Italy has become the first European country to make the COVID-19 digital certificate mandatory for all workers. The Italian government has approved a new measure that makes digital vaccine certificates mandatory for both the public and private sectors.
The obligation will start on October 15 and will remain in force until the end of the year.
"We are extending the green permit obligation to the world of work, both public and private, and we are doing so for two key reasons: to make these places safer and to make our vaccination campaign even stronger.", Said the Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza.
All employees will be required to demonstrate that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19, that they are recovering from the infection, or that they have a negative result from a virus test. Only pensioners and unemployed citizens will be exempted from wearing a "green permit" because they do not go to work anyway.
Any worker who does not present a valid COVID-19 health certificate will be suspended without pay after five days, but cannot be dismissed. Those who are not vaccinated could also be fined up to 1.500 euros. The Italian Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of the measure, with 189 in support, 32 against and only 2 abstentions.
While other European countries have required the presence of a "green permit" for health workers, Italy is the first to extend the measure to all employees. Italy also adopted the green pass for domestic and international flights, for access to various closed public places, shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, train stations and airports, etc.
Currently, almost 75% of Italy's population over the age of 12 has received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine. "The vaccine is the only weapon we have against Covid and we can control the pandemic only by vaccinating the vast majority of the population", Said Gelmini.
Italy's example has been followed by several European countries, including Romania that adopted the digital green certificate to facilitate access to restaurants, events, etc.