by In Trieste
Pharmacies in Italy are to stay open after hours and on their days off to facilitate the surge in demand for covid-19 tests as a result of the government’s Green Pass mandate for workers.
Under the new rules, which come into force last week, all workers in Italy must have a Green Pass. Unvaccinated employees can enter the workplace provided they undergo a covid test every 48 hours at a fixed cost of €15.
Italy’s emergency coronavirus commissioner Francesco Figliuolo asked regional authorities to help pharmacies deal with the situation, following a request from the federation of the order of Italian pharmacists (FOFI).
The Vice-president and Regional Minister for Health of FVG Region, Riccardo Riccardi, explained that despite reports of lengthy lines for covid tests outside pharmacies in various cities around our region, there is a regular supply of test kits and the situation is under control.
Participating pharmacists are asked to notify the local health authorities and municipal administrations. The move, which is on a voluntary basis, will make the “service even more effective and efficient”, said Figliuolo.
