Covid-19 in Italy: Fines for not wearing masks outdoors in Rome

Rome: The central Lazio region of Italy, which includes Rome, has issued an order obliging people to wear face masks in public, including outdoors, amid a rise in new covid-19 cases.

The widely-expected move will take effect from tomorrow, Saturday 3 October, with fines of €400 for those who fail to comply with the new rules.

The order was signed this morning by the president of the Lazio region, Nicola Zingaretti, who described masks as a “powerful prevention tool” in the battle against covid-19.

Zingaretti also added that “for now” there were no early closures planned for bars and restaurants.

The measure will apply 24 hours a day to everyone except children under the age of six, people with disabilities preventing them from wearing masks, and those engaged in physical exercise or sport.