Italy Continues to Lift Lockdown Restrictions — Here's What's Happening Now (Video)

Italy has continued in lifting its lockdown restrictions, now allowing locals to go to work and see family members.

In what is considered "Phase Two" of the lockdown lift, those employed in construction, manufacturing, wholesale and real estate returned to their jobs on Monday, with employers deciding on when and how people arrive and work. Architects, accountants, lawyers, and engineers also returned to work.

Supermarkets, grocery stores, newsstands, pharmacies, and bookstores are already open. But all other shops remain closed until at least May 18th. Schools also remain closed.

Parties and group gatherings remain forbidden but Italians are now allowed to visit family members. Family members are still advised to maintain social distance and wear a mask when they see each other, according to The Local Italy.

“I woke up at 5.30 a.m. I was so excited,” a local woman told Reuters. She was taking her three-year-old grandson for a walk in Villa Borghese park. It was the first time they had seen each other in eight weeks.

Picnics are banned but the national government gave the go-ahead to open parks across Italy. However, each individual mayor decides whether or not parks in their jurisdiction open. Cafes can now offer takeout meals, not just home delivery.

Funerals with less than 15 people attending are re-permitted but weddings and baptisms must remain postponed.

Italians are allowed to cross provinces to return home, although they cannot travel back and forth. Anyone who is returning from abroad must remain self-quarantined for two weeks.

Italy is still reporting more than 1,000 cases of coronavirus every day, so restrictions can only be lifted slowly.

There have been more than 210,000 confirmed cases in Italy since the outbreak emerged in late February. Almost 29,000 people Italian have died.