The Italian government extended the requirement of wearing an FFP2 (N95) mask until September 30, 2022 on all forms of public transport except airplanes.
See the health ministry press release (in Italian) here.
This includes wearing a mask on inter-regional, Intercity and high-speed Frecce trains.
This extension was included in a transport decree, not a health ministry decree (Article 11).
Regarding the exclusion of airplanes from this ordinance, the Italian family minister said the government is still evaluating whether to extend the mandate. However, currently in the official ordinance airplanes are excluded from the extension.
A bit of practical advice:
What's written in Italian government ordinances isn't always uniformly applied by workers on the ground. Despite the fact that airplanes are technically excluded from this mandate at the moment, smart travelers should have the FFP2 masks ready with them at all times while flying into, out of, and within Italy, until this issue is further clarified.
Would I be able to wear a KN95 or does it have to be an N95?
Both are considered FFP2 equivalents in Italy, so you'll be fine!
Are the FFP2 masks easy to find in Rome? i guess what I mean is can we buy them at a local pharmacy there?
We are here now and we have been using KN95 masks.
Yes, FFP2 (equivalent to KN95 and N95) masks are readily available throughout Rome. You can find them in pharmacies, tabaccaio shops (the ones with the black and white T over the door), and sometimes at newsstands and grocery stores.
Hi Shelley, do you know if the mandate has been extended into October? We will be in Italia from 13-26 October. Gracie!
Has it been extended to October
Hi Francis. No, the mandate wasn't extended. As of October 1, 2022, masks are no longer required on public transport.