Italy is taking their social distancing restrictions very seriously as authorities issued fines to six nudists at a local beach.
The six men were all between the ages of 43 and 68. They were fined for ‘outraging public decency’ after being spotted by police patrolling the beaches of Abbadia Lariana on Lake Como.
Italy is a relatively welcoming place for nudists, but like anywhere, it is only allowed in certain areas. The area the men were found is not a designated nude beach. This, combined with the fact the men were not wearing masks, caused them each to receive fines of up to $3,750.
Currently, masks are required in both indoor and outdoor spaces in the Lombardy region, which was one of the hardest-hit areas in Italy during the height of the COVID pandemic.
This incident also comes at a time when Italy is experiencing a hotter than normal summer. Authorities are desperately trying to enforce social distancing throughout Italy’s crowded beaches or discourage people from gathering at all.
Italy opened its beaches back in May. At the time, most reports stated that the locals were taking social distancing recommendations seriously. However, as time has gone on, more people have been flocking to the water, making this practice almost impossible.
Government officials have warned that if the country experiences another rise in COVID cases, they will not hesitate to reinstate quarantine restrictions.
Sources:
- Italian Nudists [BBC]
- Italian Beaches Reopening [CNBC]
- Italian Nudists Fined [Getaway]
- Feature Picture [PxFuel]
