Reaching Lowest Case Figures, Italy Begins To Arrange Plans To End Lockdown

Photo illustration of community activities in Venice, Italy (Damiano Baschier / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - After seven weeks of lockdown, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has finally drawn up a plan to loosen the policy for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The relaxation of the lockdown policy was made slowly due to concerns that the curve of people infected with the new corona virus would increase again.

"If you love Italy, keep your distance," said Conte, Sunday night, quoted by The Guardian. The announcement coincided with the lowest death toll from COVID-19 since March 15, with 260 cases looking at worldometer data.

Based on the plan Conte has drawn up, the policy of loosening the lockdown will actually still limit the movement of people. For example, schools will still be closed until September.

Meanwhile, export-oriented factories and construction projects can start their activities starting today, Monday, April 27. Meanwhile, most of the other industries will start to be allowed to run again on May 4.

In addition, Italians are also starting to be allowed to walk in their surrounding areas to visit relatives, on condition that they wear masks. However, they are not allowed to travel between regions, except for work, health reasons, and other emergency purposes.

Starting May 4, parks will also reopen and people will be allowed to walk or exercise there as long as they maintain a physical distance. Public transportation will also be allowed, but provided that people who want to ride it must wear a mask.

Meanwhile, public places such as museums, galleries and libraries and grocery stores will open on May 18. The bar, restaurant and salon will open on June 1.

For funeral processions, the rules have also been relaxed with a maximum of 15 mourners allowed to attend. Meanwhile, for religious places such as churches, Conte still closed them.

"We all want the country to restart. But the only way to live with the virus at this phase is not to get sick, and to keep our distance," said Conte.