ROME (Reuters) – The Italian government on Monday prolonged a ban on non-essential travel between the nation’s 20 regions till March 27 as it appears to gradually spread highly contagious coronavirus variants.
Officials also stated the health ministry was more likely to speed up vaccination efforts by telling regions to use all available doses rather than set aside some stock for second shots.
The ban on travel between regions was introduced just before Christmas and had been due to expire on Feb. 25, however officers fear a rest of restrictions could lead to a new surge in cases, driven by the so-called “UK” variant.
In its first decisions on COVID-19, Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s new cupboard also prolonged restrictions on visiting households and friends, with not more than two adults allowed into another individual’s home at the same time.
No visits are allowed in so-called red zones, where the tightest restrictions are in place. At current, no area is classified as “red” however some provinces, cities, and villages have been designated as such.
Though the number of every day COVID-19 cases has fallen from around 40,000 in mid-November to under 15,000, the infection rate, measuring the percentage of tests that come again positive, has edged up in some areas and there are several hundred deaths from COVID-19 every day.
Italy’s official demise toll stands at 95,718 – the second highest in Europe after Britain and seventh highest worldwide.
Like other European Union nations, Italy launched its anti-COVID-19 vaccination campaign at the end of December and has administered 3.5 million shots including second shots. In all, it has received 4.69 million shots from vaccine producers.
Britain has moved more quickly than its former EU partners, giving a first vaccine dose to more than 17.6 million individuals.
Impressed by the British example, Italian officials have questioned whether the nation should use all the vaccines at its disposal now, rather than keeping reserves for recommended follow-up vaccinations.
La Stampa newspaper reported on Sunday that Draghi was set to pursue mass vaccinations utilizing all available doses. Officials confirmed this was likely, however gave no time frame.