EU Member States Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: ITALY

by Simion & Baciu Law Firm May 15, 2020

Website simionbaciu.ro

The credit rating agency Fitch has downgraded Italy's rating to BBB-. (https://www.ilpost.it/2020/04/29/fitch-rating-italia-bbb-meno/)

Ciampino and Florence airports reopened to the public on May 4. (https://www.ilpost.it/2020/04/30/4-maggio-riaprono-ciampino-e-firenze/)

According to ISTAT, Italian GDP fell by 4.7 percent in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the previous quarter; it is the worst decline since 1995. (https://www.ilpost.it/2020/04/30/pil-calo-peggiore-1995/)

In May 4 phase 2 of the measures for coronavirus has begun with the entry into force of the decree of April 26 which eases some restrictions. Four and a half million people should return to work and travel within a region to visit relatives is allowed. Some outdoor activities are also permitted. Various production sectors have reopened, including manufacturing and construction; bars and restaurants, which previously could only work for home deliveries, can now also sell take-away food. (https://www.ilpost.it/2020/05/04/fase-2-coronavirus-cosa-si-puo-fare/)

In phase 3 of the re-opening, regional governments will be allowed to reopen bars, restaurants, hairdressers, barbers and beauty parlours from May 18th. Advanced reservations, maintaining distance and masks will be required. (https://www.thelocal.it/20200512/italy-speeds-up-reopening-of-businesses-under-lockdown-phase-two & https://www.thelocal.it/20200512/here-are-italys-new-rules-for-going-to-bars-and-restaurants)

On May 13 the Italian Government approved the so-called "revival decree", the measure to contain the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus epidemic. €55 billion has been allocated to aid workers, families and businesses. The decree also contains new measures on layoffs, on aid for self-employed workers and on support for businesses, including non-refundable payments and the controversial "amnesty" of foreign workers without a residence permit or with an expired residence permit, which will concern in particular those in the agricultural, domestic and personal care sectors. (https://www.ilpost.it/2020/05/14/decreto-rilancio-coronavirus-spiegato/)

The Italian government decided to temporarily regularize undocumented migrants working in the agricultural sector or as domestic helpers, to fill key jobs and allow workers health coverage amid the coronavirus pandemic. The new rules allow foreign citizens to claim a residency permit if they are agricultural or domestic labourers and had entered Italy by March 8th 2020, giving them the right to live and work legally in Italy with access to public services including health care. (https://www.thelocal.it/20200514/italy-to-grant-residence-to-undocumented-migrant-workers-during-coronavirus-crisis)

The Serie A Football League set June 13 as the date for the eventual resumption of the championship.(https://www.ilpost.it/2020/05/13/serie-a-13-giugno/)

Apr 12, 2024

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