On Tuesday, bookstores, children’s clothing stores and stationery shops were given permission to open in Italy, the nation that trails only the United States in coronavirus-related deaths.
These stores will operate under strict safety measures, officials say.
"The same distancing and security measures as supermarkets will be required, but they'll reopen. It's not a symbolic gesture, but the recognition that even books are an essential good," the Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini tweeted.
This newest lift in lockdown restrictions shows promise for the nation. The number of COVID-19 fatalities per day has lessened, and the number of patients in intensive care has dropped for 10 days in a row according to the BBC.
Some regional governors are wary of easing restrictions too early.
Both Lombardy, the region hosting Milan, and nearby Piemonte have decided against opening bookstores and stationery stores, reports AP News. Meanwhile, the Veneto region, home to Venice, has opted for what the governor calls "lockdown light," letting those types of stores open for just two days a week. Lazio, of which Rome is the capital, will delay stores reopening for another week.
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Before the announcement, only supermarkets and pharmacies stayed open in Italy. Other strict lockdown policies include closed schools and parks, fines for unnecessary excursions, and outdoor exercise limited to 200 meters for walks.
While a slow in cases in Europe is welcome, WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warns of reopening the nations too early.
"Lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence," he said. "The way down can be as dangerous as the way up if not managed properly."
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