After the unavoidable travel shutdown due to the restrictions imposed to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, lots of people are eager to travel again, to enjoy the beautiful landscapes, mountain views, lakes, delightful art-filled towns and the historical architecture and monuments that the region has to offer.

Almost everything has now reopened and you can move around freely. We still need to be careful and enjoy our leisure time and the beauty of the world around us responsibly. We do so by continuing to protect ourselves and others, respecting the safety, health and freedom of each and every one of us. 

Here is a short guide to help you understand what we are allowed to do at the moment - we are still in Phase 2 - and the best way to organize and enjoy your next trip without any nasty surprises. 

Everyone ready? Before leaving to explore our beautiful region, please remember to wear a mask outside your house and take gloves with you for when you need them: both are still compulsory.

One last piece of advice before you set off: always phone and check that your destination is definitely accessible, the restaurant you have chosen is open and taking reservations, and that the museum is open to visitors. You'll avoid any disappointment, save travel time and be able to comply confidently with the precautions that are still required to move around safely.

The basic rules

•    Wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth when you leave the house: this protects you and others. 
•    Maintain a distance of at least one metre from other people in public places and in enclosed spaces.
•    Wear gloves, these are compulsory on public transport in addition to a mask.
•    Avoid crowds: do not gather in groups where it is not possible to maintain a safe distance.
•    Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer (60%).
•    Check your temperature before leaving home, if it is higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius, notify your doctor and do not leave the house.

Your mask, an essential accessory

It is still compulsory in Lombardy to wear a mask covering your nose and mouth when you are outside of your home. 
Masks are not compulsory for anyone carrying out intense physical activity. When the activity ends, masks are once again required, as is careful social distancing.
Remember: masks are not compulsory for people with disabilities that make them unable to wear them nor for those interacting with them.

Travel

You can travel within Italy without any restrictions.  Although there are no limitations on the number of people you can meet at the same time, there is still a ban on groups and a requirement to maintain social distancing.
Important: if you are quarantined or have symptoms of a respiratory infection or a temperature higher than 37.5°C, you should stay at home. 

Travelling by public transport in Lombardy

Tourists, you're back on the road! Remember that it is compulsory to wear gloves and masks until 31st August on regional trains, underground trains, buses, trolleybuses, trams, cable cars and boat services on Lake Iseo, as well as in taxis and vehicle rentals with drivers (Regional Order no. 538). They must be worn at all times from entering the station, at all stops and on the platforms, and within the transport or vehicle until you get out.
Please note that seats marked with clearly visible signs, and lifts in underground and railway stations intended primarily for use by persons with reduced mobility may not be used. 
If you are travelling with folding bicycles, scooters and other electric micro-mobility devices, you can take them with you on the vehicles.
One more tip: get your ticket or pass in advance using text messaging or smartphone apps for public transport services to speed up your journey, avoid queues and groups of people, as well as staying informed about traffic conditions and congestion.

Walking and playing in parks

Finally open again, parks, villas and public gardens are once more a popular destination for young and old alike. You are free to go for walks and enjoy outdoor activities, but always make sure you stay 1 metre away from each other and avoid crowds. 
Amusement parks and theme parks have also been reopened.

Doing sports outdoors and in special centres

You are free to enjoy open-air sports: running, athletics, cycling, tennis, golf, archery, horse riding, shooting, sailing, canoeing, etc.
If you want to participate in intensive outdoor exercise, you must maintain a minimum distance of 2 metres from others and you are not required to wear a mask while you are doing this exercise. However, you should always take it with you to put it on as soon as you have finished. 
Sports facilities, centres, venues and swimming pools are open, but please remember that they are subject to restricted admissions as well as measures necessary to maintain social distancing and avoid any groups forming within the locations. 
Spaces, activities and lessons must be booked online or by phone, either individually or in small groups of up to 4 people, excluding instructors. 
No problem if water is your thing: pleasure boating is allowed on Lombardy's rivers and lakes. Even if you fancy flying, you can do this safely in the designated locations.
All athletes identified as serving the national interest by CONI, CIP and their respective associations are allowed to train, whilst always respecting social distancing rules and behind closed doors.

Eating out at lunch and dinner

Restaurants, trattorias, pizzerias, self-service outlets, bars, pubs, pastry shops, ice-cream parlours, delicatessens, etc. have been open again since 18th May. 
The advice is still to call ahead to make sure they will be open and to make a reservation, allowing tables to be sanitized in advance and avoiding the risk of dangerous waiting and overcrowding. Inside the premises, a distance of at least 1 metre must be maintained between people, including between the individual seats. 
Remember: it is compulsory for customers' temperatures to be taken when entering the premises and once inside you must wear a mask if you leave your table.
One more suggestion: now that summer is here, make the most of our outdoor spaces, there are plenty of places with gardens and terraces in every town and city in Lombardy.

Going to markets and fairs
 

Local authorities have reopened outdoor markets in their areas to sell food products. Many fairs have also reopened where you can buy typical local food and wine products. It is always best to check before planning a trip by phoning tourist offices and Pro Loco organisations. 
Local mayors will decide when indoor markets can reopen and will draw up and implement a plan for each specific market. So, if they aren't on your route, make sure they are open before you leave!

Going away for the weekend

Hotel accommodation, non-hotel accommodation, farmhouse accommodation and B&Bs are officially open. You are free to enjoy a long trip out of town and a weekend break in the area. 
In compliance with health regulations, guests' temperatures must be taken on arrival at the hotel in order to ensure safety in every location. You must maintain a distance of 1 metre between people in all common areas. 

Visiting museums and libraries

Museums, archives, libraries, historical sites and monuments: cultural attractions are back to brighten our days with their unique appeal. 
You can visit providing that you wear a mask at all times; online or telephone reservations are often required to avoid crowds and limit the number of visitors at any one time. 

Religious services 

Now open to worshippers for public services, churches, convents, abbeys, Carthusian monasteries and cathedrals are once again devoted to collective prayer, shared together with profound emotion. 
The advice is still to comply with current guidelines: limiting numbers of visitors, wearing masks and social distancing, while avoiding groups being formed.
Religious celebrations such as Communion are carried out safely and hygienically, using disposable gloves.