Italy tightens rules as Europe surges past 250,000 coronavirus deaths

Name: Stepped-up Covid-19 restrictions ‘absolutely necessary’ as Europe enters new wave ahead of winter
Uploaded: 2020-10-18T21:35:01.000Z
Duration: 4 min 6 s
Description: Stepped-up Covid-19 restrictions ‘absolutely necessary’ as Europe enters new wave ahead of winter

Local festivals banned, and Italian mayors given authority to close public squares and other gathering places after 9pm

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A couple wearing face masks walk past a poster representing the Colosseum in l Rome on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Agencies

Published: 5:35am, 19 Oct 2020Updated: 5:34am, 19 Oct 2020

Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte has announced new measures aimed at halting the spread of coronavirus as Europe passed the milestone of 250,000 deaths from Covid-19.

European nations have ratcheted up restrictions on daily life to tackle soaring infections, with a 44 per cent increase in cases the past week.

The restrictions announced in Italy on Sunday stop short of a curfew like those imposed in Paris and other major French cities. But Italian mayors can close public squares and other gathering places after 9pm, permitting access only to reach homes or businesses.

Restaurants and bars are restricted to table service only after 6pm, three hours earlier than the previous measures allowed, but can maintain the current midnight closing time.

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Stepped-up Covid-19 restrictions ‘absolutely necessary’ as Europe enters new wave ahead of winter

Local festivals have been banned. Gyms and public swimming pools may remain open – but Conte said they would be closed in a week if they do not do a better job of following restrictions.