Movements at Christmas: between counter-exodus and fears of new infections

Il MCPD of the 3th December confirmed the restrictive measures of the previous decrees, tightening them up as regards travel during holidays. In particular, the 25, 26th December and the 1st January, it will be forbidden to move from one municipality to another to prevent the contagion curve from growing. The total block of movements between regions, even in the yellow area, will be effective from 21th December, until the 6st January. Predictably, many are preparing for the counter-exodus, from North to south, to be able to return to their families for the holidays.

in F.A.Q. relating to MCPD, the government explained what the rules apply to commuting at Christmas, also clarifying the issue of the "oversight" relating to the non-applicability of fines and penalties for those who do not respect the rules

The déjà vu of the "flight" from North to South

Already a few hours after the end of the press conference of the Prime Minister, Giuseppe ConteOn December 3, train, ship, bus and airline websites went haywire. In a very short time, every available means of transport was sold out. Many spoke of a counter-exodus, a déjà vu of what happened at the dawn of lockdown last March. To prevent what happened then from happening again, the southern regions are preparing to combat possible infections.

The Apulian governor Emiliano, for example, it is considering establishing local orange zones. In Calabria and Sicilia instead, task forces are being envisaged to carry out rapid tests in ports, airports and railway stations. The Sicilian president, In the Musumeci, in fact, will soon sign an ordinance that provides for swabs for anyone who enters the island from 14th December until early January.

Traveling at Christmas: is there a glimmer?

As already mentioned, until 21 December it will be possible to move freely among the yellow regions. By the middle of the month, the government expects Italy to become monochrome. It is therefore likely that the week before the blockade will be able to travel freely throughout the country. The curfew From To 22 5, time slot in which any movement is allowed only for work needs, needs or health reasons. The 31th December, the curfew will also be extended up to 7 in the morning of New Year's Day.

Just 25-26 December and 1 January will be gods crucial days, As any movement is prohibited from your municipality. Some regional presidents (especially in the North) have requested that the blockade be at the provincial level, because the inhabitants of the municipalities of a few hundred souls would be disadvantaged compared to those who live in megacities such as Rome o Milan.

At the moment the government does not seem to be taking steps backwards, but in the next few hours it is not excluded that small changes will be introduced, to allow travel between neighboring municipalities at Christmas. Of course, it is always allowed to return to one's residence, domicile or home (even in the period up to January 6). Whoever transgresses the traffic rules (or gives a false attestation) risks a fine from 400 a 3.000 €, as required by decree n. 19 of 25 March 2020. Unfortunately the Christmas in the time of Covid-19 it will be a sad event for many, far from their families. Approval of vaccines Pfizer, Modern e AstraZeneca is now imminent and it is only a matter of a few months before they even arrive in Italy. Only by following the rules will it be possible to protect your loved ones, especially the weakest, and avoid the worst. To ensure that the virus does not spread as it did in the summer and avert the much feared third wave ... that would be true Christmas miracle.