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April 13, 2020 The numbers of the coronavirus epidemic in Italy continue to drop even if the situation is far from resolved. Another heavy figure in the sad bulletin of yesterday's deaths, but still the lowest since March 18th. It proves that social containment measures are currently the most effective weapon to defend against the virus. "The renunciations that each of us makes on this important Sunday are a gesture of authentic attachment to what really matters and that we will be able to recover soon. Together we will succeed", said Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in the message for Easter greetings.

Milan and Lombardy are concerned
Unfortunately, the situation in Milan and Lombardy remain worrying and at the moment they represent the most uncertain ones of the peninsula: "A figure that we cannot yet consider under control", said the Regional Welfare Councilor, Giulio Gallera. "We will wait for what the experts will tell us, the thing that leaves me perplexed is that the curve is slowing down but very very slowly. I expected it would do it faster, but I hope it is a matter of days and soon we will see even more beneficial effects of this closure ". Said the governor of Lombardy, Attilio Fontana speaking at "Cento città" on Rai Radio1.

Closed schools
And While the debate on the so-called "Phase 2" is getting more intense, the president of the Superior Health Council (Css), Franco Locatelli, speaking yesterday evening at Che tempo che fa on Rai2, said the need to "reflect" on the the possibility of "postponing the reopening of schools to next year" adding that the "decision is up to the government". Locatelli reiterated the need to carry out as widely as possible in the country "The seroprevalence test, which is essential for acquiring information on what percentage has developed antibodies and on this is definitively validation of the tests to choose which one to apply, we are at good point to select the best ".

Phase 2
But working on Phase 2 is very important for Italy. The task force of experts and the Government are working to foresee a reopening, albeit partial and with highly restrictive rules to be subjected to. The aim is to identify "in the short term" the indications to exit "gradually from the lockdown", aimed at a "gradual and gradual return to normal". The Prime Minister asked the committee to identify, in close connection with the technical-scientific committee, the most effective and innovative ways to gradually exit the lockdown, favoring the resumption of production activities, also through the development of organizational models that allow the reopening of factories and companies in conditions of maximum safety for workers.

Three weeks to leave
The mission is to start again, but avoiding a new wave of infections. So still no kisses and hugs, it is possible, however, the reopening of shops and offices, but with new rules to follow. Workplaces must be thoroughly cleaned at least twice a day, as well as ventilation systems. Shops and offices must be equipped with disinfectant dispensers, while those who work in contact with the public must wear protective masks and gloves. Gloves also mandatory for those who buy food and drinks, with the distance of one meter between people that will continue to be a rule to be respected. The entrance to the shops will take place according to the size of the premises. The minimum reference size should be 40 square meters: only one customer can enter stores of this size at a time. For those over 40 square meters, access is regulated according to the available spaces, differentiating, where possible, the entry and exit routes.

Still bars and restaurants
Although Phase 2 provides for the reopening of various activities, some, such as bars, restaurants, hairdressers and beauty salons, have greater difficulty in meeting the distance of one meter. For them, the government is evaluating the obligation to work only by appointment and always with gloves and a mask, while for catering activities a reorganization will be required that guarantees the distance of one meter between worker and customer, and at least two meters between tables. As for public transport, the races will be intensified and you can only sit on board, with some seats that must remain empty to ensure the distance of one meter.

The horizon is May 3rd
The time horizon is May 3, but Conte asked the task force to find solutions to reopen some production activities already in April. But for phase 2, in three weeks, scientists say targeted swabs and immunological tests would be needed that have not yet been introduced nearly two months after the emergency began. And then there is the issue of checks on the 80,000 companies that remained open during the lockdown thanks to the self-certification and the silent consent of the Prefects. And little is known about their security levels.

The epidemic curve
However, the recovery will be gradual and will depend on the epidemic curve, that is, on the trend of R0 and could be diversified among the Regions. The calendar will be drawn up according to the needs of the citizens and if the curve drops, it could foresee some reopenings by May 15th. For example, for public transport, bus and subway rides will have to be intensified because you can only sit on board but not all places can be occupied to keep the distance between people. There will be a staggering at the entrances of the stations to avoid any type of gathering, as well as at the ticket offices.