As Italy moves into fase due, or “phase two” of its lockdown, there's a new set of rules now valid from May 4-17th.

The new measures, set out in a government decree signed on April 26th, offer a lot less freedom of movement than many had hoped for: travel remains strictly limited, group gatherings are off the cards, and you'll still have to justify your reasons for being outside.

PHASE TWO EXPLAINED: What changes in Italy from May 4th?

The details were unclear last week, and there was widespread confusion following the prime minister's initial announcement.

At The Local we received a large number of questions from readers about what would and wouldn't be allowed. Here we've attempted to answer the most common queries, based on the decree text itself, subsequent government statements, and a newly-updated official online FAQ (here in Italian).

Keep in mind however that some rules can vary from one region to another. Check your local comune's website if in doubt. Here's what we know so far:

Do I still need a form to leave the house?

Yes: the autocertificazione ('self-certification') form will remain a requirement until at least May 18th, when the rules are set to be revised.

“So long as you need a reason to go out, self-certification will be necessary,” Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said in his televised address announcing the changes.

The government has released an updated version of the form that you'll need to carry from May 4th, reflecting changes to the list of accepted reasons for going outside. You can download a copy of the new form here.

The form is only availble in Italian and must be completed in Italian. Find our complete guide to the new form and how to fill it in here.

Photo: AFP

When am I allowed to go outside?

You're allowed to leave the house for all the same reasons as before – buying groceries and other essentials, doing a key job, visiting a doctor or pharmacy, walking the dog, exercising – plus one new one: visiting relatives.

“Travel to see relatives is considered necessary so long as the ban on gatherings is respected, interpersonal distance of at least a metre is maintained and respiratory protection [a mask or other face covering] is used,” the new decree states.

Who am I allowed to visit?

The rules allow us to visit 'congiunti', a confusing term which was later offically defined as meaning spouses, partners, parents, children, in-laws, siblings, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and cousins' children – but not friends.

You can only expect to see family members living in the same region as you, no further away. And big family gatherings are forbidden.

Meeting up with anyone except relatives will not be considered a valid reason to travel.

Do I need to wear a face mask?

Italian authorities have made the use of face masks mandatory on public transport and in stores as they gradually loosen lockdown measures.

Face masks should be worn on the street in cases when it is hard to maintain a safe distance from others, ISS public health institute director Silvio Brusaferro said.

But masks “must not give a false sense of security,” Brusaferro told reporters. “It is an additional element, but personal hygiene and distancing are more important.”

Italy and other countries are now debating whether people should wear masks outdoors at all times – even while not in a confined space.

The rules on face masks also vary by region. We have more details about when and where face masks should be worn here.

Can I go for a walk or exercise outside?

The limit on outdoor exercise has been dropped: so you're allowed to run or cycle (within your own region) as long as you stay at least a metre from anyone else. Team sports are still banned. 

The current ban on travelling between regions of Italy will remain mostly unchanged, with one important difference: from May 4th, if you are currently staying outside your region of permanent residence you will be allowed to travel home, something that hasn't been permitted for several weeks.

Like now, you'll also be allowed to travel between regions for urgent work demands, health reasons or other emergencies.

READ ALSO:

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• The restrictions you have to follow if you travel to Italy from overseas

Can I go to my second home?

The national government has not signed off on visiting second homes: the only property to which you're allowed to travel must be your main place of residence

Some Italian regions have different rules, however.

In Puglia,  for example, people are allowed to visit and maintain agricultural land and smallholdings.

In Veneto, from April 28th residents will be permitted to travel to a second home (or boat) within the region in order to carry out “maintenance and repair”. 

Can I travel within my region?

Not freely. So long as the authorities require a reason to be outside, you could potentially be stopped and asked to justify yourself, then told to return home or even fined.

READ ALSO: Why the coronavirus quarantine rules aren't always the same around Italy

But as more and more things reopen over the coming weeks, it seems likely that the restrictions will be loosened in practice, at least to allow people to visit shops and other businesses within their own town.

Each region of Italy has a certain amount of authority to make its own rules, so check the website of your regione or comune to find out the rules where you are. 

So where can I go?

The national government gave the OK for parks to reopen – although the final decision rests with each local mayor. Some cities, such as Bari, have opted to keep parks shut as a precaution against overcrowding.

If you're lucky enough to live by the beach, a lake or the mountains, you are free to visit – not in a group, maintaining social distancing and so long as local authorities haven't blocked the area off.

Photo: Vincenzo Pinto/AFP

Construction, manufacturing, wholesale and real estate companies will also be allowed to reopen from May 4th, which means more people will be returning to work. 

Restaurants, cafes, bars, pasticcerie and gelaterie can allow customers to come and pick up takeaway from the same date.

Shops, libraries and museums will reopen on May 18th, giving us several new reasons to leave the house.

The government has tentatively said that restaurants, cafes, hairdressers and beauty salons could resume service from June 1st, though it is waiting to see how the first wave of reopening goes before it lays out the next stage of Phase Two.

TIMELINE: What will reopen first under Italy's lockdown phase two?