Italy lets local authorities decide reopening dates

ROME - The Italian government said on Monday it would allow local authorities to decide when to lift the restrictions imposed in March to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, local media reported.

The province of Alto Adige became the first to reopen restaurants, bars and libraries on Monday, the Local Italy reported.

On March 9, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced that the whole of Italy would be placed under lockdown from March 10.

The coronavirus pandemic has claimed 30,739 lives in Italy, according to the latest data released by the country's Civil Protection Department on Monday.