COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor (HSRM)

Travel

Starting from 4 May, individuals will be able to visit relatives, as long as they live in the same region. See also information in the subsection below – Ending lockdown.

Schools and education

On 26 April, the Minister of Education announced that schools will not reopen before September. However, the only exception approved by the Scientific and Technical Committee (CTS), is to allow students that have to attend Baccalaureate exams to sit the tests in classrooms.

By 24 May, the government released a proposal featuring the measures that will be adopted in September by schools to allow children and students to resume lessons. In particular, school desks will have to be placed at 1-metre distance, face masks will be compulsory from primary to high school (Children from 3 to 5 will be exempted) and the use of sanitation gel will be compulsory before entering classes. Canteens will be operational but will have to follow the same rules set up for restaurants and school entrance will take place in groups accessing premises during different hours of the morning, between 8:00 and 10:00. Such proposal will be first examined by the Ministry of Education and then discussed with the unions, however the underling condition for the reopening of schools is that the infection index rate R0 must stay below 1. Once approved, guidelines will be sent to school managers who will be responsible for implementation, adapting them to the different local realities.

Economy

On 26 April the Prime Minister announced that starting from 4 May, which marks the beginning of so-called Phase II, as far as commercial and production activities are concerned, bars and restaurants will be allowed to deliver to retail and not only to customers’ homes. Manufacturers and construction sites will be able to reopen. It has been estimated that this will imply the mobilization of 700 000 workers using public transport, imposing a significant responsibility on its organization.

It is estimated that retailers, museums, exhibitions and team sport training will be able to resume activities on 18 May, while ordinary running of bars, restaurants, barbers, hairdressers and beauty centres will have to wait for 1 June.

The National Institute of Statistics recorded a fall in industrial production of 28.4% in the month of March only, which constitutes the biggest decrease ever recorded. In March, the unemployment rate in Italy dropped to 8.4% – its lowest level for almost nine years. The government attributed this to 267 000 fewer people looking for work than in the month before, as the unemployment rate measures active job seekers. Several Italian municipalities that receive substantial financial resources from tourism (such as Rimini, Florence, Venice, Rome, Palermo and Naples) have warned the government that they might be at risk of default if not subsidized and allowed to re-open activities and beaches for the summer season. For Florence only, the fiscal loss might reach 200 million EUR for 2020.

Since the beginning of the lockdown Italy has lost 80 billion in GDP, out of which 65 billion have been lost by self-employed workers and workers with only partial unemployment benefits. Employees, by contrast, have not lost income up to now (19 May) and have increased savings by EUR 33 billion compared to the same period in 2019.

On 15 May, the government adopted a further EUR 55 billion (3.5 percent of GDP) “Relaunch” package of fiscal measures to support the country's economy, including funds for tourism, culture and agriculture sectors and additional resources for the healthcare system and families. The new decree, in fact, temporarily freezes corporate tax for all companies with an annual turnover below EUR 250 million and grants non-repayable aid of up to EUR 40,000 to small businesses. It also allows the government to intervene and recapitalize struggling companies in line with new EU state aid rules allowing public capital injections. EUR 25.6 billion are destined to extend existing unemployment benefits, more than EUR 3 billion for the health care system, EUR 1.4 billion for universities and research, and more than EUR 1 billion for the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the so-called “emergency income” of up to €800 for low-income families has been introduced. Low-income families will receive a “holiday bonus” of up to EUR 500 to boost tourism, while hotels and beach resorts will benefit from tax discounts. EUR 2 billion will aid businesses to adapt their activities to social distancing measurements. As of 18 May, the government pledged a total of EUR 75 Billion towards support of families and companies.

Following the Parliament’s approval for a further EUR 25 billion (1.6 percent of GDP) deficit deviation, on 8 August, the government adopted a new third support package. Labor and social measures (EUR 12 billion) include, among other things, additional income support for families and some workers, an extension of the short-time work program, and a suspension of social security contribution for new hires. Other key measures are extensions of the moratorium on SMEs’ debt repayment and the time to pay back tax obligations.

Social support

The public’s opinion seems to agree that, while the productive and the industry sectors are being prioritized, children wellbeing and needs are not being given much attention in the transition measures debates.

A report released by the NGO Save the Children estimates that, among the consequences of the pandemic, more than one million children in Italy are threatened by the chance of living below the absolute poverty level. Today, there are already 1.2 million children living under poverty level, which would make the total increase from the current 12% to 20% of children affected. Among other factors, the report bases its estimates on the fact 3.7 million workers who lost income over the lockdown belong to mono-income families with children and almost 50% of the families interviewed for the research stated that they have had to cut spending on groceries and food, 30% could not pay utilities bills, 26% could not pay rent and 20% could not afford essential medicines or care. According to the largest agricultural coalition, Coldiretti, another one million people will now require food assistance.

Furthermore, the number of fragile families who are recipients of State aid has doubled during the lockdown.
On 30 April, the NGO Save the Children has therefore asked the government to provide answers on few key issues to avoid the ongoing containment measures from further exacerbating inequalities:

• How children who do not have access to technology will catch up on education lost during lockdown;
• How families will conciliate the absence of summer activities for children with the need to resume working activities;
• How children with disabilities and special education needs will be supported;
  How to sustain families that are falling below poverty level and prevent children from having to pay the consequences of the crisis.

On 22 May, about 4 million self-employed workers and employees were estimated to have no support/state temporary benefits.

With over 3 million people in this form of precarious employment, “under the table” jobs are common in Italy despite, of course, being illegal and play a strong role in the country's economic growth. However, with the lockdown, many have lost their jobs and are now unable to claim any help from the state.

By 23 May, 72% of economic activities in Italy reopened, although 68% were working at loss and it is calculated that so far only 29% of customers resumed pre-COVID-19 consumer behaviour.

On 29 May the annual report of the Italian Central Bank governor delivered on 15 June stressed that the damages could be up to 13% of the GDP and that vulnerable families will be particularly exposed, with the poorest quintile of the population being hit by the crisis twice as much as all the others.

Domestic violence

Unfortunately, isolation and quarantine have not been a synonym for “safety” for all Italians. The country has in fact been witnessing increases in domestic violence, depression and distress. For this reason, several municipalities, regions and citizen associations have set up protection services and activated telephone hotlines, also as support to people living alone.

An article published by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported that from 2 March to 5 April 2020 the Women’s Network Against Violence (D.i.Re) was contacted by 2 867 women, of whom 806 (28%) had never turned to the anti-violence centres before. Some centres had between 120 and 300 contacts. Compared to the monthly average of 2018, numbers have risen by 74.5%. Unfortunately, it appears that no centralized intervention has been programmed to deal with the situation.

Measures addressed to the elderly

In Trentino Alto Adige, the #Resta a casa, passo io (“Stay home, I’ll pass by”) was launched in mid-March to assist more vulnerable individuals such as over 75-year-olds with no family, people suffering from chronic diseases or with weak immune systems. A call centre was set up to be active from 08.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m. with a network of social workers, volunteers and psychologists who provided emotional support, helped with grocery shopping or purchasing pharmaceuticals. By mid-May, the service had processed over 4,000 requests, of which 37% were related to requests for information, 27% for grocery shopping, 21% for pharmaceuticals and about 12% were related to emotional support. On 16 May, the accessibility to such service was then restricted from 09.00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m.

Frail patients

The psychological consequences deriving from the emergency situation have had a greater impact on children with cancer. Several initiatives have been launched to support families whose children have cancer, both economically and in terms of mental health services. For example, in 2020, the Italian Onlus foundation “Soleterre” strengthened its intervention for poor families, guaranteeing economic support for all expenses related to care: Soleterre covered expenses such as drugs, diagnostic tests, transport to the hospital, room and board at cancer centres, COVID-19 tests – for a total value of €20 123 in 2020 (an increase by + 46% of the amount dedicated in €143,090 in 2019.

Displaced people from Ukraine (2022)

According to the Ministry of the Interior Report, dated 5 December 2022, more than 113 000 displaced people from the war in Ukraine have arrived in Italy. So far 58 964 are women, 15 527 men and 38 748 minors. The Italian government has released health obligations in compliance with COVID-19 legislation for immigrants arriving from Ukraine. Until 31 March 2022, they are in fact required to be tested for COVID-19 via an antigenic swab or a molecular test no longer than 48 hours after entering the country, when they are not able to provide a valid certificate for the Italian NHS. For the first five days after entry, they ought to undergo a self-observation monitoring period and are obliged to wear an FFP2 mask. It is also mandatory to provide a certificate proving that they have taken a negative molecular swab test within 72 hours, or a negative antigen test within 48 hours. Lastly, within five days from entry, immigrants are to be vaccinated against COVID-19, alongside other compulsory vaccinations such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis and Polio vaccines. A national toll-free telephone number (1500) is available to receive information on healthcare documentation and any related question.

Ending lockdown

Although the virus is still circulating and the state of emergency remains, on the night between 16 and 17 May, the Italian Prime Minister and the Minister of Health signed the new Law Decree no. 126, after an agreement with the Regions. This new decree increasingly lifts lockdown measures and constitutes a central reference for regional protocols to be issued, with the aim of ensuring that rules are certain and homogeneous throughout the country. This decision derives from a calculated risk, in the knowledge that the contagion curve may rise again but that he had little choice. The country’s circumstances could not wait until a vaccine against the virus is developed because of the damage to the economic and social structure. On 23 September, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte repeated that it is unlikely the government will impose another general lockdown, however it might be necessary to impose targeted lockdowns. As stated by the ECDC, it appears that by the last week of September, Italy, and its healthcare system, have managed to return to a low COVID-19 risk. The Council of Ministers approved the extension of the state of emergency to 31 January 2021, together with the assignment of powers to the government to adopt all measures aimed at containing the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The new Decree Law, also extends measures contained in the Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers (Dpcm) of 7 September 2020 to 15 October 2020.

Starting 18 May, several commercial activities (such as bars, restaurants, pubs and hairdressers for example) are allowed to reopen. The reopening of cinemas, theaters and other activities still suspended will follow. The timeline announced by the Prime Minister establishes that by the 25 May, sport clubs and swimming pools will reopen and on 15 June, theatres and cinemas, with limitations in numbers of seats. It is up to Regions and mayors to adapt those guidelines to their local realities. The government will monitor the evolution of the infection and will intervene should numbers rise beyond the boundaries set in agreement with the Minister of Health and the scientific committee.

Among the sectors that have suffered the most, the creative industries will be the last to reopen as shows in cinemas and theaters will resume on 15 June. In addition to the interpersonal distance of 1 metre, there will be a maximum limit of 200 people for indoor screening and one thousand for outdoor screening.

Since 15 June, arcades, betting rooms, bingo halls, wellness centres, spas, cultural centres and social centres are allowed to reopen, on the condition that Regions and autonomous Provinces guarantee that an activation of such activities occurs taking the epidemiological curve into consideration. Summer centres will also re-open and host children from 0 to 3 years of age, which will notably facilitate circumstances for working parents who cannot work from home. Contrarily, all activities that take place in dance halls, clubs or similar settings – whether outdoors or indoors – are still suspended. As for public fairs, conferences and congresses, were authorised to resume activities on 14 July.

Sports and physical activity

From 25 June, contact sports could be practiced in those Regions and Autonomous Provinces which, in agreement with the Ministry of Health and the Delegated Authority on sports, have previously checked the compatibility of the aforementioned activities with the epidemiological curve of each territory. By October, however (Ministerial Decree of 13 October), the Government has halted training and competitions for of all amateur sports involving close contact.

Furthermore, through Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM) of 7 August 2020 small sized sports events will be allowed to have a maximum of 1000 spectators for outdoor stadiums and 200 spectators for indoor facilities, from the beginning of September. Ministerial Decree of 13 October maintained such measures adding the obligation to measure body temperature at points of access.

Further changes were implemented with Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers (DPCM) no. 258 of 18 October. In fact, only individual and team sport competitions of national or regional significance are still allowed, with the same audience restrictions. Regions and autonomous provinces may derogate from these restrictions in relation to their own epidemiological situation, if approved by the Minister of Health. Training sessions are allowed solely behind closed doors.

Travelling to and through the country

Starting from 18 May, individuals were allowed to travel within their region without any restrictions and without having to self-certify their reasons. EU citizens could enter Italy without obligation of quarantine. Those entering Italy for work reasons and staying for no more than 120 hours (five days) are not obliged to undergo quarantine; however. They must have a registered office, or secondary office, in Italy.

Following Law Decree no. 33 (issued on 16 May), all regional borders were reopened at midnight of 3 June; thus Italians were allowed to freely move throughout the entire country and abroad.

At a national level, railway stations will mandatorily measure the body temperature of all passengers on long-distance trains and access will be denied if it exceeds 37.5°C. Trains will be equipped with on-board catering services but staff will serve food and drinks in sealed and single-dose packaging, wearing masks and gloves. Trenitalia, the primary train operator in Italy, has increased the frequency of its service and now provides daily 80 high-speed trains, 48 Intercity trains connecting major and minor cities and 4653 regional tracks. Italo, the second train operator has also added new destinations (Bolzano, Trento, Rovereto, Rovigo and Verona) and the main Italian airports (24 in total) are now fully operational. From abroad, access is consented to 26 Schengen countries and the UK, without mandatory quarantine.

The decision to reopen, though, alerted governors of southern regions, concerned about potential spreads of the infection and has been the subject to several controversies even among policymakers in northern regions who would have preferred to delay the reopening. Puglia has requested that each traveler report all movements, visited places and people encountered in the 30 days previous to the date of entry in the region. In Sicily, tourists’ origin and localization must be traceable and the existence of any suspicious cases in one’s family verified. Lazio has established that body temperature will be measured on those accessing by car, by placing controls at the border of the regions. Those with a body temperature over 37.5°C will be subject to a nasopharyngeal swab with domiciliary confinement while awaiting the result, and may be reported to Health Authorities. Sardinia has chosen to keep transport limited until 12 June.

On 14 July 2020, an order signed jointly by the Ministry of Health, of Foreign Affairs, of the Interior and of Transportation banned access to travellers arriving from (or who, in the 14 days prior to arrival, have transited through) 13 countries considered more at risk: Armenia, Bahrein, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Kuwait, Northern Macedonia, Moldova, Oman, Panama, Peru and the Dominican Republic. Furthermore, it has also banned direct and indirect flights to and from these countries. On 16 July 2020 the MoH added to this list also Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia, while from 13 August 2020 it included Colombia.

As the month of August unfolded, both at national level and at regional level, rules regarding quarantine and isolation for travellers continue to be heterogeneous and are updated regularly as the pandemic evolves. For example, a COVID-19 test (through swabs) have become mandatory for those entering from countries such as Malta, Spain, Croatia, Greece and, since 22 September, some regions of France (Paris and other “red areas”). By 7 October, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK were added. Those travelling to Sardinia must be able to show a negative test result belonging to the 48 hours previous to arrival. Every traveller to Sardinia must also register online 48 hours before departure.

For those who, in the 14 days prior to their arrival in the country have stayed or transited through Romania and Bulgaria, quarantine is compulsory and must last two weeks.

More specifically, on 12 August 2020, the Ministry of Health issued an ordinance establishing that all travellers arriving in Italy after visiting Greece, Croatia, Spain or Malta must be tested for COVID-19 through a swab unless, at their arrival in the country, they provide a molecular or antigenic test with a negative result conducted no longer than 72 hours before entering Italy. Travelers can choose between a so-called “rapid swab” upon arrival in Italy’s major airports or to be tested elsewhere at their destination within 48 hours after arrival. In the region of Lazio, a total of 20 drive-ins for molecular swabs have been set up around the capital city of Rome whereas in the city’s two main airports and at the port of Civitavecchia, rapid swab tests are available and are able to provide a response in 30 minutes. Similarly, tests have been made available in two airports in Milan (North, Lombardy) – Malpensa and Linate – and in the airport in Bologna (North, Emilia Romagna). Naples (South, Campania), has organized for travellers to be tested at the Cotugno Hospital; in the region of Liguria (North) the governor has opposed making swabs compulsory, despite increases in the number of infected people returning from Sardinia to the port of Genova. In Turin (North, Piedmont) travellers can be tested at the Amedeo di Savoia Hospital. Access to the country from non-EU or non-Schengen countries is allowed only for proven work/academic reasons of absolute urgency, health reasons or for those returning to their own home.

The Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM) of 7 August 2020 also allowed cruise services to depart starting from 15 August and to organize trade fairs and conferences from 1 September as long as interpersonal distance of at least 1 metre can be maintained.

Schools and education

Shutting down schools has indeed been among the most complex and painful measures for the country; however, the policy was essential to contain the pandemic. The CTS and the National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), consider schools to be in the medium-low integrated level of risk and a medium-high risk of aggregation. 

Preparing for the academic year 2020–2021, INAIL has prepared a set of guidelines reported in the “Technical document on the hypothesis of reorganization of containing measures in the education sector”, based on the epidemiological and scientific knowledge available on 25 May 2020, detailing system, organizational, prevention and protection measures to make sure that the new school year starts safely in Autumn. The indications, released on 28 May, are of a general nature in order to provide flexibility to individual premises to contextualize them to their specific situation. To elaborate such guidelines, INAIL first conducted an estimation of the number of schools in each region and in the entire country, and then measured the volume of transportation – about 30 million people transit daily to reach their academic institution or workplace, with a large share represented by students – and the analysis takes into account organizational and prevention measures undertaken in other European countries to manage the re-opening of schools. First of all, the basic conditions for students and all staff to be allowed to access their schools are an absence of respiratory symptoms or body temperature above 37.5°C in the current and previous three days; not having been in quarantine or home isolation in the previous 14 days; not having been in contact with COVID-19-positive people in the previous 14 days. In addition the guidelines state that:

• Schools will not be obliged to measure individuals’ body temperature at entrance, thus responsibility is entirely on students, parents and tutors.
• The focus is on the optimization of spaces and on student mobility, especially on working days in large metropolitan areas, in morning and afternoon peak hours. Thus, schools in large urban centres are asked to consider starting classes at different times to reduce the load on public transport between 7:00 am and 8:30 am.
• In relation to the number of pupils and staff, it will be essential that each school considers the possibility of changing class schedules or to reduce the amount of hours spent inside, paying particular attention to the risk of overcrowding, especially outside classrooms. Distance learning can continue to be pursued as complementary/integrated form of lesson delivery rather than a substitution of in-school classes. The physical presence of parents at schools – or their delegates – should be minimized unless strictly necessary.
• Classroom layouts will have to be revised, possibly repositioning desks, chairs and blackboards to safeguard an interpersonal distance of at least 1 metre.
• Common areas, recreation areas and corridors must be connected through specific pathways signalled by signposting, whereas recreation and Physical Education classes should be carried out outdoors as much as possible. In the first period of the new academic year, team games and sports are not recommended, while individual physical activities that consent distancing are to be promoted.
• School facilities must also be equipped with windows to ensure a regular and sufficient exchange of air and natural ventilation.
• Headmasters must ensure that, prior to school reopening, structures have been thoroughly cleaned by the school staff following instructions provided by the ISS has through the Ministry of Health Circular “Indications for the implementation of measures to contain the contagion from SARS-CoV-2 through sanitization procedures of non-sanitary structures (surfaces, interiors) and clothing”
• Appropriate procedures will have to be detailed for the isolation of anyone who manifests respiratory symptoms and fever.
• Masks and sanitizing products must be available for students and staff, at several locations within the school building and, in particular, at each classroom entrance. Pupils will, in fact, be required to continuously wear surgical masks unless they have forms of disability that compromise their safe use.
• Even for all non-teaching staff, in the common areas, the same spacing rules of at least 1 metre must be guaranteed, also wearing a surgical mask.

Ministerial Decree of 7 September formally confirmed the reopening of schools on 14 September (although in five regions the openings will be delayed until after the September 20–21 elections). All schools should be re-opened by 1 October; however, by 23 September there have already been cases of schools closing for a limited number of days following students testing positive.

While classes are meant to take place in person, there are still many organizational issues that are yet to be solved, such as a shortage of single-person desks and teachers needed for socially distanced lessons, thus the issue of has been generating much national debate. Currently, the obligation is to fully comply with the guidelines published by the National Health Institute (ISS) and developed in accordance with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, INAIL, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Veneto Region and Emilia-Romagna Region. The report, “Operational indications for the management of cases and outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in schools and childhood education services” provides recommendations to guarantee that schools reopen in the safest conditions with structured plans that ensure continuity. The document illustrates the planned national response strategy and explains correct behaviour to be followed and precaution measures to be taken when a pupil or an operator reveals suspected or positive cases, both in school and at home. In such cases, action will be required from: the child’s parents, paediatrician or GP, the Department of Prevention of the competent Local Health Authority and each school’s designated contact, intended as an adequately trained employee that is in charge of recording contacts between pupils and staff of different classes, making sure that children have their temperature measured every day by their parents and report any absences due to health reasons that may be linked to COVID-19.

Children who start manifesting symptoms at school must be isolated in a dedicated area with the assistance of a staff member protected by PPE. Parents must immediately take their child home and contact a paediatrician or GP, who, after evaluating the situation, will decide if it is necessary to contact the Prevention Department (PD) for a swab. In positive cases, the Department of Prevention will then perform all the necessary investigations for contact tracing and evaluate whether to impose quarantine on classmates, teachers and other close contacts.

Students with disabilities

As it is not always possible to guarantee the proper interpersonal distance when assisting students with certified disabilities, staff may be provided with additional PPE such as nitrile gloves and eye protection glasses. Each preventive and protective measure will have to take into account the specific situation of the disabled child.

Specific guidelines for kindergartens

In kindergarten, physical distancing will be more difficult and will require additional resources to reduce the number of pupils simultaneously present in classrooms or to regularly clean surfaces. Kindergarten pupils, and children under 6 in general, will not have to wear a mask, and staff may be allowed to use additional PPE (for example, nitrile gloves and eye protection glasses) in addition to the usual surgical mask.

The recommendations also suggest resorting to information campaigns both within schools and through webinars for students and their families. For example “Five Rules” for a safe return to school are to be passed on to children and youngsters:

1. If you have symptoms of acute respiratory infections (fever, cough, cold), talk to your parents immediately and DO NOT come to school.
2. When in school, wear a mask, even if made of cloth, to protect your nose and mouth.
3. Follow teachers’ instructions and follow the instructions in posters/signs.
4. Always keep an interpersonal distance of 1 metre, avoid gatherings and physical contact with schoolmates.
5. Wash your hands frequently and use appropriate hand sanitizers to keep them clean; avoid touching your face and mask.

Economy

The EU deal for “Next Generation EU”, commonly known as the Recovery Fund deal, assigns a total of EUR 208 billion to Italy, divided between subsidies and loans, making the country the biggest beneficiary among member states. On 15 September, Italy released its first resource allocation guidelines that will shape the National Recovery and Resilience Plan for accessing the Recovery Fund, to be finalized by April 2021. In general, the plan aims at a modernization of the country’s services by improving bureaucratic flows, reducing times necessary for the administration of justice and increase public sector investments (education, R&I and public infrastructure).

More specifically, the government’s guidelines are currently before Parliament and its main objectives include:

• Doubling the average growth rate of the Italian economy (0.8% in the last decade, according to governmental data), bringing it at least to EU average (1.6%, according to governmental data);
• Increasing public investments to from 2.2% (Eurostat 2019) to at least 3% of GDP;
• Raising the value of research and development investments above EU average of 2.1% compared to the current 1.3% in Italy (governmental data).

The National Plan has been divided into six main areas of intervention (“Missions”), each containing its own set of project clusters linked to support and reform policies.
The six missions are:

1. Digitalization, innovation and competitiveness of the production system;
2. Green revolution and ecological transition;
3. Infrastructure for mobility;
4. Education, training, research and culture;
5. Social, gender and territorial equity;
6. Health
   

Separately, the European Commission has approved the mobilization of more than EUR 660 million from the Cohesion Fund, to be put towards the operative programs of Lombardy and Sicily. More specifically, Lombardy will allocate EUR 193 million to strengthening its health services and EUR 10 million of working capital to SMEs. Sicily has chosen to put 4.3 million towards supporting the health sector, EUR 320 million towards its SMEs, EUR 75 million in the tourism sector whereas the remaining EUR 60 million will aid the modernization of schools and higher education institutions.

Prime Minister Conte has announced that further economic support will be given to sectors in difficulty. On 27 October 2020, the Cabinet approved new economic support measures amounting to over EUR 5 billion through the “Ristori decree”. Measures include:

• EUR 1.6 billion to finance an additional 6 weeks’ furlough payments.
• A maximum of 4 months’ tax relief for employers who have had to interrupt or reduce their business.
• Tax credit on commercial rent for October, November and December for businesses with revenues of over EUR 5 million.
• EUR 1,000 indemnity for autonomous and intermittent workers in the entertainment and tourism sectors.
• EUR 1 billion for selected sectors:
• EUR 400 million for holiday agency and tour operators
• EUR 100 million for the publishing and conference sectors
• EUR 100 million for the hospitality sector
• EUR 400 million for export and international fairs
• Two months of emergency salary payments.
• Establishment of an EUR 50 million fund to support amateur sport clubs and associations.
• Establishment of an EUR 100 million fund to support the agriculture and fishery sectors.
• EUR 30 million to supply 2 million rapid tests to family doctors (please refer to section 1.5 Testing) for further information.
  

Memorial Day for COVID-19 victims

The Italian Parliament has set 18 March as the Memorial Day for the COVID-19 victims. This date was chosen as it registered the largest number of deaths nationally and the entire country was shaken by the dreadful image of a parade of military trucks filled with coffins that carried corpses away from the overcrowded cemetery of Bergamo to be cremated in surrounding regions. Schools, institutions and local authorities are invited to host informative and awareness raising initiatives and events, to keep informing and sensitizing citizens of all ages and commemorating the deceased.