Italy scraps masks outdoors. Some don't want to
Italians now have the freedom to walk around outside without wearing a mask.
Face coverings to protect against the spread of coronavirus have been mandatory outdoors in the country for almost a year.
Now, the whole country has moved to a lighter "white zone" status - the lowest risk level in Italy's four-tier, color-coded system.
But some residents are reluctant to discard their face coverings so quickly.
Natale Bonsonni is one of them.
"I think we should keep the masks on still. That's how I feel."
Despite some hesitance, many on the streets of Rome were embracing the new rules on Monday (June 28).
Masks are now only compulsory inside, or in groups where social distancing is impossible - like some modes of public transport.
Mother Roberta Romano kept hers on while traveling.
"We have just got off the bus and so we wanted to be careful on public transport but now we are outside we will take the masks off. But it is a great relief and brings hope for these months to come."
Italy's coronavirus infections have been diminishing by the day, though the government is keeping a watchful eye on any new variants.
Some 26% of Italians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while around 52% have received at least one shot.
Those figures are broadly in line with other large European Union countries.
