Italy shuts down nightclubs and makes face masks mandatory in some outlying areas popular for nightlife due to an uptick in COVID-19 cases, especially among younger people.
The new orders, which take effect Monday and last until early September, are the first reissue of restrictions in the country in connection with the coronavirus pandemic.
New COVID-19 cases in Italy in the past week were more than double those recorded three weeks ago and the average age of people who contracted the killer bug was below 40, data show.
Italy saw 629 newly confirmed cases Saturday and 479 cases Sunday. Nightlife and younger people who practice social distancing rules are blamed by health experts for the recent climb.
In addition to closing nightclubs, masks will be required between 6pm and 6am in public areas near bars and pubs, where more meetings will be held.
Italian Public Health Minister Roberto Speranza warned in a Facebook post about the increase in cases in the country.
“We can not cancel the sacrifices made in recent months,” Speranza said as he pointed to the upcoming opening of Italian schools.
“Our priority should be of opening schools in September, in complete safety,” Speranza added.
Italy was hit hardest among European countries by the coronavirus crisis – but in May it began lifting its restrictions on coronavirus shelling.
To date, the virus has infected more than 253,000 people in Italy and killed more than 35,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
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