THEEpiphany it has now arrived and, like the holidays, it also takes away the latest restrictions contained in the DPCM of Christmas. THE'Italy from 7 January go back to wearing the three colors: red, Orange e yellow. Before the last ones anticovid standards of the government, theRT index had gone down under the 1 in almost the whole country (with the exception ofAbruzzo in the orange zone), but now things seem to have changed. The government, with a new recent decree has established the rules that will be in force since 7 15 to January next. Thursday and Friday, we will return in yellow zone all over the country. However, the obligation will remain curfew at 22pm and closing of bars and restaurants at 18 pm (with take-out and delivery allowed). Finally, you can move freely (from 5 to 22), but only within your own region.
In the weekend (9 10 and January) will return to instead orange zone: bars and restaurants will be closed (only take-away and home delivery allowed), the shops will be open and you can only move within your municipality from 5 to 22.11 15 to Januaryinstead, it will return to the division of regions into zones (yellow zone under RT 1, orange zone above RT 1 and red area above RT 1,25). The government's decision will then vary according to the report that will be drawn up by theHigher Institute of Health (Iss) on a regional basis. At the moment the prospects do not appear to be very bright. The average RT index is at the moment 0.93, but it is constantly climbing. This could lead the government to tighten the rules to avoid a third wave that seems increasingly likely.
Italy from 7 January: red and orange areas at risk
As already mentioned, once the chapter is closed DPCM Christmas, not all regions will wake up colored yellow. Some of these in fact still show a worrying level in terms of growth of infections from Covid-19. Among these (data as of 30 December last) there are Veneto, Calabria e Liguria. The first and second have an index of 1.07, while the third of 1.09. This could lead to the decision to opt for the red zone. Basilicata, Puglia e Lombardia, they could instead become orange zone, as they exceed the current average value. The first has an RT of 1.07 and the second and third of 1. To these could also be added Friuli Venezia Giulia, Marches ed Emilia Romagna, with RT value, respectively, of 0.96, 0.99 e 0.98.
Active curfew and back to school
The possible restrictions after the Befana were also confirmed by the Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza, who spoke of extending the curfew also in the coming weeks, with the closure of bars and restaurants at 18pm. As for the school, however, the Minister of Education, Lucia Azzolina, assured that in Italy from 7 January students will be able to back to school in presence. On the other hand, however, there are many doubts about it and some regional presidents, including Stefano Bonaccini (Emilia Romagna), Michele Emiliano (Puglia) and Luca Zaia (Veneto) have already said they are against the provision on the reopening of schools. Of course, a possible step backwards for Minister Azzolina cannot be ruled out. According to some government sources, in fact, the reopening could even postpone to the11 or 18st January.
During the holidays, most Italians seem to have been virtuous and have not broken the rules. Nonetheless, we cannot yet say ourselves outside the second wave. The vaccine plan has just started and before the entire population receives the Covid-19 vaccine a few more months will pass. A "free all" in Italy from 7 January is too high a risk that our country cannot afford, especially at a time like this when, with a ready-made vaccine (Pfizer) and others on the way (Modern, AstraZeneca, etc.), the negligence of some and non-compliance with the rules could lead to the arrival of one third wave, even more dangerous than the previous ones.
