Italy decided on Wednesday to make it compulsory to wear a mask outside throughout its territory and to extend the state of emergency until January 31, to better fight against the resurgence of the Covid epidemic. 19.
The head of the Italian government Giuseppe Conte underlined Wednesday in front of journalists that Italy had entered "in a new phase with a rise in contagions" requiring "more rigor" in order to protect the productive activities of the country.
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Those who do not put on masks when leaving their homes risk a fine of up to € 1,000, he said, recommending that they also be worn when receiving friends at home.
Biggest rebound in cases on Wednesday
On Wednesday the country recorded a big rebound in new cases, numbering 3,678, or a thousand more in 24 hours.
The country had not experienced such an increase since mid-April when the inhabitants were confined.
Italy deplored 31 deaths from Covid-19 on Wednesday, a record figure since the end of June in Italy.
The first country affected in Europe, Italy has paid a heavy price for the epidemic and has just passed 36,000 deaths, with around 334,000 cases diagnosed since the start of the epidemic.
Certain cities, like Genoa, or certain regions, like Lazio (Rome) or Campania (Naples), had taken the lead by making it compulsory to wear a mask in the street.
Already mandatory in closed public places in Italy, it will now become mandatory outdoors throughout the country from Thursday, according to a decree-law published Wednesday evening.
Less autonomy for the 20 Italian regions
Wearing a mask will however not be compulsory at home and in isolated places frequented by the same family.
Children under six years of age, as well as people suffering from pathologies incompatible with wearing a mask, are exempt.
The mask will not be compulsory during sports activities either.
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The government also adopted a law on Wednesday banning the 20 Italian regions, which enjoy great autonomy, especially in the field of health, from taking less restrictive measures than those decided by Rome, except with the consent of the Minister of Health. .
They are, however, authorized to take more restrictive measures.
The state of emergency in Italy serves primarily to facilitate and accelerate the taking of decisions and measures to combat the effects of earthquakes, floods or other disasters.
It was first introduced in February, then extended until October 15.