09 Mar Coronavirus Italy – Update 09/03/2020
Dear Partners,
In order to keep you all informed, please see below the latest update in relation to the Coronavirus (COVID 19) in Italy; the new Government Decree has been issued on Saturday March 7th and has become effective on Sunday March 8th.
Coronavirus, The Government Decree: all measures for the “orange zone” (orange zones are the areas that have been most affected by the virus) and those for the rest of Italy
The new decree signed by Giuseppe Conte contains more stringent measures to contain the spread of the virus in Lombardy and in 14 other provinces where the infections are greater.
The 14 provinces are as follow:
Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia, Rimini, Pesaro and Urbino, Alessandria, Asti, Novara, Verbano Cusio Ossola, Vercelli, Padua, Treviso and Venice.
The provisions contained in the decree are valid from the 8th of March, until April 3rd.
ORANGE ZONE MEASURES
It is forbidden to enter and exit. Travel in and out of Lombardy and the 14 provinces concerned is prohibited. It is only allowed in case of emergencies or “proven” work needs, which must however be authorized by the prefect. Absolute ban on mobility for those who have been in quarantine.
Schools closed until April 3rd. The teaching activity for schools of all levels, universities and academies is suspended until April 3rd.
Bars and restaurants open from 6 to 18. The decree introduces opening hours allowed for restaurant and bar services. Provided that the manager is able to comply with the “obligation” to ensure the interpersonal safety distance in the premises, with the sanction of suspension of the activity in case of violation.
Closed gyms and swimming pools. The decree also establishes the closure of all gyms, swimming pools, spas and wellness centers. Outdoor sports competitions are allowed only behind closed doors. Shopping centers will have to be closed but only on the weekend. Other commercial activities other than catering may remain open on condition that they are able to guarantee a distance of one meter between customers. Instead, museums, cultural centers and ski resorts are closed.
All organized events are also suspended. As well as events in public or private places, including those of a cultural, recreational, sporting and religious nature, even if held in closed places but open to the public, such as large events, cinemas, theaters, pubs, discos and similar places.
Anticipate holidays. Whenever possible, employers are advised to encourage the use of ordinary leave or holidays.
MEASURES VALID IN THE REST OF ITALY
The teaching activity for schools of all levels and universities remains suspended until March 15th. Educational trips and school trips are suspended until April 3rd.
Cinemas, theatres and museums are closed.
The managers of catering businesses can continue to keep the premises open, provided that they guarantee the interpersonal safety distance of at least one meter, under penalty in case of violation. Same goes for gyms and swimming pools, which can continue to remain open as long as the visitors are spaced from each other.
Among the preventive measures, the decree reads that it is recommended to limit, where possible, the movement of persons to strictly necessary cases.
Prohibition of mobility for quarantined individuals. Even in the rest of Italy who is in preventive quarantine or has tested positive for the virus cannot move from their home.
Civil and religious ceremonies, including funerals and weddings are suspended throughout the country.
Medical congresses, conferences, meetings and events involving healthcare personnel are also suspended.
As in the red zone, also in the rest of Italy, whenever possible, employers are recommended to encourage the use of ordinary leave or holidays.
Public transport companies will have to take extraordinary means of disinfecting vehicles.
Notification to the ASL if you are returning from critical areas. Anyone returning to Italy from countries with epidemiological risk must communicate it to the local health authority.
The decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of 8 March 2020 apply only to natural persons, as literally indicated in the same decree. Any applicability of the measure to transit and shipping transport and to the entire production chain to and from the indicated areas is excluded. The provisions do not prohibit natural persons from traveling throughout the national territory for work, necessity or health reasons, as well as carrying out the consequent activities.
THE SANCTIONS
Failure to comply with the provisions of the decree is punished pursuant to art. 650 of the Criminal Code, as required by the law decree of 23rd February, i.e. with the arrest of up to 3 months and a fine of up to 206 euros.
Principal Relocation Company will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you informed.
Kind regards,
Gianluca D’Anna
Chief Executive Officer