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Italy’s government has ramped up restrictions in five of the country’s 20 regions in an effort to head off a rise in Covid-19 cases as scientists warned of a growing prevalence of highly contagious new variants.
“Many outbreaks are due to the [new] variants. I am concerned about the progress of the epidemic. We must keep up our guard and we must intervene promptly and strongly where needed,” said Gianni Rezza, a senior health ministry adviser.
Looking to instil some optimism, Culture Minister Dario Franceschini said the government was considering reopening cinemas and theatres in low-risk areas from March 27.
