Italy Joins Austria, France and Germany in Lockdown
If you’re feeling unsure of what to expect, whether it’s a good time to book or even if it’s safe enough, have a read through our COVID-19 FAQs featured below. The last couple of months have been a rollercoaster for everyone, and we can’t wait to enjoy some turns with you, back on snow, on your next ski holiday.
Last updated 29/10/2020
Covid-19 is continuing to tighten its grip on Europe as Italy just became the latest nation to declare lockdowns forcing ski areas to close. They follow in the footsteps of France, Germany, and Austria who all locked down last week, closing all ski areas. So far, Switzerland has yet to capitulate to the ravaging pandemic.
– Related: Austria Latest European Country to Enforce 2nd Lockdown | Ski Resorts Forced to Close
The Italian government has declared The Aosta Valley, Lombardy, and Piedmont as ‘Red Zones’, meaning people can only leave their homes for essential reasons. Unfortunately, despite what we might think, skiing is not deemed essential.
The three areas, home to the biggest and best ski areas in the country will begin the strictest form of lockdown beginning today, Friday 6th November 2020. Calabria, in the south of the country, will join them.
The rules of the lockdown are:
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No one will be able to leave or enter a “red zone”
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Citizens must stay home, except to go to work or shop for essentials
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Citizens can also exercise near their homes but must wear masks
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Factories will remain open, as will essential services such as pharmacies and supermarkets
The restrictions are to be enforced for at least two weeks, and although not nationwide, will affect more than 25% of the country’s population.
Italy has had 824,879 confirmed coronavirus cases and 40,192 deaths.