Italy makes COVID-19 green pass mandatory for all workers

Italy government is making it obligatory for all workers to show proof of vaccination, a negative test or recent recovery from COVID-19 infection,  from October 15.

Prime Minister, Mario Draghi’s coalition administration is aimed at persuading people to get inoculated and blunting infection rates in one of the countries worst hit by the pandemic.

Employees in public and private sectors will need to demonstrate proof of vaccination, a recent negative COVID-19 test or recovery from the virus in the previous six months to access workplaces.

“The Green Pass is an instrument of freedom, that will help us make workplaces safer,” Health Minister Roberto Speranza said.

“The second reason is to reinforce our vaccine campaign.”

The Green Pass requirement covers 14.7 million private sector workers and 3.2 million in state-supported jobs.

Until now, medical personnel were obliged to be vaccinated, while the Green Pass rule had been in place only for school employees.

Green Passes are also necessary for indoor leisure activities, such as dining, visiting the theatre or museum, and for long-distance domestic travel.

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Kamila/Al-Jazeera