Several European countries are once again seeing an increased spread of infection, including the hard-hit Italy.
But despite the development, the country today is opening the gates to its schools.
- There have been strong reactions.
It is a debate that has been going on all summer.
The schools have been closed for six months and the young people's reaction is great joy, there are very strong feelings here, says Jennifer Wegerup, SVT's correspondent in Italy, from a school opening in Rome.
Whether the schools should be open or not is, however, something of a watershed in Italy, and concerns about how the situation will develop during the autumn are great.
"You can not wait any longer"
- Those who are for open schools believe that children and young people need to go to school for social and knowledge reasons.
Even if it will lead to new cases of infection, you can not wait any longer, you have to decide and meet the challenges, says Jennifer Wegerup.
But starting school is fraught with several precautions.
Mouthguards are mandatory and 2.5 million specially designed benches have been ordered to make it easier for students to keep their distance.
Students must also take the temperature before they go to school, and about half of the country's teachers and school staff have taken a voluntary coronation test before the autumn term.
Of these, 13,000 were covid-positive and may not start working again until they have tested negative.
Covid inspector at all schools
- You will have a great view of students and staff and see how it develops.
11 million medical mouthguards will be distributed per day.
You must also take the temperature before you get to school and there will be a covid controller at all schools.
They are prepared for several different scenarios in the near future, Jennifer Wegerup explains, but will do everything not to have to resort to more hard shutdowns.
- You have to find a way to live with the virus and keep Italian society going.