Italy's New Decree Forces Museum Closures Amid Third COVID Wave

Italy's new decree law, effective March 15 to April 6, 2021, imposes stricter COVID-19 restrictions nationwide due to a third wave driven by virus variants and rising cases. All regions except Sardinia (white zone) will be classified as orange or red zones. Museums, which were open weekdays in yellow zones, will close again, and the anticipated reopening of cinemas and theaters scheduled for March 27 is postponed until at least April. A curfew from 10 PM to 5 AM remains, and movement in orange zones is limited to one's own municipality. During Easter (April 3-5), all of Italy will be in the red zone, with only essential businesses open. The decree impacts cultural venues and the broader public, with no specific measures for the art world beyond closures.