Nightlife returns slowly to normal in Rome

Italians enjoyed their first Friday night drinks with friends under close police watch, after strict anti-coronavirus lockdown measures continued to be eased across the country.

Young people were allowed back to aperitif and nightlife popular spots in Rome's historic centre to enjoy a cold spritz or a beer – though they were supposed to wear masks and stand two metres apart.

Bars had opened earlier this month for takeaway drinks, but reopened at the start of this week for drinks at outdoor tables.

Locals were also allowed to meet each other from Monday.

In the Monti neighborhood near the Colosseum there was a noticeable police presence, with officers making sure people respected social distancing rules and wore masks, with many people who had come to drink with friends preferring to go elsewhere.

In Campo de' Fiori many young people, not all wearing masks, sat at the tables placed at a safe distance from one another at the reopened bars.

While they enjoyed their new freedoms, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte warned Thursday that it was not time for Italian youngsters to party.

Conte has said the lifting of the measures raises the risk of more contagions, but has said that is a gamble Italy will have to take.

Stores, bars, cafes, restaurants, hairdressers and museums are among the business and cultural activities that resumed from Monday.

Travel between regions and into Italy from abroad will be permitted starting June 3.

(Representative Image)