Gyms, leisure centres close amid new Italy restrictions

On Monday gyms and pools in Rome remained empty as new rules imposed by the Italian government came into effect to try to rein in the new outbreak of COVID-19.

Italy, the first country in the West to get slammed by the pandemic, took the new measures over the weekend, ordering restaurants and bars closed by 6 p.m. (17:00 GMT), and shutting down gyms, pools and movie theaters.

The fitness sector has already been heavily impacted during the first wave, said sport centre manager Daniele Ninci, adding "let's keep our fingers crossed".

Meanwhile Rome residents took to the parks for excercise, as they looked for alternatives to gyms.

In addition, the new measures also require high schools to transition to at least 75% distance learning while letting younger students remain in classrooms.

Indoor and outdoor gatherings, including those for religious reasons, are barred, and the government is strongly recommending people avoid having house guests and traveling in the country except for work, health or other necessities.

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