Italy shuts discos, makes face masks mandatory as Coronavirus cases rise

The Italian government has ordered closure of all night clubs across Italy, and issued orders that wearing masks will now be mandatory at night in crowded public places. This comes in the wake of the country witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases.

Reportedly, the order is applicable across Italy, and has been signed by Italy’s Health Minister Roberto Speranza. The order comes into effect from today, and will remain in force till 7 September. The order signed by the Health Minister outlines that wearing of face masks would now be mandatory in public areas from 6 PM to 6 AM. Also, closed establishments have been barred from operating as of now.
Currently, Italy has ordered a three-week closure of all dance venues after it faced a rise in Coronavirus cases.
Meanwhile, there are clubs that are reportedly struggling to make customers comply with the rules, despite DJs urging people to wear their masks and maintain social distancing on the dancefloor. The Italian government, however, has promised economic support for the nightclub industry, which has cited losses of around 4 billion Euros.
Recently, Italy recorded 479 new Coronavirus cases in over 24 hours, the main reason why strict actions are being taken to contain its spread.

Then, there are some regions, like Calabria in the south that had already ordered to shut all dance venues, whereas there are others, such as Sardinia, which have kept them open.

The new orders came into force the same day when COVID-19 test was introduced at Rome's airports for travellers returning to Italy from Croatia, Greece, Malta and Spain.