In Italy, ‘it feels almost like normal’
ROME/PARIS/MADRID • Italians savoured the cherished ritual of enjoying a cappuccino or espresso at the counter of a bar Monday as the country took a big step forward in easing its 10-week lockdown.
Bars, restaurants and shops were allowed to reopen, as well as hairdressers and beauty salons.
Although takeout coffee has been allowed since May 4, it was the first time that Italians could relish their daily dose of caffeine inside a bar or café since the coronavirus pandemic prompted the world’s first nationwide lockdown in March.
“It’s the first time we’ve been allowed inside cafés. It feels almost like normal. People are outside, the city is busy,” said Erica Firpo, a travel writer who lives in Rome.
In Largo dei Librari, a triangular piazza consisting of a tiny church hemmed in by medieval townhouses in the historic centre of the capital, elderly men sat at tables, enjoying the sunshine.
In Via dei Coronari, an elegant street known for its antique shops, the silence of the last eight weeks was replaced by shops pulling up their metal shutters and bars putting out chairs and tables.
Most people remained vigilant, heeding warnings that it will not be possible to return to normal for some time.
“I would say about 60 per cent of people are wearing masks, including lots of little kids. The pavements are busier but people are trying to keep their distance from each other,” said Firpo. Across the country, restaurants put out tables, measuring two metres between them, and shop owners disinfected their premises.
Notices in bars reminded customers to keep at least a metre apart, while beauty centres reopened with acrylic glass screens separating clients.
“There are more cars on the streets, that’s for sure,” said Giulia Martinelli, a television producer. “The bar near my apartment opened this morning but it’s so small that only one person at a time is allowed inside. It feels a bit like we are gradually returning to normality.”
After weeks of livestreaming, churches in Italy also reopened, including St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. In Venice, gondoliers took to the canals again but had to be content with ferrying a few locals around.
Beaches reopened in Sardinia, the Adriatic and the Italian Riviera in Liguria, with sun-worshippers told to stay at least one metre apart.
Travel between the regions, unless necessary for work or health reasons, is banned until June 3. Also on that day, Italy’s borders will be opened up to the rest of Europe.
Since the outbreak was detected in Italy in late February, nearly 32,000 people have died from the virus — the third highest death toll after the U.S. and Britain.