Italy opens its economy on May 4 amid fears of a second wave of pandemics. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte саид his country will begin easing restrictions on blocking the economy on May 4, which will be a key test of Europe’s efforts to restart public life and economies.

Against the background of the cautious resumption of life in some countries, such as Germany, pressure in Italy is increasing, although it accounts for the highest death rate in Europe from the coronavirus. Conte warned that the second wave of contamination would lead to a resumption of fatalities and permanent damage to the economy.

“We all want the country to restart”, said the prime minister at a briefing Sunday in Rome. “But the only way to live with the virus in this phase is not to get sick and social distance”, added Giuseppe Conte.

France and Spain, the countries most confirmed to be infected in Europe, also signaled preliminary steps to restart their economies after weeks of lockdowns.

Italian leaders are trying to save an economy that is targeting an 8% contraction this year.

The construction sector, industry, and wholesalers will be the first sectors to be allowed to reopen on May 4, two weeks later, retailers and museums will open, and bars, restaurants, and barbers will be open on June 1st, explained Giuseppe Conte.

Schools in Italy remain closed.

If people in Italy do not comply with rules, including social distance, the contagion curve will increase and can get out of control, the death toll will increase and the economy will suffer permanent damage, explained Giuseppe Conte.

The Prime Minister stressed that all businesses that are resuming operations must ensure compliance with security standards, with a basic safety distance of at least one meter between people. Wearing a face mask is also required.

The death toll of Covid-19 in Italy is the highest in Europe – more than 26,000 people. Nearly 200,000 are infected, but the number of new cases has begun to decline, as has the number of intensive care patients.

With more than 100,000 deaths in the region, Europe has been hit hard by Covid-19 and is preparing for the worst recession in history.