The Italian Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte 

Italy will impose a nationwide quarantine for Christmas and the New Year. During the holiday period, the entire period will be observed as a 'red zone,' in the Country, while only essential amenities shops, pharmacies, and hairdressers will be allowed to operate.

However, for four days in Italy, there will be small concessions and to avoid the spread of the coronavirus infection, the Italian government will tighten restrictions on Christmas and the New Year. The government will also introduce a nationwide quarantine, according to the Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

In the period from December 24 to January 6, the entire territory of the country will be observed as a 'red zone.' On these days, movement between the regions will be prohibited, and one can only go out to work, play sports near your home if necessary. 

During this particular period, according to the government, beauty salons, bars, and restaurants will be closed, only supermarkets, shops with essential goods, pharmacies and hairdressers will continue to work.

Measures concerning relaxation will be in effect on December 28, 29, 30, and January 4. The days will be observed as 'orange zone,' whereby citizens will be able to move freely, within their municipality. 

Bars and restaurants will be open for takeout and only delivery shops will close at 21:00. In November, the country imposed a ban on leaving home from 22:00 to 05:00 without a valid reason and suspended the work of exhibitions and museums. 

Shopping centers were banned from working on weekends and holidays, while students were transferred to distance learning, and the occupancy rate of transport was limited to 50%.

According to the Italian Ministry of Health, as of December 18, 1.921 million cases of COVID-19 infection were registered in the country, claiming the lives of over 67,000 people.

The World Health Organization has recommended that Europeans can celebrate Christmas and New Years on the streets whenever possible, as indoor gatherings on holidays can possibly increase the risk of spreading COVID-19. 

According to the World Health Organization, due to non-compliance with preventive measures during the holidays, new outbreaks of the disease are possible in Europe in the first weeks and months of 2021.