COVID update: Italy extends regional travel ban till March 27

Italy has extended a ban on travel between the country's 20 regions till March 27 in the wake of surging COVID-19 cases. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi recently announced this ban, thereby limiting travel even within the regions in Italy.

As per the news reports, the government is also set to extend restrictions on visiting relatives and friends, which as per the rule, will be restricted to two adults who can visit another person's home. Referring to this, Italy’s Health Minister Roberto Speranza stated that it’s essential to continue with the restrictions amid the spread of new Coronavirus variants.
However, the said ban does not apply to travel for work, emergency reasons or health, or to anyone who needs to travel to return home. Reportedly, travel within Italy for tourism will remain prohibited until March end.
Reports have it that the rule has not been extended for red zone areas, which means visits will not be allowed in those areas yet.
Also, any further changes in terms of Coronavirus restrictions in Italy will be confirmed by March 5, when an updated emergency decree is due. Regional Affairs Minister Maria Stella Gelmini assured that the government would make timely decisions in agreement with regional governments.

The ban on regional travel was put into place just before Christmas, and which was supposed to expire on February 25, but officials were of the view that relaxation of restrictions might lead to a new surge in COVID cases.

Italy, like other European Union countries, has also launched its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, and has administered around 3.5 million shots, including second shots.