ROME( Reuters)-Face masks will remain compulsory in Italy on public transport and in some indoor venues until June 15, the health minister said on Thursday, as one of the country's hardest hit by COVID delayed an end to pandemic restrictions. Masks will still be required to access cinemas, theatres, indoor events and to enter hospitals, Health Minister Roberto Speranza said, adding that the government intends to be cautious in lifting the remaining measures." We have decided to keep in place for

ROME — Italy last month took a groundbreaking step for a Western democracy: Requiring the nation’s workers — public and private — to get government-issued health passes.... Many minds won’t change, but some might.... During that same span, the E.U.’s vaccination coverage has risen three points. Advertisement Some might argue that such a modest gain isn’t worth the social price....

The government has banned New Year’s Eve celebrations and shut nightclubs for the next month.In recent days, South Africa — among the first countries to report detecting the variant in late November — has had the starkest about-turns.... “ With the current level of vaccination, we have to do otherwise.... We have no choice.” Horacio Arruda, Quebec’s public health director, said infected health-care workers who are not “ in good shape ” will not be sent to work under the amended protocols....