Away with the masks outdoors. The obligation to wear masks outdoors disappears from Monday 28 June. In fact, in the white zone it is no longer mandatory. There decision of the Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza, came after the positive opinion of the Scientific Technical Committee. The provision is valid until July 31, 2021. For some time we have been wondering whether, even in the absence of gatherings, it makes sense continue wearing the masks outdoors. There are many countries that have already chosen to abandon them. In fact, most studies argue that they are not that essential to protect us if there are not many people around us.
Via the outdoor masks: caution for variants
The new condition, however, should not be understood as a return to normality. The presence of some particularly contagious variants, such as the Delta, suggest that they still keep their guard up. This is why the mask can only be removed in the white regions, which are those considered low risk. For example, if a region were to return to yellow, the obligation would return immediately.
Via the outdoor masks: the decision of Campania
Campania is an exception. The president of the Campania junta, Vincenzo De Luca, has established with an ordinance that in his region it remains the obligation to wear it outdoors in different situations. Regardless of whether there are very or few people in Campania, it will be necessary to continue wearing it:
- in urban centers,
- in the squares,
- on the waterfront.
The outdoor mask must obviously also be worn “in lines, queues, markets or fairs and other events, even outdoors, as well as in open-air public transport contexts such as ferries, boats and ships”.
Shops and shopping centers
Nothing changes here. To enter shops and malls you must continue to wear a mask. In shopping centers, the obligation remains even if we move outdoors from one pavilion to another.
Via the outdoor masks: what changes for restaurants and bars
Even for restaurant and bar patrons, there are no changes. Indoors, the mask can be removed or lowered only to consume food and drinks and only when seated. It is mandatory to use it when going to the bathroom or to the checkout. Even when the place is outdoors, if there is a lot of people, it can be removed just to consume. All staff at work must continue to wear this device on every occasion.
Via the outdoor masks: does something change on public transport?
They must be kept correctly on the face all the way. You can only take off at the stop if there are not many people.
Even on trains and planes, the rules do not change. The only difference is that the capacity has been increased to 80 percent.
Away with outdoor masks: the situation for discos
Entry is possible only and only by showing the Green Pass. Self-certification is not valid. Only outdoor dance halls can open. The maximum occupancy is limited to 50%, including employees.
I vaccinated
In some countries such as the United States and Israel, vaccinated people – those who have had both doses – can meet without wearing masks even indoors. In Italy there is still no definitive position taken.