Masks will continue to be required in certain indoor places in Italy for a further six weeks.

Italy is to retain the obligation to wear masks on public transport and in some indoor public settings until 15 June, the government said on Thursday.

The news was announced by health minister Roberto Speranza days before Italy's indoor mask-wearing rules expire on 30 April.

The obligation to wear masks will remain until 15 June on all forms of public transport, in hospitals and nursing homes, in cinemas and theatres, at concerts and indoor sporting events, and in schools and universities, reports Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore.

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With the exception of hospitals and care homes, the wearing of masks in both the public and private workplace from 1 May onwards is "only strongly recommended", health undersecretary Andrea Costa told news agency ANSA on Thursday afternoon.

This means that from 1 May people will no longer be required to wear masks in bars, restaurants and shops, according to Italian media reports.

Speranza is expected to sign an order today extending the mask-wearing obligations, to act as a "bridge" measure pending the approval of a government decree, reports ANSA.

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