Yesterday, Italy began to phase out its Covid restrictions as the state of emergency ended on 31st March, 2022 after more than two years.
Authorities declared the state of emergency more than two years ago that allowed them to bypass bureaucracy and swiftly impose rules via decrees. Introduced on January 31, 2020, Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s government announced plans in March to return to normal after deciding not to extend the state of emergency.
“A new phase is beginning … This does not mean that the pandemic is over. There is no ‘off’ button that magically makes the virus disappear,” Health Minister Roberto Speranza told the newspaper la Repubblica.
Italy was the first Western country to be hit by the virus. To date, it registered 159,383 deaths, the eighth highest tally in the world. There were also more than 14.6 million cases.
Daily infections have risen again in Italy since the beginning of March, as they have in many other European countries. However, they have stabilised in the last week, according to data from the think tank Gimbe.
Changes to Covid restrictions
The government has lifted attendance limits for outdoor and indoor sports venues. Even more important, for many, is the requirement for the over-50s to be vaccinated to enter their place of work is also repealed.
The vaccination requirement will be kept until Dec. 31 for workers in healthcare.
Rules have been eased for travellers to Italy. However, visitors still need to show COVID-19 health certificates and to complete a passenger locator form.
The health pass obligation for outdoor restaurants and local or regional public transport has already been removed. Masks will remain mandatory indoors until April 30.
