Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced on Friday that he has ordered a national closure for the Christmas and New Year holidays as the country continues to experience an increase in cases and deaths.
Why it’s important: Italy has been one of the most affected western countries, with 67,894 coronavirus-related deaths as of Friday, most of Europe.
Details: Conte said non-essential stores should close Dec. 24-27, Jan. 31-3 and Jan. 5-6 for Reuters.
- Travel these days will only be allowed for work, health or emergency issues. People will also be allowed to visit elderly family members living alone.
- Restaurants and bars must be closed during the holiday period, except for takeaway meals.
- Conte said police would not specifically check that rules were followed inside the houses, but urged Italians to be held accountable, Reuters reported.
- Conte said 645 million euros ($ 790 million) have been earmarked to help restaurants and other companies in the hospitality sector.
- It is necessary to emphasize: The country had already passed a decree restricting interregional movements from December 21 to January 6.
What it says: “The situation is difficult in Europe. The virus continues to circulate everywhere, “Conte told reporters.
- “Our experts were seriously concerned that there would be a jump in cases for Christmas. … So we had to act, but I can assure you it was not an easy decision. “
The big picture: Governments have struggled to determine the best way to stop the expected increase in cases due to the holiday season.
- Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced Friday the country will be closed after Christmas. All non-essential stores, which reopened last week, are due to close from December 26th to January. 18. Restaurants and museums must also remain closed until 18 January and schools must continue to learn at a distance until after 15 January.
- Mexico City and neighboring Mexico State will ban non-essential activities from Saturday until at least Jan. 10, authorities announced Friday.