The Italian government said on Monday that it would let the regions decide to end measures to stem the coronavirus epidemic, which will likely lead to the suspension of most of those still in effect next week. .
Italy was the first European country to impose national containment in March and, although some measures have been relaxed, many regions have suffered from the slow return to normal and want more margins. maneuver. According to guidelines set by Council President Giuseppe Conte, most businesses are expected to reopen on Monday, but bars, restaurants and hair salons are expected to remain closed until June 1 at least.
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On Monday, at a meeting between members of the government and representatives of local administrations, it was therefore agreed that the twenty regions could advance at their own pace, which made it possible to defuse the emerging political conflicts. "We have always said that, if the epidemiological data were encouraging, the recovery would be advanced," said Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio on Twitter. "The regions will (shortly) receive directives to open bars, restaurants, hairdressing salons and beauty salons from May 18," he added.
The epidemic has killed nearly 31,000 people in Italy, which ranks it third in the world behind the United States and the United Kingdom, but the situation is improving. With 744 new cases reported on Monday, the Peninsula posted its lowest daily record since March 4.
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