Regional Affairs Minister Francesco Boccia said Monday that an eventual decision to extend Italy's coronavirus state of emergency would not be an infringement of people's freedom.
The coronavirus state of emergency may be extended to October 31, government sources said Monday.
"An extension of the state of emergency after COVID-19 does not limit people's individual liberty but it makes it possible to have greater protection from the State," Boccia told reporters during a visit to Umbria to meet Governor Donatella Tesei.
"I didn't think I would have had to repeat that.
"The emergency also makes it possible for the regional governments and the health system to have greater attention and resources.
"Although we are one of the safest countries in the world, I don't think a single Italian thought that the state of emergency could end on August 1.
"Everyone can see the global situation, so we are not risk immune.
"We have reopened the country but we are keeping it constantly under control".
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