The Italian Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte, has released a set of measures to combat the covid-19 pandemic that, in addition to decreeing the suspension of gym activities, swimming pools and wellness centers, among others, forces bars and restaurants to close at 6 pm, being able to remain open on Sundays and holidays. Sports events and competitions will also be suspended.
El Italian Minister of Culture, Dario Franceschini, he said through a tweet, that decision to close theaters and cinemas has been very painful, but that health protection is an absolute priority.
Italy was the first European country to close opera houses in February 2020, after which the country went through a fierce wave of COVID-19 that tore apart the Italian healthcare system. Italy has seen a sharp increase in new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, and the peak of new daily infections reached 19,640 new cases the 24 October 2020.