In the space of a few months, Western European countries have completed vaccinating the majority of their populations. Governments in many countries, including Italy, have been looking at new regulations to encourage Covid-19 vaccination, especially for those who are hesitant about vaccination.
On June 17, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi signed a decree defining the criteria for granting a Covid-19 “green pass” (Green Pass), enabling people to participate in public events, access health care facilities, nursing homes and travel across the country.
According to the announcement of the Ministry of Health, all citizens can download the card code to an electronic device and use it to dine in restaurants, visit museums, attend concerts, go to the gym or participate in other social activities in public places. This green card is only issued to Italian citizens who have received at least one dose of vaccine, tested negative or have recovered from the disease in the past six months.
Italian citizens can download and use the Covid-19 green card on electronic devices - Photo: Internet
The green card contains a QR code to verify its authenticity and validity as well as to protect the citizen's data. Only the staff responsible for the statutory checks can view personal information. In addition, as an alternative to the digital format, citizens can request to receive the Covid-19 green card with a personal health card through their general practitioner, pediatrician or pharmacy.
According to the New York Times, about 54% of Italy’s population has been fully vaccinated, and more than 65% have received at least one dose. The rest will have to undergo tests and checks almost daily if they want to participate in social activities that require a Covid-19 green card. Those who enter restricted areas without a card, and business owners who allow them in, will face fines of up to 1,000 euros (equivalent to more than 26 million VND). Businesses that violate the regulations can be closed for one to ten days.
Visitors are checked for green cards by security personnel at the entrance to the Colosseum - Photo: Riccardo De Luca/Associated Press
The Covid-19 green card is expected to become an essential part of Italian life if people want to work, travel and participate in social activities. The government also announced that starting in September, university lecturers and students will be required to have a green card. When schools reopen, lecturers who are absent more than five times will not receive their salary.
Also starting next September, ferries and buses traveling between regions, high-speed trains and domestic flights will also require this card.
