Premier Giuseppe Conte announced
that "phase two is starting, now it's time to live together with
the virus" during a press conference from his office at Palazzo
Chigi.
"The responsible conduct of every one of us will be
fundamentally important," he said.
"One must never get too close, the safety distance must be at
least one metre.
"If we do not abide by the precautions, the (contagion) curve
will go back up, deaths will increase and we will have
irreversible damage for our economy.
"If you love Italy, keep your distance," explained the
premier after signing the DPCM decree to gradually relax Italy's
coronavirus lockdown.
"The phase two that starts on May 4 will be adapted to how
the contagion curve goes.
"Value added tax will be scrapped on facemasks in the next
decree.
"The price will be blocked at 50 cents.
"Together with the whole team of ministers, won't back down
in working for the recovery, to change everything that is not
right.
"The (EU) Recovery Fund is a step forward. The aim is to
translate this principle into technical, working terms, offering
an immediate instrument while avoiding the creation of
additional debt for those, like Italy, who have a high debt".
The premier said interventions for businesses were being
studied.
"Italy will not get going again until business gets going
again," he said.
"We are experimenting with the possibility of an automatic
renewal for those who have had the 600-euro bonus (for people
left without income because of the emergency).
"In the next decree, there will be more aid for business.
"The aim is not to have more benefits but more people in
employment.
"We will allow people to return to their own domicile or
residence (if they were previously unable to because of the
lockdown).
"We are allowing access to public parks and gardens, but the
security distances and precautions must be respected.
"From May 4 takeaway restaurant services are authorized.
"It will be possible to enter (the restaurant) one at a time
and the food must be consumed at home.
"The reopening of companies is allowed on the condition that
security protocols are respected.
"There will be a security protocol for transport companies
too.
He added that "on May 18 retail outlets will reopen as well
as exhibitions, museums and team sport training sessions".
In a message on Facebook, Health Minister Roberto Speranza
gave thanks for the "sacrifices of the men and women of our
country who are finally bringing down the contagion curve.
"That is why we can start a new phase, with prudence, as of
May 4.
"Our guiding principle has been, and will always be, to
protect people's health.
"In the new phase, once again, a sense of responsibility is
the key to winning this battle.
"Together, we will do it".
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