(Bloomberg) -- Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced further steps in the country's return to normality and called on citizens to use an official contact tracing app to avoid a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic.
Conte told a press conference Thursday that closed-door sporting events can resume starting Friday, lifting one of the country's few remaining restrictions. Italy started easing a nationwide lockdown in May, with people allowed to travel freely within the country from June 3.
The premier also said that from Monday Italians nationwide will be able to download the app, called Immuni, to help trace contacts for people who have tested positive for the virus. Italy reported 379 new coronavirus cases Thursday, above the 330-case average of the past two weeks.
“You can download it safely and with no concerns because it safeguards privacy,” Conte said.
Conte also announced a wide-ranging reform of family benefits, including the introduction of a monthly child allowance similar to the one existing in Germany.
| Italy's next reopening steps: |
|---|
| - Closed-door sporting events and competitions restart from Friday, without audiences |
| - Betting halls permitted to reopen if local spread of the disease allows it |
| - From June 25, amateur contact sports can restart if regions and government authorities say it won't lead to the spread of the disease |
| - Summer camps for children up to three years old reopen |
| - Nightclubs and similar dancing venues remain closed |
©2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
