On the 24th October a new emergency decree came into effect throughout Italy as a result of the sharp increase in the daily infection rate. We’ve condensed the relevant points below but if you’d like to read the full decree click here.

Essentially the Italian government has stopped short of putting the whole country into a national lockdown but they do strongly recommend not to travel by public or private transport except for work, study or health reasons.

Bars and restaurants have had their hours restricted to between 5am and 6pm. Consumption at a table is allowed for a maximum of 4 people unless they are all living together. Restaurants are permitted to offer a takeaway service. Each commercial premises must display clear signs at the entrance indicating the maximum number of people allowed in the premises.

November usually sees a few of the higher Italian ski resorts open, the best known being Cervinia. Following crowded scenes last weekend at the base station in Cervinia, the government ordered them all to close except for race training.

“Apart from national competitions, Italy’s ski facilities will remain closed. In November you will not go skiing in Italy” Vincenzo Spadafora, the Italian Minister of Sports said.

It is hoped that this is a temporary measure whilst the authorities work out how best to proceed. Certainly the current decree is in place now until November 24th  when it will be reviewed.

It is still possible to travel to Italy from the U.K and EU countries. A self declaration form must be completed and proof of a negative COVID test within the last 72 hours is also required, although when I drove back to Italy last Saturday, neither were asked for. I believe that when you fly into Turin airport the checks are more thorough.

We will update the blog as and when the situation changes.

Useful links:

• Advice from Turin airport for people arriving from abroad.
• Guidance on travelling to Italy from the UK.
• Self declaration form for entering Italy from abroad