Venice hopes to restart business as COVID-19 curbs are lifted

VENICE, Italy: Venetians breathed a sigh of relief on Monday as the lagoon city finally moved into a low-risk COVID-19 "white zone", meaning most pandemic restrictions were lifted and a nightly curfew scrapped.

Face masks and social distancing rules remain in place, but bars and restaurants are allowed to stay open without any time limits - something locals hope will entice back visitors. "Work has started a little. I am hopeful," said resident Gino D'Ambrosio.