(ANSAmed) - ROME, FEB 22 - Premier Mario Draghi's cabinet on
Monday approved a decree extending a ban on travel between
Italy's regions until March 27.
The ban, part of the restrictions aimed at combatting the spread
of COVID-19, was imposed by the past government of ex-premier
Giuseppe Conte and was set to expire Thursday
The new decree also extends the rule under which no more than
two adults, and their children aged under 14, can visit another
person's private home.
"It is indispensable to continue with the restrictions with the
(spread of the COVID) variants," said Health Minister Roberto
Speranza.
Regional Affairs Minister Maria Stella Gelmini promised that
Draghi's executive would make "timely" decisions on COVID
restrictions in agreement with the regional governments.
One of the criticisms directed at Conte's government was that
decisions on coronavirus restrictions were frequently announced
at the last minute, giving businesses little time to adapt or
meaning that costly preparations made in view of restrictions
being eased were for nothing.
League leader Matteo Salvini on Monday called for Italy's
COVID-19 restrictions to be gradually relaxed so that the
nation's gyms, swimming pools, theatres, cinemas and 'oratori'
church centres for children can reopen.
"Otherwise the damage, not just in economic terms but also in
terms of mental health, could be devastating," Salvini, whose
party supports the government, told Italia7Gold TV.
Unlike non-essential shops, bars and restaurants, which are
allowed to do business or not depending on the relative
contagion risk level of the region they are in, gyms, swimming
pools, theatres, cinemas are closed nationwide.
Salvini also said restaurants in low-contagion areas should be
allowed to open in the evening.
At the moment, restaurants can only serve people at tables until
6pm even if they are in moderate-risk yellow zones.
After that time they can only offer takeaway services.
The prefect of France's Alpes-Maritimes department, meanwhile,
said Monday that controls along the border with Italy were being
reinforced as part of efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The prefect said respect of the reciprocity of the checks would
be monitored. (ANSAmed).