Italy closes nightclubs, orders wearing of masks in public after increase in covid-19 cases in younger people

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Italy is to shut discos and clubs for three weeks again and make it compulsory to wear a mask outdoors in some areas at night after an increase in new Covid-19 cases.

The new rules mark the first reimposition of coronavirus restrictions as cases pick up across the country, especially among younger people.

New cases in the past week in Italy, the first European country to be hit hard by the coronavirus, were more than double those registered three weeks ago and the median age of people contracting the virus has dropped below 40, data showed.

The new rules will run until early September.

Masks will be required between 6pm and 6am in areas close to bars and pubs and where gatherings are more likely.

'We cannot nullify the sacrifices made in past months. Our priority must be that of opening schools in September, in full safety,' Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Facebook.