In a number of countries, some measures introduced against the spread of coronavirus have been curtailed due to the trend towards a decrease in the number of new cases. Today, Italy is lifting the requirement to wear protective masks outdoors.
The decision to lift the measure was taken by the health authorities after a 30% drop in the number of new infections in a week. The state of emergency imposed in connection with the pandemic has not yet been lifted. This is expected to happen by the end of March.
Spanish authorities also lifted the requirement to wear masks outdoors yesterday. The change also applies to students who no longer need to wear masks when outside during breaks. In some regions of the country, the requirement to present a Covid passport at the entrance to bars and nightclubs has been removed.
Measures are also being relaxed in the Netherlands. The government plans to lift most of the pandemic-related restrictions by the end of the month. Bars and restaurants will be open again until 1:00 after 18 February instead of closing at 22:00.
Social distancing measures in public places will be lifted before the end of the month. But visitors will need to present a certificate of vaccination against Covid-19, or a document of an infection, or a negative test for coronavirus. This will allow theaters, cinemas, and sports grounds to resume work at full spectator capacity.