The directive, published on Monday after getting the approval of Italy's regional governors, apply to children attending an asilo nido (nursery school, for 0-3 year olds) or scuola dell'infanzia (preschool, for 3-6 year olds).

They stress the importance of getting Italy's youngest pupils back to class in person from September, more than six months after nurseries, schools and universities were ordered to close in March.