Tuscany will retain strict restrictions until April 20, but nursery and primary schools are set to reopen even in red zone conditions. The professional body of doctors have commented that the region’s hospitals are “close to breaking point” with 282 Covid patients in Tuscany’s intensive care units, which equals nearly 45 per cent of the region’s ICU capacity.
ph. Francesco Spighi www.francescospighi.com
Red zone rules
- Secondary schools and universities are closed for in-person learning; distance learning only.
- Shops are legally required to close, with the exception of businesses selling essentials such as grocery stores, newsagents and pharmacies. Hairdressers and beauty parlours will close. Banks and post offices will remain open.
- Restaurants may only sell takeout until 10pm and bars, ice-cream parlours and bakeries may only sell takeout until 6pm. There is no time restriction on home deliveries. Takeout may not be consumed in the vicinity of the place of purchase.
- You may only leave your home for proven work, education or health reasons, or for matters of necessity. If you leave your home and are stopped by the police for a check, you must be able to justify your reasons using the self-declaration form (theflr.net/self-declaration-covid) and show a form of ID. If you are unable to do so, you risk being fined between 400 and 3,000 euro, criminal charges in extreme cases, and even imprisonment on the grounds of false declaration. Returning to your home or place of residence is always permitted.
- You are not allowed to visit or meet relatives or friends.
- You may take a walk in the vicinity of your home, as long as physical distance of one metre is observed and face protection is worn. Individual outdoor exercise such as cycling and running is permitted. Exercise at sports centres, whether indoors or outdoors, is not allowed.
