In Florence, surveillance cameras to enforce COVID-19 restrictions

The Italian Municipality of Florence has adopted smart cameras to enforce COVID-19 restrictions.

Starting from December 2020, the vast video-surveillance network deployed by mayor Dario Nardella has been repurposed to include a "people counting" function, deemed necessary to avoid illegal gatherings whenever pandemic restrictions prohibit them. In an interview with Leggo, Nardella stated that the police is immediately alerted when a gathering exceeds the imposed limits, so that a patrol can be sent on the spot to intervene "in minutes."

"Technology can help us against COVID-19," says Nardella, who claims that during operation, the cameras will respect privacy regulations.

As of December 31, 2020, some 1,240 cameras monitor the city of Florence — 190 more than a year before. Nardella boasts that Florence is "among the most video-surveilled cities in Italy."