The first Christmas in the era of Covid will virtually begin as early as December 3, when the last Prime Minister's Decree (Dpcm) will expire and the new anti-virus provisions will be established, also valid for the holiday period.
Some of which are beginning to take shape: if the data allows it, it will be possible to move between the regions, while it is assumed that there will be no exceptions for parties and gatherings in the square on New Year's Eve.
Several ministers, starting with that of Health Roberto Speranza, and experts, have been repeating for days that for the moment the debate on Christmas is a "surreal" debate;
but it was Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte a few days ago, without prejudice to the central and decisive role that the data on each decision will play, to indicate what the government's line will be: "we must prepare for a more sober Christmas; , celebrations, kisses and hugs will not be possible ".
However, this does not mean total closure, which would be equivalent to giving the final blow to tourism and to thousands of commercial activities that collect more than 30% of annual turnover during the Christmas period.
"We think it will be possible to exchange gifts - said Conte - and allow the economy" to grow.
The formula with which the measures will be decided has not yet been established, it being understood that the system of Italy divided into bands should not be abandoned.
The most current hypothesis is that there is a Dpcm for the period from 3 December until close to Christmas and one for the actual holidays.
Shopping for Christmas purchases will be allowed
, with shops that will be able to remain open during a wider time slot to avoid crowds.
There will also be the opening of shopping centers on weekends and public holidays and
entrances will be limited not only to shops but also to streets and squares,
especially in some large cities and on weekends.
Evening opening also for restaurants and pubs
while for the dinner at home there will be recommendations and not prohibitions, which are inapplicable: it is
plausible that there cannot be more than six at the table
, so at most only cohabitants and close relatives.
"This Christmas - confirms Undersecretary for Health Sandra Zampa - we must strive to be as few as possible" because "the more the circle of people who do not usually frequent is enlarged, the greater the risk".
So "I guess you can say 5-6 people maximum, but it is obvious that it will not be possible to control it".
As for the movements, forbidden in the red areas and limited in the orange ones, even between regions the return to residence or domicile will always be allowed, but an exodus from north to south is not expected comparable to that of last March before the lockdown.
"There are 40 days to Christmas and at this moment the epidemiological data tell us that we cannot move between Regions" Zampa emphasizes, but opens: "we expect that the numbers will improve and that therefore some exceptions are possible".
Finally, as regards the curfew, currently set at 10pm throughout Italy, it could be moved to 11pm or midnight, but for the evening of the 24th and for that of 31st there is also the possibility that it can reach 1am .
On the other hand, no derogation will be granted for events in the square or in other meeting places, nor for private parties.
Especially for New Years.
"Square gatherings and parties will not be allowed - confirms Zampa - those days will also be adequately regulated because, unlike this summer, there will be no exceptions.
We cannot imagine a third wave".
The objective of the government and of the regional presidents for the moment is however another: to ensure that most of the regions can move back from the red and orange zones in order to arrive at December 3 with a large part of Italy in the yellow zone. .
But even if this is the case, the rules must be clear: "We made a summer 'free all' and we paid hard - remembered CTS coordinator Agostino Miozzo two days ago - and therefore we cannot afford a Christmas' free for everyone '. "
Coldiretti, with derogation 10 million Italians traveling
- A possible derogation to travel between regions at Christmas affects over 10 million Italians who last year went on a trip during the holiday season to join relatives, friends or take holidays. This is what emerges from a Coldiretti / Ixè analysis in reference to the possible measures envisaged at the end of the year for the need to contain the Covid contagion. It is an opportunity for tourism with an estimated expenditure of 4.1 billion in structures engaged in accommodation, food, transport, shopping and souvenirs. "It is also estimated - specifies Coldiretti - that 1/3 of the expenditure of Italians and foreigners traveling in Italy is destined for food". What is worrying, however, are the limitations on dinners and lunches that put at risk the 5 billion that were spent last year by Italians, at home and away, just to set up the traditional maxitavolata of the end-of-year parties composed on average of 9 people , according to the Coldiretti / Ixè analysis. The reduction in the number of items to be eaten is in fact destined to cause a cut - underlines Coldiretti - in the consumption of 70 million kilos of pandoro and panettone, 74 million bottles of sparkling wine, tons of pasta, 6 million kilos of cotechini and zamponi and dried fruit. , bread, meat, cold cuts, cheeses and sweets that disappeared from the tables last year only between Christmas lunch and Christmas Eve and New Year's dinners. In fact, a family Christmas for a few also means - continues Coldiretti - greater sobriety with fewer toasts and a clear reduction in courses without counting the many Italians, often elderly, who will be forced to spend it alone. "The collapse of end-of-year expenses at the table and under the tree risk giving the coup de grace to the food consumption of Italians, which in the whole of 2020 according to a historic collapse of 12% with a deadweight loss of 30 billion euros ", according to Coldiretti's elaborations on Ismea data which show that the effects of the heavy difficulties of bars, restaurants and pizzerias are not offset by the slight increase in family purchases of food and drinks.
