Roberto Speranza

Italy has lifted some of the strictest restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of Omicron. Outdoor masks are no longer required. The nightclubs also opened last night.

People on the streets of Rome did not hide their relief after the requirement to wear masks, even outdoors, was dropped.

The Italian government has made showing the COVID-19 'green pass' mandatory for all those who enter school or university grounds, with the exception of underage students, according to a decree approved on Thursday by the council of ministers. More.

Italy's cabinet of PM Mario Draghi on Thursday decided to make the coronavirus health pass mandatory for teachers as well as passengers on public transport, including domestic flights, ferries and long-distance trains, news wires reported.

Health Minister Roberto Speranza said the government's COVID-19 'cabina di regia' taskforce is scheduled to meet on Friday and he expects 99% of Italy to become a white zone thanks to the vaccination campaign, based on current data.

 Italy has brought forward the easing of coronavirus restrictions, meaning people can enjoy al fresco dining from April 26.

Prime Minister Mario Draghi announced the easing of rules, almost a week earlier than planned, at a press conference Friday. The reopening includes schools as well as open-air restaurants, bars, cinemas and theaters.

Coronavirus restrictions were reimposed across much of Italy on March 15, while Ireland and the Netherlands became the latest countries to suspend AstraZeneca's COVID-19 shots over blood clot fears despite the firm and the WHO insisting there is no risk.

Italy's latest emergency decree, signed by premier Mario Draghi, extends most of the existing covid-19 restrictions and closes all schools in red zones or areas with high infection rates.

 Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese, and Health Ministers Roberto Speranza retained their mandates in the new government formed by Mario Draghi.

Italy was plunged into political crisis on Jan. 13 after former premier Matteo Renzi withdrew his party from the ruling coalition, risking the collapse of the government in the middle of a raging coronavirus pandemic.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will reach hospitals and other sites across the United States by Dec. 14 morning, a top official said Saturday, ready to be injected into the arms of millions of the most vulnerable Americans as the world's death toll approached 1.6 million.