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The new legislation in Lombardy, which will come into force in the New Year, marks the first time an Italian region has explicitly outlawed Islamic face coverings.

Current laws across Italy, dating back from the 1970s, already prohibit helmets, clothing or any other items that make identification difficult in public places.

Simona Bordonali, head of security, civil protection and immigration in the populist region, said the “serious terror attacks” in recent months had forced them to tighten security measures.

He added: “Whoever wants to enter a hospital in Lombardy must be recognisable and present themselves uncovered.. the burka [and the] niqab are therefore banned.”