This is the moment locals in Venice carry out a peaceful protest in the city centre against the strict COVID-19 lockdown measures affecting tourism and local businesses.
Over 100 local shop owners and craftspeople gathered on the Rialto Bridge and Canal Grande in the city of Venice in the northern Italian region of Veneto to take part in a protest organised on social media called ‘Italexit’.
In the footage filmed by Venetian photographer Maurizio Rossi, the demonstrators, mostly wearing face masks and respecting social distancing guidelines, are seen clapping in unison against continued lockdown measures.
‘Italexit’ protesters want the authorities to respond to fears about the collapse of various sectors caused by the COVID-19 response, particularly businesses related to tourism in the city, such as hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.
Reports said that these local businesses will remain closed until at least mid-May even though Italy has started lifting some lockdown measures, and certain activities have resumed with mandatory health measures in place.
According to the latest figures from the Johns Hopkins University, Italy has registered 211,938 cases of COVID-19 and 29,079 related deaths.
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Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub-Editor: Michael Leidig, Agency: Newsflash
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