Italy has again made it compulsory to wear face masks in outdoor spaces in order to check the rising number of COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant, stated Health Minister Roberto Speranza.

Though the minister did not mention when the directive will come into effect, he stated that higher quality masks would be needed in some of the places, such as cinemas, theatres, sporting events and on public transport.

He called it a difficult phase and added that new measures should lead to stronger protection for the people and the healthcare system. The validity of health certificates issued to the vaccinated individuals has also been reduced from nine months to six months, with effect from February 1. People will also be eligible for booster doses four months after their most recent dose, which earlier was six months… (NDTV – AFP, December 24, 2021)