Twenty small towns in northern Italys autonomous South Tyrol province have gone into a partial lockdown to try to contain rising coronavirus infections and save the key winter tourism season in one of the least-vaccinated parts of Italy, reports AP.

The local restrictions went into effect on the same day the government in Rome debated new national proposals to exclude unvaccinated people from certain activities, in its latest effort to encourage vaccinations and limit contagion.

In the 20 towns of South Tyrol province, where infection rates are rising fast, bars and restaurants were ordered closed after 6pm, a nighttime curfew was imposed from 8pm to 5am and passengers on public transport now must wear an FFP2 face mask, according to the ordinance.