The Prime Minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte, confirmed this Tuesday (21) that the country will begin its gradual reopening on May 4th.
In a speech in the Senate, he said that the use of masks and social distancing must be maintained, albeit with some modifications, until Italy has effective vaccines or therapies.
“I am aware of the need to involve Parliament on the coronavirus,” Conte told the upper chamber of the Senate. “The government is aware of the need to strengthen prevention systems. And testing is the only sure tool to identify the virus,” he said.
The “Immune” app
The prime minister explained that the government intends to “strengthen the strategy of mapping the virus and remote assistance with the use of new technologies”.
Basically, to track who has already had the Coronavirus, the “Immuni” app, which was currently discussed, will be used. “Tracking is necessary to prevent the spread of the virus. But its use will be voluntary and there will be no limitations for those who do not download it”, explained Conte.
It will be possible to download the Immuni app in the coming weeks.
The use of masks
In phase 2, the prime minister reiterated that social distancing must continue to be respected and “the broad use of personal protective equipment will be maintained until a therapy or vaccine is available”.
Until they exist, you will have to wear masks, the minister said. According to him, “there will be a change in social distancing.”
Phase 2
In his information to the Senate, the minister addressed the issue of reopening and ending the isolation of Italian citizens.
“We must continue with the relaxation of measures, and in this way we can preserve the production hub. The country’s engine must start again, but we need an articulated plan,” he pronounced.
Indeed, in the case of accelerations at the beginning of phase 2, the risk is of a resurgence of Covid-19 infections. “Recklessness, at this stage, could compromise the sacrifices made so far.”
But how will they be reopened? First the regions least affected by the virus and then the others? “Homogeneous openings will be planned nationwide,” explained the premier. Everything and everyone at the same time.
Watch Giuseppe Conte's speech:
Economy package
The Italian Government is working on a new stimulus package worth at least 50 billion euros (295 billion reais) to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus crisis, Conte said on Tuesday.
The measures will be revealed before the end of the month.
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