Covid 19: in the complex balance between health protection and retail, the Government introduces the “droplet rule” in certain Italian regions.

 Yesterday evening the Italian Government issued a new decree with some new important measures applicable to retail outlets and restaurants.

 In short: containment restrictions are only set forth for Lombardy, Emilia Romagna and Veneto. So: Piedmont,  Friuli Venezia Giulia and Liguria are no longer in the picture (with the exception of the province of Savona).

So this is good news.

Another important provision is that there are no longer rules setting forth the closure of Bar, Restaurants and retail outlets. The provision introduces a so-called “droplet rule”: basically each retailer  will need to make sure, with whatever appropriate measures, that customers and visitors that enter the retail space will have sufficient space between them: one meter.

Certain heavier restrictions are set forth for the provinces of Bergamo, Lodi, Piacenza and Cremona, where large retail shops in shopping centers need to close over the week end.

Finally, the decree  shall last until Sunday March 8.

We at Cocuzza & Associati continue monitoring the situation. The full text of the decree is here