COVID-19 Italian re-opening more limited than expected post lockdown

The Prime Minister spoke to the country on 26 April 2020, anticipating the key measures to start the re-opening and a detailed Decree (Italian) has now been issued. The re-opening will be more limited than expected.

The first phase will be between the 4 and 18 May and will include the re-opening of only:

• manufacturing factories;
• wholesale industry;
• take away food;
• construction; and
• the shipbuilding industry.

With all the above featuring strict compliance of Health & Safety measures and protocols in the workplaces.

It is allowed to let employees access the workplace earlier to set up the necessary H&S measures.

Shops, retail stores and museums will reopen on 18 May (second phase).

Bars, restaurants, hairdressers and beauty salon will be opened from 1 June (third phase).

Other points to note:

• Movement across Regions remains forbidden.
• Parks are reopened and individual sports activities (but with social
  distancing of 2m) are allowed.
• It is allowed to visit close relatives.
• Each week each Region must communicate the rate of contagion and the
  hospitals’ intensive care capacity. In light of this data, the
  Government has the authority to review its determinations including
  imposing a stricter lockdown where appropriate.
• Use of masks is mandatory on public transportation.
• Schools will not reopen.

Italian employers are now very focused on protocols and policies for return to the workplace to ensure they can put into place appropriate preventative measures.

Please contact us for further details.

See our coronavirus (COVID-19) feature for more information generally on the possible legal implications of COVID-19.