Italy PM outlines lockdown easing measures

Seven weeks into Italy's strict lockdown, Premier Giuseppe Conte on Sunday laid out a long-awaited timetable for getting back to normal, announcing that factories, construction sites and wholesale supply businesses can resume activity as soon as they put safety measures in place against the virus.

Addressing reporters through a video link, Conte confirmed that public parks and gardens were set to reopen on 4 May. Italians will also be able to visit relatives who live in the same region.

Conte stressed the importance of continued social distancing. Mayors will be able to impose limits on park visitors, in order to avoid overcrowding.

The Premier further warned that if these rules were not followed, coronavirus cases would rise again, deaths would climb and there would be "irreparable damage" to the economy.

Funerals with no more than 15 guests are set to resume on 4 May and mourners must wear masks.

If all goes well, retail shops will reopen on 18 May, and restaurants, cafes, barber shops and hair salons on 1 June.

Conte offered a new mantra for this second phase: "If you love Italy, keep the social distance."

Health ministry figures on Sunday indicated that Italy had seen its lowest day-to-day increase in deaths – 260 – since mid-March, during the first week of lockdown.

In total, the country has recorded over 197,600 COVID-19 cases and 26,644 deaths.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.