Italians have flocked to parks and cyclists have taken to the streets of Rome in their droves today as the country edges out of lockdown while 194 more coronavirus deaths were announced.
The public came out of their homes across the nation during Phase Two of lockdown, with people taking to their bicycles around the Piazza Venezia and the Via dei Fori Imperiali in the capital.
Men, women and children of all ages walked and cycled to Ruffini Park in Turin with their loved ones, before sitting on the grass while wearing face masks as children played sports games.
University students clambered onto the roof above their apartments in central Rome’s San Lorenzo University district in the late afternoon, sitting and standing less than 2m (6ft 6in) apart.
People on bikes in Via dei Fori Imperiali during phase 2 of the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in Rome, Italy
People stoll in Ruffini Park during phase two of the emergency measures due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, in Turin
University student share an aperitif atop their apartment building in central Rome’s San Lorenzo University district on May 9
People on bikes in Piazza Venezia during phase 2 of the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in Rome
People stroll in Ruffini Park during phase two of the emergency measures due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, in Turin
They enjoyed an outdoor aperitif in the low light after 55 gruelling days of lockdown introduced by the Italian government in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Italy recorded 194 more coronavirus deaths today, against 243 yesterday, the Civil Protection Agency said. The daily tally of new cases fell to 1,083 from 1,327 on Friday.
The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on February 21 now stands at 30,395 the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the US and Britain.
The number of confirmed cases amounts to 218,268, the third highest global tally behind the US and Spain.
People registered as currently carrying the illness fell to 84,842 from 87,961 the day before.
There were 1,034 people in intensive care today, down from 1,168 on Friday, maintaining a long-running decline. Of those originally infected, 103,031 were declared recovered against 99,023 a day earlier.
The agency said 1.645million people had been tested for the virus against 1.609million on Friday, out of a population of around 60million.
People on bikes in Piazza Venezia during Phase Two of the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in Rome
University students share an aperitif atop their apartment building in central Rome’s San Lorenzo University district on May 9
People stoll in Ruffini Park during phase two of the emergency measures due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, in Turin
Authorities are starting to lift tough restrictions which previously only allowed Italians to venture within a few hundred metres of their door for either exercise or food shopping.
People faced questioning, fines and prison sentences if they were found outdoors without a valid excuse.
Manufacturing and construction resumed on May 4, allowing an estimated 4.4million people to return to work. However, many businesses are still closed.
Most non-essential shops are still shut, though a small selection including bookstores and clothes stores opened on a trial basis during the lockdown. Bars and restaurants are now open for takeout services.
People can leave their homes to ‘visit relatives and other loved ones’, but not friends. They have to wear face masks. Meanwhile, ‘big family gatherings’ are not permitted.
People are still banned from travelling outside the region where they live. There is an exception for students and workers who were marooned in a different region when the lockdown began, if they now want to return home.
Regional authorities are responsible for ensuring social distancing on public transport.
Parks have re-opened for jogging and exercise, although children’s playgrounds are still closed. People are allowed to drive somewhere to take exercise there.
Universities can hold exams and degree ceremonies if social distancing is respected. Up to 15 mourners are now allowed to gather for a funeral, but must wear masks.
University student share an aperitif atop their apartment building in central Rome’s San Lorenzo University district on May 9
University student share an aperitif atop their apartment building in central Rome’s San Lorenzo University district on May 9
People on bikes in Via dei Fori Imperiali during phase 2 of the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in Rome
People stroll in Ruffini Park during phase two of the emergency measures due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, in Turin