After months of aggressive lockdown, thousands of deaths, and beyond words economic loss, Italy is finally reopening. The country is among the worst affected destinations by the Coronavirus pandemic. Now that the country is slowly lifting its nationwide lockdown, residents have mixed feelings regarding it as people still don’t know what to expect.
While some are happy with the end of lockdown, others are worried that reopening of the country is not a good idea as the novel Coronavirus has not yet stopped claiming lives. Although much of Italy will remain closed including retail shops, museums and theaters, cafes and restaurants have been given permission to restart but only for takeaway.
However, the Italian government is now facing a lot of pressure from other business groups to allow them to reopen. Just a few days back, the country saw protests by hairdressers and other businesses owners, who are not allowed to open their stores because of lockdown rules.
Now, the Italian government is contemplating on a schedule for reopening of shops. Italy PM Giuseppe Conte said, “The government has no intention of protracting this residual lockdown”.
A number of people who run some businesses believe that they may not survive until May 18 or June 1 (the next phase of reopenings). As per Italian government, shops of all kinds will be allowed to open on May 18.
Though the government has not shared the final plans beyond this date, the PM said they are hoping to reopen cafes, restaurants, bars, and all types of food and drink joints from June. Similarly, the shops such as beauty parlours, spa centres and hair salons may also be allowed to reopen at the same time.
Sicily’s plan of action
Meanwhile, Sicily, the beautiful and the largest Mediterranean island in Italy is offering subsidised holidays on the island for both domestic and international tourists. This is being done to restart tourism and attract more and more tourists after the pandemic.
As per an official statement released by the Italian government, they are expecting borders to open to tourists this summer.