Since June 28, the use of masks has been relaxed: they are now mainly required indoors, outdoors when crowded, and on public transport. But what do Italians think about this measure?
Some political parties expressed strong approval of the decision, while others reacted more cautiously. And what about Italian citizens?
In May, Pepe Research asked a sample of adults aged 18–74 for their opinions, exploring whether mask use should still be recommended with the arrival of warmer weather and summer, especially given that the vaccination campaign was already well underway.
At that time, a large share of respondents still showed a cautious attitude: nearly one in three Italians believed it was appropriate to continue wearing masks outdoors even in summer (32%), given the presence of new Covid-19 cases and, above all, deaths caused by the virus. This position was particularly supported by higher-risk groups such as pensioners (+8 pp) and people over 65. Women also expressed a more cautious stance (+4 pp), as did left-leaning voters (+13 pp).
However, by May, the majority of respondents had already aligned with the approach later adopted by the government: ending the obligation to wear masks outdoors (43%).
This opinion was especially shared among people in the middle age groups (35–64 years, +4 pp), among those with higher education levels (graduates +6 pp), and among centrist (+6 pp) and centre-left voters (+5 pp).
Only 18% of respondents supported a complete lifting of restrictions, arguing that mass vaccination was already a sufficient deterrent to prevent the spread of the virus.
This view was more common among younger respondents: +17 pp among those under 25, who were likely less concerned about contracting the disease and more eager to return to a “normal” summer.
A particularly interesting case is that of centre-right voters, who appear divided on the issue: those more inclined toward full liberalisation, especially moderate centre-right voters (+5 pp), and those on the more right-leaning side, who instead support a more cautious approach, favouring mask use in indoor or crowded spaces (+15 pp). This diversity of opinions within the same political bloc contrasts with the broader political context of the time, in which their reference parties appeared more united than ever.