ROME (Reuters) – Italy’s government will end a state of health emergency in the face of the COVID-19 epidemic on March 31, Council President Mario Draghi announced on Wednesday, promising a gradual return to normal life after more than two years marked by the coronavirus crisis.
Against a backdrop of declining numbers of new infections and deaths linked to the health crisis, Rome has been facing pressure from businesses and certain political parties for several weeks to lift health restrictions.
“We will continue to follow the pandemic situation closely, ready to intervene in the event of an outbreak. But our goal is to reopen completely, as soon as possible,” said Mario Draghi during a speech in Florence.
Established for the first time on January 31, 2020, the state of emergency is due to end on March 31. It will not be extended, indicated the President of the Italian Council.
The health pass will be gradually abolished, first for outdoor activities, he said.
(Report Angelo Amante; French version Jean Terzian)