The Italian government has declared the maximum level 'red zone' restrictions across Italy over the Christmas season - on Sundays, public holidays and the days before holidays - in an effort to avert a third wave of covid-19.

Italy's premier Giuseppe Conte announced the measures at Palazzo Chigi late on 18 December, following several days of protracted discussions among government ministers, regional leaders and expert advisors. Conte said that the zona rossa restrictions will apply nationwide on 24, 25, 26, 27, 31 December and 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 January 2021, effectively placing the country under a form of lockdown on these days.