The border between France and Italy will be reopened on Wednesday, June 3, the Italian government announced on Saturday. Restrictions have been lifted on Italians travelling within their own regions as of Monday, May 18, and they will be able to travel between regions from June 3.
Italy was the first European country to lockdown in early March. Only cross-border workers have been allowed to travel to and from Italy. Unlike in France, Italian children will not return to school before September.
Liguria has not suffered from a high incidence of coronavirus and with infection levels on both sides of the border being similar, the European Commission has been pressing for cross-border joint consultations between local authorities. However, it has taken a decision by the central government in Rome to lift the barriers again at Menton Garavan for visitors, shoppers and tourists.
