The decree announced on 10th April with updated coronavirus lockdown regulations for Italy allows the reopening of children's clothing stores, bookshops and stationery shops, as well as some specific rules to ensure that safety distances are maintained. However, in the varied reality of the regions, various orders were immediately passed in some regions to continue with tight lockdown regulations, and in other cases rules have been relaxed.
Decree: 10th April 2020
The decree of 10th April 2020 approved by parliament decreed the reopening of bookshops, stationery shops and clothing stores for babies and children on Tuesday. It has also extended the list of permitted productive activities, which now include: forest work, computer manufacturing, hydraulic works, landscape care and maintenance, as well as wholesale trade in paper and cardboard.
There are also specific regulations for the sanitation of the working environment, for the maintenance of the safety distance and for personal hygiene. Regional peculiarities were, however, immediately apparent thanks to a series of local orders that tightened, or sometimes loosened, the government approved measures.
- Reopening in Lombardy
The reopening scheduled for 14th April in Lombardy was followed by an order of the governor Attilio Fontana that prohibited the reopening of bookstores and stationery shopa, while the reopening of children's clothing stores is allowed. Wearing a mask to leave the house is obligatory, or alternatively the covering of the nose and mouth with any garment. For professional firms, opening is also allowed for smart working, at least in cases of necessity and urgency.
- Reopening in Emilia Romagna
Reopening of the aforementioned establishments is permitted in Emilia Romagna except in the red areas. A working table has also been established to provide for the reopening of some other activities before 3rd May.
- Soft Lockdown in Veneto
The President of Veneto, Luca Zaia, has also relaxed lockdown rules. In Veneto, Zaia introduced the so-called "soft lockdown" which cancelled the limit of 200 meters for motor activities, now introducing a social distance of 2 metres. Masks, gloves and gels are compulsory for those who leave the house and those who have a fever over 37.5 must stay at home.
- Total closure in Piedmont
To avoid thwarting the efforts made, total closure continues in Piedmont. Stationery shops, bookshops and children's shops will remain closed, as well as all other commercial activities until 3rd May.
- Reopening in Lazio
Reopenings on 14th April were confirmed in Lazio, however, as far as bookstores are concerned, they will open on 20th April to allow the owners to secure the premises. The closure of the grocery stores has also been confirmed on 25th April and 1st May.
- The decree in Liguria
With the new decree, gardening and maintenance work on bathing establishments and kiosks reopened in Liguria on 14th April, as well as minor building maintenance work.
- Reopenings in Tuscany
Reopenings on 14th April are also allowed in Tuscany, but in a more rigid way. The safety distance increases to 1.80 and shopkeepers have to install real barriers to keep customers this distance apart. Workers will also have to travel to work by private transport or alternatively use masks and gloves for public transport.