ROME: The familiar tinkling of ceramic cups and chatter returned to coffee bars across most of Italy on Monday, as rigid COVID-19 restrictions were eased.
After severe curbs over the Christmas and New Year period, two-thirds of Italy was declared a “yellow zone” allowing bars in those less risky areas to serve customers at counters and tables again instead of offering only take-away in plastic cups.
“We felt dead without bars,” said Rome resident Tiziana Baldo after a barista poured her drink in a bar in central Rome.
“It is beautiful to come here and talk to the people behind the bar; they make us feel alive every morning before going to work,” she added.
While much of Europe remains in strict lockdown, bars and restaurants in parts of Italy can again serve customers at tables and counters until 6 p.m. After that, it’s take-away until 10 p.m., when a curfew kicks until 5 a.m. the next day.
“I am very happy because at least this big waste of plastic (takeaway cups)…