(ANSA) - Rome, June 3 - After around three months and some 33,500 coronavirus deaths, Italians are once again free to
travel from one region to another as of Wednesday.
"We've done it, thanks to the sacrifices everyone has made,"said Regional Affairs Minister Francesco Boccia.
"Now it's time to focus on protecting the economy and jobs".
COVID-19 has not been defeated though, with 55 more deaths reported on Tuesday and 318 new cases in Italy, up from 178 on
Monday.
"It's an important message, of reassurance, that we are giving as Italy to the whole world," said Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio.
"A country that is restarting and is set to return to normality.
"The total opening of the country enables us to show foreign States a united and compact Italy, inside which it is possible to move freely".
There were queues from early morning at Messina for ferry services to Sicily.
Sardinia is enforcing compulsory registration for everyone arriving on the island, with a questionnaire that traces all possible internal travel.
"The battle is not won yet," said Health Minister Roberto Speranza, saying "caution is needed, the virus is still dangerous".
Speranza said "it's not over yet, the virus is circulating, but thanks to the things we have done in these weeks, thanks to the conduct of the Italians and the measures of the government and the regions, we have an assuredly better epidemiological picture".
Veneto Governor Luca Zaia said "we are COVID-free, tourism is free".
Premier Giuseppe Conte will address the nation on 'Phase 3' of the emergency on Wednesday evening.
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