Despite violent protests in Rome this weekend over new COVID-19 requirements for workplaces, Italy is moving ahead with the strictest measures against COVID-19 in Europe. And as 10,000 protesters marched through the streets of Rome on Sunday, Italy still achieved its vaccination goal.
Italy quietly reached a goal it set in March to fully vaccinate 80 percent of the population over the age of 12, with 85 percent having received at least one dose, according to CBC Canada.
Many countries around the world have ad a difficult time trying to get the majority of their populations vaccinated against the coronavirus, going to the extent of imposing restrictions and mandates to try and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
However, most observers say Italy, the European Union country hit first and hardest with more than 131,000 deaths, seems to have managed to bypass many of the problems seen in other countries – despite protests.
Italy’s tough new green pass rules
Beginning on Friday, October 15, Italy will become the first European country to require the so-called green pass – a digital or paper proof of vaccination, immunity, or a negative test in the past 48 hours – in all places of work, both private and public.
On Friday the Green Pass will be compulsory for all workers who will face hefty fines or suspension without pay if they are caught violating the new rules. It’s a step short of fully mandating vaccines, something Prime Minister Mario Draghi openly considered a month ago.
The Green Pass regulations will impact 23 million workers and is the toughest in the world. Under the new rules, workers will be given five days of “unjustified absence,” after which their salary can be suspended, though they can’t be fired.
Those who ignore the restrictions and go to their workplace without a Green Pass risk fines of between €600 ($795) and €1,500 ($1989). Businesses that fail to carry out checks on workers risk fines of between €400 and €1,000.
The Italian government began introducing the concept of the Green Pass back in June – starting with international travel, then extending it to include indoor restaurant dining and theatres, gyms, and pools.
In early September, it was extended further, to include long-distance train rides, interregional buses and ferries, domestic flights, and parents entering schools.
“In political terms, the Draghi government is acting pragmatically. It’s gradually driving up the vaccinated numbers, but without imposing a full vaccine mandate, which would risk triggering a backlash,” says Lorenzo Pregliasco, head of polling company YouTrend.
There are currently 43.2 million people in Italy fully vaccinated against covid, with around 8 million who have yet to receive even the first dose.
