Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza issued an ordinance banning amateur skiing within the nation till at least March 5th, AP News reports. According to the report, this decision was made after it was discovered that 17.8% of individuals recently infected with the coronavirus within the nation were carrying a new strain solely recently found in Britain.
Skiing is popular in Italy and usually plays a big role within the nation’s winter tourism. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, resorts have had to keep slopes closed.
Resort operators had been reportedly hopeful that they could soon open and potentially salvage what’s left of the season. They’ve reportedly already suffered vital losses due to being closed throughout normally busy parts of the season, including the recent holiday season.
Members of the ski industry complained that they’ve invested closely in preparing slopes and lifts only to have the government deny them permission to open. They say the latest decision was made at the last minute, meaning the slopes were preparing to open when the decision was made.
According to AP News, Premier Mario Draghi promised to compensate the industry for its economic losses.
Italy has been hard hit by the pandemic, and the government has enforced strict regulations and try to prevent the spread of the virus. The nation’s tourism business has reportedly suffered, particularly as the government has placed restrictions on travel from overseas.
