The Italian government is expected to impose restrictions on those who have not been vaccinated as it is working to prevent the recurrence of Covid-19 infection.
In a similar move Seen in FranceThose who are not fully vaccinated may be prohibited from indoor services in restaurants and bars, as well as access to stadiums, museums, theaters, cinemas, swimming pools and gyms.
The government hopes that the obligation to produce a “green pass” when traveling domestically by train or plane will inspire more people to get vaccinated.
The decree is expected to be approved this week and may take effect on July 26.
Since Italy accelerated its vaccination program, the number of deaths and hospitalizations related to the new crown virus has fallen sharply. However, infections driven mainly by the Delta variant have increased in the past week, with 3,127 new cases reported on Sunday. Three Covid deaths were recorded on Sunday, bringing the total number of deaths to 127,867, the second highest death toll in the United States. Europe After the UK. There are 156 coronavirus patients in the intensive care unit in Italy.
As of Monday, 50% of people over 12 years of age have been fully vaccinated. However, bookings have slowed in recent weeks as young people postpone receiving the first dose of vaccine in order not to interrupt their summer vacation.
The opposition of the far-right party to the Green Pass program has also inspired Italy’s small but vicious anti-vaccination campaign and discouraged those who are hesitant about vaccines.
The leader of the far-right coalition, Matteo Salvini, is Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s main partner in the broad coalition government. He supports the introduction of green passes into the stadium. “But if you go to eat Pizza won’t work.”
Last week, at a dinner at the home of the Algerian ambassador to Rome, Salvini said that he had missed the first dose of the vaccine in June because he was “on trial” but would take it in August. However, he said he would not force his 18-year-old son to ask for one.
in a Interview with the Republic On Sunday, Salvini said: “I refuse to see anyone chasing him with a swab or syringe. We must ensure the safety of our parents and grandparents, not punish our children and grandchildren.”
Giorgia Meloni, who leads the far-right opposition Italian Brotherhood, said the green pass will further hit the economy. Francesco Lollobrigida, the vice president of the Italian Brotherhood, urged people under 40 not to get vaccinated and described the Green Pass as “extortion from the government and violation of freedom.”
Although the French government prohibits unvaccinated people from entering public places, including bars and restaurants, it leads to Record vaccination reservationsThousands of people protested the measure on Sunday.
In public opinion polls, the support rate of the League and the Italian Brotherhood exceeds 40%.
“Their perception of vaccines has a big impact on people,” said Sara, whose mother, in her 60s, lives in Sicily and refuses to be vaccinated. “I didn’t expect this to happen because my mother has always been a health-worried person. She often sends me misinformation that she found on social media. Encouraging her to get vaccinated is a battle, but where Salvini lives A lot of support-I’m sure that if he changes his position, vaccine bookings will surge.”
