Authorities in Lombardy, the Italian region worst-affected by coronavirus, have enacted a law obliging citizens to wear face masks when they go outside.
In the absence of a mask, people should “cover their mouths and noses with a simple foulard or scarf”, said Attilio Fontana, the president of Lombardy.
“So as to prevent you from spreading the virus if you happen to be carriers,” he added.
The law came as people major cities including Rome, Naples, Milan and Turin ventured out in recent days amid good weather.
The law will be in place at least until 13 April, when Italy’s lockdown is due to expire.
The pressure on hospitals in Italy is starting to ease, with the first drop in the number of intensive care beds in use registered on Saturday (from 4,068 to 3,994 in a day).
“This is important news, as it allows our hospitals to breathe,” said Angelo Borrelli, the chief of the civil protection authority.” Deaths on Saturday rose by 681, the lowest daily rise for almost two weeks.
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