Italy latest European country to order Christmas lockdown

Italy latest European country to order Christmas lockdown

Italy has ordered a nationwide lockdown over much of the Christmas and New Year period in an effort to combat a rise in Covid-19 cases.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said it was “not an easy decision”.

The country will be under “red-zone” restrictions.

The “red-zone” restrictions will be in place across Italy from 24 to 27 December, 31 December to 3 January, and 5 to 6 January.

During this period people “can leave the house only for reasons of work, necessity and health,” Mr Conte said.

The rules will allow people to receive a maximum of two guests, not including people under the age of 14, in their homes.

Curfew from 22:00 to 05:00 will remain in place.

The rules were designed to “allow the minimum socialisation that is suitable for this period”, said Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.