Italians are slowly returning to the streets after living under strict coronavirus lockdowns for two months.
More than 4.4 million workers returned to their jobs on Monday as the Italian Government allowed the resumption of construction sites and manufacturing operations while parks have also been reopened.
The lockdown was the longest of its type in Europe as Italy struggled to control the pandemic with 29,079 deaths caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.
Simple pleasures such as going for a run or reuniting with relatives was savoured by many Italians after a difficult couple of months.
For 97-year-old great grandmother Luisa Barbuscia, being able to see her family again for the first time since the lockdown was imposed on 11 March has given her renewed hope.
Great-grandmother Luisa Barbuscia and her great grandson Leo are enjoying spending time together again after the lock down was eased. Source: Supplied
“This is what I was missing the most,” she said.
“To not see anyone, to not see my grandchildren. It was the worst part.”
However, it is only the start of restrictions being eased and many rules and protocols remain in place.
Non-essential shops are expected to be part of the next phase of restrictions being eased later this month, while restaurants are not expected to open until June and may be limited to only offering takeaway service.
Nicola Malaspina, the owner of popular Rome restaurant Bubi's, said social distancing restrictions could cripple businesses.
“In my opinion restaurants and bars should remain closed until September,” Mr Malaspina said.
“It is ridiculous to open like this. Only opening half-way doesn’t work.”
While restrictions on day-to-day life in Italy will be gradually eased in the coming months, tourists will have to wait a long time to visit the country's many famous landmarks.
Rome restaurateur Nicola Malaspina believes social distancing restrictions could cripple businesses. Source: Supplied
Antonio Barreca of the Italian Association of Travel and Tourism believes it will be a long road to recovery for with overseas tourists likely to be shut out for the next 12 months.
“The tourism industry at the moment is totally dead,” Mr Barreca said.
“Probably we will have to wait until the spring of 2021 to host foreign visitors again.”
Italy one of several European nations easing restrictions this week as Germany, Spain, and Portugal manage to slowly control the spread of coronavirus.
The leaders of Spain, whose lockdown rivalled Italy’s for its length and strictness, apologised to the country’s children last week for confining them to their homes since mid-March.
Spanish kids, reclaimed the streets after six weeks on 26 April, and everyone was allowed to exercise outdoors on Saturday.
Small shops, including hairdressers, began receiving clients by individual appointment on Monday, while bars and restaurants were able to resume takeout services.
Portugal, Greece and Croatia also began to reopen businesses while classes resumed for children in Austria's capital Vienna.
Additional reporting by AFP
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