What’s it like in Italy at the moment?

[MrsGrindah]

I know they have been strict on mask wearing and social distancing. It seems to be working well re the infection rate. I’m just wondering how disruptive it is. Looks like my holiday to Italy is possible but I’m trying to find out whether it will be worth it. Obviously I realise there a risk of quarantine.

Hi ! My friend and neighbour just got back from family villa holiday in sorrento - they had amazing time and did lots of trips to eg Pompeii
She said it was absolutely amazing and are so glad they went !

Thanks but what were the Covid 19 restrictions like?

Anybody?

Hi, I'm in Italy and just got back from a holiday. What differences are there too normal?

• You must wear a mask when indoors but not while eating or drinking.
• lots of using hand gel (at the entrance to every shop and business)
• museums and attractions are open but you often have to book online first.

I hope that helps. Where are you going?

So it sounds pretty similar to UK? We will mainly be in Rome

Numbers are still relatively low, but they have started to creep up recently. That means there is a risk of increased restrictions happening without much warning, Italy got burned before like the UK.

See here for a recent example of changes - they are monitoring carefully and very keen not to get out of control: www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/italy-to-test-passengers-coming-from-malta-greece-croatia-and-spain/.

So it sounds pretty similar to UK?
My main source of knowledge of the UK situation comes from mumsnet! I get the impression that not everyone is wearing masks in the UK? Here, everyone over the age of 6 definitely is (at least indoors).

@totallyyesno - really depends on the area. Very few wear masks outside, almost everyone inside, in my area of London.

Yes UK is very hit and miss. What about restaurants and bars? Will we needs to book especially in areas away from Rome?

Probably not but it really depends on how big a place it is. For instance, I live in a small city and everyone seems to eat out on Sundays so I would always book a Sunday lunch or Saturday night dinner if I wanted to go somewhere specific .

Thankyou. I’m really looking forward to it. Just hope we get there!

Restaurants and bars you’ll only need to book for the popular places. Most will have tables outside, if you eat inside someone will take your temp. Or at least that happens where I live (north), maybe they’re more relaxed in Rome.

There was a recent hotspot in a Rome suburb, it did get cracked down on pretty quickly though and not heard anything since so probably ok.

I haven't had anyone take my temperature for a restaurant- only for a pedicure and to visit a castle!

I must frequent the wrong restaurants! To be fair only if we ate inside, no one bothered if you ate outside with the mosquitos.

We also get temp checked at the bigger supermarkets and Zara, but not H&M. Most odd.

I'm in Puglia and temperature checks are in place in all restaurants (outside too) that I've been to this summer.
Things are tightening up again (quite rightly IMO) as cases are going up. Nothing to worry about unduly, but we've gone from 3 to 22 cases in the region in a week.
Masks still worn, everywhere open. Nightspots are being checked more rigorously for masks and SD since last week. (DD tells me, I'm not a huge nightspot frequenter!)

Update: just announced that nationally all discos/nightclubs are to close and masks obligatory outside where SD isn't possible from 6pm to 6am.

Thanks! We are visiting Puglia too so that’s really good to know. Mask misery it is then!

Yep. We were just getting used to not wearing them much! Mind you, I saw a bloke in the supermarket this morning with a tissue sellotaped to his beard!
Nightlife won't grind to a halt and I think these measures are precautionary because like everywhere, they are getting antsy about schools opening!