Italy approves partial lockdown

Rome: Italy introduced its strongest virus restrictions since the end of a national lockdown in May.

In Italy, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte approved a plan to limit opening hours for bars and restaurants, and shut entertainment, gambling venues and gyms. Italians will also be urged not to travel. The measures will begin on Monday and remain in effect until November 24.

“We must manage the pandemic without being overwhelmed,” Conte said at a press conference in Rome on Sunday. “If we respect the rules this month, we’ll keep the curve under control and face December and the holiday season with more serenity.”

Italy’s government is running out of options to avoid a full lockdown as it’s failing to contain the virus’s spread through early autumn. New infections rose to a record 21,273 on Sunday and there are now more than 1,200 people being treated in intensive care units for the virus.

Conte promised that new support measures to limit the economic impact of the restrictions will arrive by Tuesday. The government will extend furloughs and send aid money directly to impacted workers without adding to the budget deficit, he said.