World

'Green pass' rules take effect for 23 million employed Italians

October 15, 2021
New measures against COVID-19 will come into force in Italy on Friday, where every employee now must have a so-called
New measures against COVID-19 will come into force in Italy on Friday, where every employee now must have a so-called "green pass," showing proof of vaccination, recovery from or a negative test for COVID-19.

ROME — New measures against COVID-19 will come into force in Italy on Friday, where every employee now must have a so-called "green pass," showing proof of vaccination, recovery from or a negative test for COVID-19.

The new measures, which affect some 23 million employees in the private or public sector across Italy, are controversial and have been met with some resistance, said DPA International.

Critics have been campaigning against the measures, which are being introduced to allow further COVID-19 relaxations. Rome police arrested 12 people — including two leaders of a far-right party — after protests against coronavirus restrictions turned into serious riots a week ago.

Authorities argue that cinemas, theaters and concert halls will be allowed to operate at 100 percent capacity again if visitors have a green pass. The green pass rules are designed to avoid people catching COVID-19 at work and needing to quarantine collectively.

"For companies and employees, the Green Pass increases safety in the workplace and guarantees production," Maurizio Stirpe, vice president of the employers' organization Confindustria said.

Companies that do not make sure their employees have a green pass face fines of up to 1,000 euros ($1,156). The green pass is already in use in several other sectors like schools and the healthcare system.

Meanwhile, dockers at the Italian port of Trieste have gone on strike in protest at the requirement for all workers to show a COVID pass.

About 2,000 workers have gathered at the entrance to Trieste port, a maritime gateway for northern Italy, Germany, Austria and central Europe. About three million Italian workers are estimated to be still unvaccinated.

In Trieste only 40% of 950 port workers have had the jab. Workers at other ports including Genoa have likewise threatened to disrupt supply chains.

There were also warnings of disruption to public transport in the industrial center of Milan, and threats of protests at airports, on motorways and railways. The move to make the COVID pass compulsory for workers is among the world's toughest anti-COVID measures.

The pass, introduced in June, was already required for teachers and other school workers, for access to bars and restaurants and for leisure venues such as cinemas and football stadiums.

Italy's coalition government, led by Mario Draghi, is extending it in the hope of avoiding another lockdown. — Agencies


October 15, 2021
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