Italian beaches may impose roped-off areas, no queuing and social-distancing rules for tourists after coronavirus
ITALY is looking into new rules for tourists at beaches and resorts following coronavirus.
Roped-off pathways to the sea, distancing between sun loungers and an end to queues at beach bars are all potential changes that could be enforced.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Puglia, a region in the southeast of Italy, has been testing some of the social distancing measures ahead of holidaymakers returning to the country.
Dubbed the "Caribbean" of Italy, Porto Cesareo has already put 1.5m distances between seating and sun-loungers, as well as used ropes to cordon off areas for social distancing.
Fabrizio Marzano, the owner of seaside resort Bacino Grande in the region, told : "The little ropes we see are simply to give an idea of the space, of what it could be, to respect the safety of all the people who go to the beach, for all the tourists."
He also added that resorts and food service is likely to change as well.
He explained: "For example, there can be no queues at the bar, as this would mean that people would be too close to each other.
"So we will have to give the customer who wants a sandwich, a pizza, a Coca-Cola, the possibility to bring it to them to their beach umbrella."
Even stricter measures have already been proposed, with one beach suggesting plexiglass "pods" for families to use when at the beach.
The new designs, created by Nuova Neon Group Due, a company in Modena in Italy, proposed two metre-high walls which would be 4.5m wide, with people on the beach made to sit inside them when visiting.
These were quickly slammed by local authorities who called them "chicken coops" and said they posed a risk of dehydration during peak summer season.
The country was one of the worst-hit in Europe, with current cases of coronavirus nearing 200,000, with more than 20,000 deaths.
Italy is looking to phase out some of their other strict rules in place over the next four weeks.
Under plans to help restart the Italian economy, building sites as well as the textile and fashion industry can reportedly open up on May 4.
A week later, clothing, shoe and other shops are said to be allowed to raise the shutters.
Finally, bars, restaurants and hairdressers can be back in business on May 18.
Shops with a surface area of 131 square metres or less will be allowed only one customer at a time while bars and restaurants will have to keep a distance of one metre between customers.
Give now to The Sun's NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers. The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM. No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here: .
Most read in travel
Schools in Italy will remain in lockdown until at least September though, according to the prime minister.
An island in Italy is even offering to pay for half of your plane ticket, as well as a night at a hotel and your attraction entry fees in a bid to encourage tourists to return.
Sicily, located off the south of Italy, is attempting to lure foreign visitors back to the island.
The government will use €50 million (£43 million) to fund the scheme, with losses of €1 billion (£876,000) reported from March and April.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day - .