Italy could be the first country to introduce a vaccine passport. Prime Minister Mario Draghi announced the plan at a press conference on Friday as a way to allow movement between regions and participation in sports and entertainment events.

Draghi outlined a road map for gradually easing current restrictions, starting from April 26th, ten days earlier than expected.

Italy is divided into red, orange, yellow and white zones, depending on the levels of infection. All of the country's 21 regions and Autonomous Provinces are currently classified as medium risk orange or high risk red. But from April 26, the majority are expected to return to yellow.

At the moment, movement in and out of red and orange zones is permitted only in exceptional circumstances. But those in possession of a Covid “pass” will be able to move freely.

The scheme is intended as a domestic version of the “green pass" the European Commission is working on in order to facilitate a return to international tourism: a certificate attesting that the holder has recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months, has had a negative Covid test in the  last 48 hours or has been vaccinated.  The “pass”, which is due to be introduced in June, will be valid for Italian residents and those arriving from abroad. Initially it will be a paper certificate  but there are plans to introduce a digital version, either as a card or a smartphone app. Other countries such as the UK are considering “vaccine passports” to help reopen their economies, although in Britain there is considerable opposition from libertarians who consider them “discriminatory”.

With or without the “passes”, after months of tight restrictions, life it Italy will soon begin returning to something resembling normality. Parents will be relieved to see all schools and universities resume in-person teaching in yellow and orange zones.

Restauranteurs and bar owners in yellow zones will be praying for a mild spring as those with outdoor seating will be allowed to reopen not only for lunch but also for dinner, something that has not been possible for many months, although the nationwide 10pm-5am curfew will stay in place. Open-air cinemas and theatres will also open, as will museums and galleries, but only during the week to avoid weekend overcrowding.

Draghi explained how he saw the reopening proceeding. “From May 15 the idea is that the outdoor swimming pools can reopen, from June 1 gyms, from July 1 we can imagine trade fairs.”

Of course, all is contingent on the infection and death rates continuing to fall. But fingers crossed, touch wood (or iron if you're Italian) Insha'allah, from April 26 one of the most characteristic of Italian sights will return, the café card game. Spring and summer would never feel “normal” in the country’s streets and piazzas without the raucous groups of men (it is always men) sitting at tables in the sunshine playing scopa and briscola. No "pass" will be required.