Italy: Milan to require masks outdoors as Italy ramps up Covid rules

Milan: Milan is to require masks outdoors in the city centre from Saturday 27 November in a bid to reduce the risk of covid infections among shoppers during the Christmas season.

The rules will apply in the historic centre around Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza S. Babila and Piazza del Duomo, and will remain in force until 31 December.

The measure will likely extend to the Castello Sforzesco where the traditional Oh Bej, Oh Bej Christmas fair is set to return in early December.

Milan’s committee for public order and security says that everything must be done to stay in Italy’s low-risk white zone and avoid new restrictions or closures, reports Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

Super Green Pass: Italy tightens covid rules for unvaccinated

The mask mandate comes more than a week before Italy will introduce its contentious ‘Super Green Pass’ which favours those who have been vaccinated or recovered from covid while excluding the unvaccinated from accessing a range of social, cultural and sporting activities.

“I believe that greater controls are needed, by now we see in all countries that this fourth wave is creating many problems, said Milan mayor Beppe Sala on Wednesday, adding that he will do his part to ensure that the intensified checks and restrictions are applied, reports Corriere della Sera.

As part of Italy’s new Super Green Pass decree, announced on Wednesday evening, there will be a requirement to wear masks in crowded outdoor places once a a region is classified as a low-risk yellow zone or higher.

All of Italy, including Milan, is currently classified as the lowest-risk white zone although a number of regions are coming close to the yellow category due to rising cases of covid-19.