Premier Mario Draghi's government has brought in a series of new COVID-19 prevention measures, including the obligation to wear facemasks outdoors, due to the sharp upswing in contagion and the arrival of the Omicron variant.
It was already mandatory for people to wear facemasks in enclosed public spaces.
The government has also decide to close Italy's night clubs and dance halls and ban open-air parties that attract crowds of people until January 31.
It has also reduced the duration of the 'Super Green Pass' health certificate for people who are vaccinated for the coronavirus from nine to six months.
Furthermore, people must now wear FFP2 masks to go to cinemas, theatres and sporting events and to travel on pubic transport rather than, for example, an ordinary surgical mask.
The Super Green Pass, which shows a person is vaccinated for COVID-19 or has recovered from it in the last six months, has become obligatory for all customers who eat food or have a drink inside a bar or restaurant.
Previously, a base form of the Green Pass, which people who do not want to get vaccinated can obtain by having a negative COVID test, although it is a only valid for a couple of days, was sufficient to consume something at the counter of a bar or cafe, although not to sit down inside.
Likewise, the Super Green Pass is now need to go to a museum or to work out in a gym.
The Super Green Pass was already mandatory to to go to cinemas, theatres and sporting events.
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