Italians were back on the streets today as the country lifted the longest lockdown in Europe and entered ‘phase two’ of the coronavirus crisis.
In Venice, where the empty streets and alleyways were an early symbol of the crisis in Europe, St Mark’s Square was full of people again today as local traders gathered in the piazza.
Trains and platforms were busy again in Milan with more than four million people expected to return to work at factories and construction sites, while others can exercise in parks and visit relatives for the first time in weeks.
Italy’s government says the regions are responsible for ensuring social distancing on public transport, but some pictures suggested it was not being strictly enforced.
In Venice, a group of protesters organised by the party Fratelli d’Italia asked for the immediate reopening of business activities.