“If you love Italy, keep your distance,” reiterated Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on the evening of April 26. In the 30-minute live address, the PM explained plans to reopen Italy gradually, beginning on May 4. While bookstores, stationers and children’s clothing stores were allowed to resume business on April 14, all manufacturing, construction and wholesale will begin again on May 4.

Carrying the self-certification document will continue to be a requirement. Outdoor exercise will be allowed in wider areas, not solely in the vicinity of one’s home, as long a metre’s distance is observed by walkers and two metres by those doing more strenuous exercise. Parks and public gardens will reopen, provided that social distancing is maintained; no congregating is permitted. Local mayors will retain the right to intervene where necessary.