In an interview published by the left-wing daily La Repubblica , Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Sunday that "the school is at the center of our thoughts and will reopen in September" , stressing that "all the scenarios prepared by a committee experts predicted high risks of contagion in case of reopening (before September, note) of the schools .
"It is the health of our children that is at stake," continued Giuseppe Conte, while schools have been closed since early March due to the Covid-19 which has already killed nearly 27,000 people in Italy, the country hardest hit in Europe.
During a press conference in the evening, he confirmed that "schools will remain closed until the end of the school year" , while announcing a series of measures to alleviate the situation in his country and to restart industrial activities.
"If you love Italy, keep your distance"
The parks will reopen on May 4, but it will be necessary to maintain social distancing and avoid gatherings. "If you love Italy, keep your distance," he said, warning that all of these openings would be called into question if the contagion rebounds.
It will also now be possible to visit family and reunite, but in limited numbers and always respecting safety measures. "Private parties remain prohibited," he insisted.
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Regarding the funeral, a maximum of 15 people will now be admitted "while respecting social distancing and preferably in the open air , " said the Prime Minister. The Italians, however, will remain without Mass until further notice.
Partial bars open on May 4
The bars and restaurants, closed until now except for those who made home deliveries, will reopen on the same date, May 4, but only to sell take-out food. Gatherings in front of such places will remain prohibited. The full reopening of bars and catering companies will only take place on June 1, as will that of beauty salons or hairdressers, always in compliance with security measures.
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The Prime Minister also provided a more precise timetable for restoring the economy without which the damage would be “irreversible” . "From May 4, we will reopen the entire manufacturing and construction sector as well as the wholesale trade for these sectors," he said. Monday, only companies deemed strategic will be able to resume their activities.
On May 18, all retail businesses will be able to reopen, as well as museums, other cultural places and libraries. Giuseppe Conte also announced that the government would fix a maximum price of -0.50 euros for surgical masks in the short term.
No major change, however, with regard to freedom of movement, which today is exclusively limited within the municipality of belonging and linked only to work and health requirements that a citizen must confirm by a declaration on the 'honor.