Italy closes nightclubs as infections rise

ITALY has ordered the closure of all nightclubs and discos amid growing concerns that young people are catching and spreading the coronavirus, which has so far killed more than 35,000 in the country.

It was the first reimposition of restrictions since Italy’s strict national lockdown was eased in May.

The decision comes as the number of new cases increases, rising from an average of around 300 a day last month to as high as 600 a day this month.

On Saturday, 629 new cases were reported – the first time there had been more than 600 daily cases since May – while on Sunday there were 479 cases.

There are fears that unless urgent action is taken, Italy could be heading back to the darkest days of March and April at the height of the pandemic.

A big increase in infections could jeopardise the planned reopening of Italy’s schools on Sept 14.

The nightclub sector, worth €4billion (£3.6 billion) a year and employing around 50,000 people, is furious over the decision. The new regulations begin today and will last until early September.