COVID restrictions to be extended till July 31 - Speranza

(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 14 - Health Minister Roberto Speranza on Tuesday addressed the Senate to present the government's new decree extending the restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus until July 31.
    "Today 13 million people have been infected and half a million have died," Speranza said.
    "It is evident that we cannot lower our guard and we must not be divided about this.
    "There is debate within the scientific community but no one says it is not necessary to wear facemasks, keep one's distance or wash hands".
    The measures include the obligation to wear facemasks on public transport, in shops, public offices, hospitals and clinics, and workplaces where it is not possible for people to be at least one metre apart from each other.
    "There can be no zero risk without a vaccine," the minister said.
    "We must not underestimate the pandemic risk. The circulation of the virus is accelerating and it is not losing strength".
    He said the government was sticking to its 'prudent line' regarding arrivals from outside Europe after several outbreaks in Italy stemming from imported cases of infection.
    "We must not turn back with the prevention measures in order to reignite our economy," Speranza said.
    "We cannot render in vain the sacrifices made.
    "Today there is a ban on arrivals and transit from 13 countries.
    We will constantly update this list and the 14-day quarantine remains for all arrivals from extra-European countries.
    "We are in danger of importing the novel coronavirus from citizens who come from abroad or Italian citizens returning home.
    "The is maximum attention on migrant landings too, with a period of quarantine.
    "Nothing will be underestimated".
    The minister added that the government has not yet made a decision on extending the coronavirus state of emergency, amid talk of it being extended until the end of October. (ANSA).