "an excellent result".
    CEI President Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti said the protocol was "the fruit of a deep collaboration and synergy between the government, the (coronavirus) technical and scientific committee and the CEI, in which each played its part with responsibility".
    He added that the Church was committed to helping overcome the COVID-19 crisis.
    The government is also expected to allow other faiths to have limited gatherings of people for their own religious services, including Muslims, Jews and Protestants.