Masks mandatory from May 4th: where will they be required?

At the end of a nearly two-month lockdown, Italians will resume living outside their homes on May 4th. What will change? What rules will they have to follow regarding interpersonal safety? The most stringent rules will concern masks, which will be mandatory in certain places.

Places where masks will be mandatory

Whether it's complying with the rules imposed by the current government or practicing the simplest safety, hygiene, and social distancing measures, Italians will have to patiently learn to wear the now-familiar protective masks for the duration of Phase 2, which will mark the restart not only of our country's economy but also its civil life. Where will we need to ensure we wear them starting next Monday, May 4th? On all means of transportation and at their departure and arrival points , and in various types of commercial establishments , except outdoors . This may also include certain private residences, as visits to relatives are permitted. As a purely precautionary measure, let's stick to the general rule of wearing a mask wherever social distancing of at least 1 meter cannot be guaranteed. While the government initially seemed to be planning to make them mandatory everywhere, the April 26 press conference revealed that these devices must be worn in all situations where maintaining a one-meter distance is not possible, regardless of whether the space is indoors or outdoors. The type of mask is irrelevant here: the choice is yours, including cloth masks, FFP masks with a protection factor, disposable surgical masks, or homemade masks, as long as they are " made of multilayered materials suitable for providing an adequate barrier ." Buses, trams, subways, trains, airplanes, ferries . But also shops, supermarkets, and shopping centers: in many cases, they will be mandatory for retailers, a simple recommendation for customers, if maintaining a safe distance is not possible. This obligation applies to both parties, especially in the beauty and personal care sector (hairdressers and beauticians), where contact between the professional and the customer is particularly close. Outdoors, the usual rules apply: maintaining a safe distance, even on the beach or during physical activity.

Fixed price of €0.50 for everyone

Regarding costs, Prime Minister Conte spoke during the press conference presenting the "Phase 2" Prime Ministerial Decree: "We have already urged Commissioner Arcuri to regulate the prices of masks; there will be no speculation on this front. There will be a fair price and a small profit margin. Furthermore, we are committed to completely eliminating VAT. The price will be around 0.50 for surgical masks." A capped price will therefore be imposed for surgical masks , which must be sold at a maximum of 50 cents excluding VAT, currently 22%. As already mentioned, they will be mandatory for everyone, with exemptions for children under six and the disabled. Controversy immediately erupted over the government's suggested price for masks: " With current market dynamics, a maximum price of 50 cents is unrealistic," thundered Confcommercio vice president Donatella Prampolini, emphasizing that companies are charging higher prices for masks, and are therefore calling for a price revision to at least 60 cents.