#Italy closing down nightclubs after uptick in COVID-19 cases

Italy is shutting down its nightclubs and making face masks mandatory in some outdoor areas popular for nightlife due to an uptick in COVID-19 cases, particularly among younger people.

The new orders, which take effect Monday and will last until early September, are the first re-issuance of restrictions in the country related to the coronavirus pandemic.

New COVID-19 cases in Italy in the past week were more than double those recorded three weeks ago and the average age of people contracting the killer bug has dropped below 40, data shows.

Italy saw 629 new confirmed cases on Saturday and 479 cases on Sunday. Nightlife and younger people flouting social distancing rules are being blamed by health experts for the recent case climb.

In addition to the closing of nightclubs, masks will be required between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. in public areas close to bars and pubs where gatherings are more likely to occur.

Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza warned in a Facebook post about the increase in cases in the country.

“We cannot nullify the sacrifices made in past months,” Speranza said as he pointed to the upcoming reopening of Italian schools.

“Our priority must be that of opening schools in September, in full safety,” Speranza added.

Italy was among the European countries hardest-hit by the coronavirus crisis — but in May it started lifting its coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

To date, the virus has infected more than 253,000 people in Italy and killed more than 35,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

With Post wires