Italy, the first European country to be hard-hit by the coronavirus, will allow some businesses to reopen as soon as this week while aiming to reopen manufacturing and construction from May 4. The government would follow a phased process to restart most of the manufacturing in early May, although businesses frequented by the general public such as bars and restaurants would have to wait a bit longer. Schools would remain shut until September.

Some businesses deemed "strategic", including activity that was mainly export-oriented, could reopen this week providing they get the go ahead from local prefects. Restart would have to be gradual, and companies would have to introduce strict health safety measures before opening their doors.

Rome has introduced a series of measures including state-backed loans to help businesses stay afloat. But some businessmen have complained about delays in implementing them. The government is also monitoring banks to make sure state-guaranteed liquidity arrived to companies in need. Besides, the government is working on a series of measures to help industry by cutting bureaucratic red tape.