Face masks become mandatory in busy areas of Rome

In most popular shopping streets of Rome, the wearing of face masks became mandatory on Saturday. New mayor signed a law introducing the restriction, which will run up to and including 31 December.

The affected areas include tourist hotspots such as the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Other majors Italian towns have introduced similar mask rules until the Christmas holidays. From Monday, people will need to show a "Green Pass" at workplaces, transport, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, sports venues and gyms.

The pass contains proof of vaccination and a recent negative test. Italy's vaccination rate is relatively high at 85% of the currently eligible population of ages 12 and over. However, people between 30 and 59 have proven to be resistant to vaccinations, with nearly 3.5 million still not having received their first jab.