Lauren Moye, FISM NEWS
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18 million workers could be effected by Italy’s most recent anti-COVID restrictions. Beginning Oct. 15, all workers in the European nation will be required to present a Green Pass to enter their place of employment or be faced with penalty fees.
Both public and private workforce employees will be impacted, including individuals who are self-employed. A person can obtain a valid Green Pass only if they are vaccinated, show proof of former infection, or present a recent negative COVID test.
Failure to do this will result in penalties. According to Reuters, “People who ignore the decree and go to work regardless will face a fine of between 600 to 1,500 euros ($705-$1,175). The sanction for employers will be 400-1000 euros.”
Employees who fail to present a Green Pass cannot be immediately terminated by their employers. However, they can be suspended. Private workforce employers will have the right to suspend an employee after their first failure to present a Green Pass.
Italy will be the first European country to enforce a vaccine passport with such a broad reach. Health Minister Roberto Speranza made the announcement on Thursday saying, “The implementation of a pass such as the one we are bringing into force with this decree will, we are certain, help us push forward this vaccination campaign.”
Around 68% of Italy’s population is already vaccinated. Although Italy suffered greatly from COVID with a 130,167 citizens lost to the virus, the infection rate has been trending down. Most recently, Italy reported a 14.6% weekly decline in new infections.
Previously, the Green Pass was only required for the use of public spaces like train stations, restaurants, and movie theatres. School employees were also required to present this proof or be turned away from their place of employment. Now, the majority of Italy’s citizens will be pressured to take the vaccine, purchase their own tests, or lose their source of income.
“It is very likely that the effect of the announcement will already bring in the next four weeks an acceleration in Green Passes, yes, but also of vaccinations,” Public Administration Minister Renato Brunetta said. “The result could already be achieved, or partially achieved, or perhaps — optimistically — exceeded, before the decree even takes effect.”