Post-pandemic social contacts in Italy: implications for distancing measures on in-person school and work attendance

The collection of updated post-COVID-19 data on social contact patterns is critical for future epidemiological assessment and evaluation of non-pharmaceutical interventions. We conducted two waves of an online survey in Italy (March 2022 and March 2023), collecting representative data on direct (verbal/physical) and indirect (indoor co-location) contacts. Using a generalised linear mixed model, we analysed social contact determinants and the impact of work-from-home and distance learning on pathogen transmissibility. In-person work or school attendance significantly increased contacts: adults attending in person had 1.69 times (95% CI: 1.56–1.84) more contacts than those staying home, while for children and adolescents, this ratio was 2.38 (95% CI: 1.98–2.87). Even suspending all non-essential work had a marginal effect on transmissibility. However, combining work-from-home with distance learning (from primary school onwards) could reduce transmissibility by up to 23.7% (95% CI: 18.2–29.0%), with minimal additional benefit from suspending early childcare. These findings offer key data for modelling respiratory pathogen transmission in Italy post-COVID-19 and provide insights into the epidemiological impact of tailored distancing measures. They support a nuanced approach to social distancing policies, balancing public health benefits with economic and social considerations.