People wearing protective masks walk along Rome's Via dei Condotti on the day the Italian government announced plans for mass coronavirus vaccinations and restrictions over the Christmas period. Photo: ReutersItalians will not be able to attend midnight mass or move between regions over the Christmas period, as the country battles high coronavirus infection rates and deaths. Junior Health Minister Sandra Zampa said Christmas Eve mass must end by around 8:30pm so that worshippers can return home before a 10pm curfew, and people should not invite non-family members home for Christmas lunch or other celebrations. The government has already said ski resorts will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period. Italy saw 684 coronavirus-related deaths on Wednesday, down from 785 on Tuesday, and 20,709 new infections, the health ministry reported earlier.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 02, 2020 20:26 UTC