Museums, cultural venues and masks, what changes from May 1

As of Sunday, May 1, 2022, the rules for the use of masks in public places, which until now were mandatory everywhere indoors as a measure against the spread of Covid-19 infection, have changed. In fact, on May 1, Health Minister Roberto Speranza ’s order signed on April 28, 2022, came into effect, which stipulates the limits of the mandatory use of masks.

FFP2 personal protective equipment remains mandatory on certain means of transportation (aircraft, ships and ferries, interregional, Intercity, Intercity Night and High Speed trains, public buses and buses used for rental services with drivers, vehicles used in local and regional public services, school buses) and for shows open to the public that take place indoors, at “theaters, concert halls, movie theaters, entertainment and live music venues and in other assimilated venues, as well as for sports events and competitions that take place indoors.” So, in indoor cinemas, theaters and concerts, the requirement to wear FFP2 masks remains in effect. Obligation to wear PPE also for workers, users and visitors of health, social and welfare facilities such as hospitality and long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities (RSAs), hospices, rehabilitation facilities, and residential facilities for the elderly, including the non-self-sufficient. All of these obligations are in effect until June 15.

Consequently, face masks are no longer mandatory for going to all other places open to the public, including museums (but also bars, restaurants, stores including supermarkets, public and private workplaces), where, however, the recommendation to use them remains in place. Finally, theGreen Pass requirement lapses almost everywhere, except for visits to health care facilities.

Care must be taken, however: some museums, especially the busiest ones, are deciding to maintain the obligation when risks of assemblages are created. This is the case, for example, in Verona, where the obligation has lapsed at all civic museums (although the use of the mask remains strongly recommended), but has been maintained for visiting Juliet’s House, where, the museums’ official website states, “spaces are restricted and situations of assemblage are possible,” reasoning that “the use of surgical masks remains mandatory anyway.”

Photo: Borghese Gallery

Museums, cultural venues and masks, what changes from May 1

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