ROME – Italy’s government is introducing tougher measures – including a nationwide curfew – to stem coronavirus contagion following the latest daily figures that saw Covid-related deaths jump to 353, the highest since May, Palazzo Chigi sources said on Wednesday.

 The new decree, which comes into force from Nov. 6 until Dec. 3, will include a nightly curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and, despite protest from the regional governors, the country will be divided into three colour-coded tiers with varying anti-Covid measures, depending on contagion risk. 

 The high-risk ‘red’ zones are proposed to be Lombardy, Piedmont, Calabria and Alto Adige, while the medium risk ‘orange’ zones are expected to be Valle D’Aosta, Liguria, Puglia, Veneto and Campania. The remaining areas would fall under the safer ‘yellow’ coding.

 Nationwide measures include the closure of cinemas, theatres and museums.

 Shopping malls will be closed throughout the country at weekends.

 High schools, which had adopted a combination of face-to-face and online classes, will be required to switch to total distance learning.

 Introduced last month, the rule ordering bars and restaurants to close at 6 p.m. remains.

 Smart working is being strongly ‘pushed’ for both public and private sector employees.

 Getting around on public transport will be even more challenging given the capacity will be reduced to 50 per cent.

 Additional restrictions will apply in the high-risk ‘red’ zones, including the prohibition of inter-regional travel, and limited movement within the municipality. People leaving home for “proven needs,” such as work, health and urgent matters, will require a self-certification form.

 All shops within ‘red’ areas will close apart from groceries, tobacconists, news stands and pharmacies.

 Bars and restaurants will close unless providing home deliveries, and, take away meals can be ordered until 10 p.m.

 Inter-regional travel is also banned in the ‘orange’ zones but movement outside a municipality is allowed for “proven needs” with a self-certification outlining the reasons.

 Also in orange areas, only home delivery food service and take away (up until 10 p.m.) are allowed to operate.

 cc