Italy eases coronavirus lockdown measures, placing much of country in 'yellow category'

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 01: Italy’s 16 of the 21 administrative regions were placed in the “yellow category", starting Monday (Feb. 1) as the country eased coronavirus restrictions due to a decrease in coronavirus cases. This allows bars and restaurants to reopen during the day, as well as museums. The Italian islands of Sicily, Sardinia, the regions of Umbria, Puglia, and the Autonomous Province of South Tyrol are the only regions still subject to tighter restrictions in the “orange” regions of medium risk. In November 2020, when the second wave of the epidemic hit the country, the Italian government, implemented a regional precaution strategy instead of a total closure, updated the risk level of the regions due to the decrease in the virus transmission coefficient (Rt index) in most of the country where it was covered with high risk after the New Year's holiday period. Museums in the capital Rome which is in the yellow category reopened their doors to visitors. Besides the Pantheon Basilica, the Colosseum, the Ancient Roman City, the Borghese Gallery, the Capitolini Museum, museums of the Vatican City State, neighboring Rome, were also opened. The Vatican Museums, which were closed for 88 days, have remained so long for the first time since the Second World War. In addition to museums, restaurants, bars, and cafes will be open from 05.00 am to 06.00 pm in regions that are classified in the yellow category throughout the country, and will be able to service homes after 06.00 in the evening. The entire country remains subject to an evening curfew that starts at 10:00 pm and ends at 5:00 am. Many travel restrictions remain in place, along with indoor and outdoor mask mandates. Italy was the first European country to face the full force of the pandemic in early 2020. The country is averaging around 12,000-15,000 new confirmed cases and 300-600 COVID-19 deaths each day. (Footage by Baris Seckin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)