Italy will start reopening its factories on May 4 as part of its deconfinement measures and plans to postpone the start of the school year to September, said Italian Council President Giuseppe Conte on Sunday (26 April) in an interview with La Repubblica.

"We are working at the moment to authorize the reopening of a good part of the activities, from industry to construction," said the head of government, adding that a deconfinement plan will be presented no later than the beginning of the week.

Companies will have to comply with strict sanitary measures before reopening their doors, warns Giuseppe Conte, but some companies considered to be "strategic" could reopen in the coming days with the authorization of the prefects.

Back to school in September

Giuseppe Conte also promised to reopen schools in September. "The school is at the center of our thoughts and will reopen in September," he says, stressing that "all the scenarios prepared by a committee of experts predicted high risks of contagion in the event of reopening (before September, note ) schools".

"It's the health of our children that is at stake," continued Giuseppe Conte, while schools have been closed since early March due to the Covid-19.

The parks will also reopen on May 4, but it will be necessary to maintain social distancing and avoid gatherings. "If you love Italy, keep your distance," said the head of government, warning that all of these openings would be called into question if the contagion rebounds. It will also now be possible to visit family and reunite, but in limited numbers and always respecting safety measures.

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The bars and restaurants, closed until now (apart from those who made home deliveries), will reopen on the same date, May 4, but only to sell take-out food. Gatherings in front of these establishments will remain prohibited.

The full reopening of bars and catering companies will only take place on June 1, as will that of beauty salons or hairdressers, always in compliance with security measures.

The first European country hit by the coronavirus epidemic, Italy was also the first to introduce general population containment in early March. Since March 14, Italy has recorded more than 300 deaths every day, with peaks approaching 1,000 deaths, for a total of 26,644 deaths, according to the report published Sunday by the civil protection.

With AFP and Reuters

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