by In Trieste
The Italian government implemented new restrictions for holiday season as data shows that the highly transmissible Omicron variant is spreading rapidly in Italy.
The new measures were announced by health minister Roberto Speranza on Thursday night after a day of intense meetings between premier Mario Draghi, the Italian cabinet, government health advisors and regional leaders.
Green Pass
The new rules include reducing the duration of the Green Pass certificate, which grants access to a wide range of activities and venues, to six months from the current nine, with effect from 1 February.
To access nursing homes it will be necessary to have had either three doses of the covid vaccine or two doses plus a negative covid test result.
Super Green Pass
The scope of the Super Green Pass – which can only be obtained by those who have been vaccinated or recovered from covid – will be extended to museums, gyms, swimming pools, wellness centers, spas, bingo halls and social centers.
From 30 December until the end of Italy’s state of emergency (31 March) it will be necessary to show the Super Green Pass in bars, restaurants and indoor venues to consume food or drinks at the counter.
This means that those who are unvaccinated will not be able to get a coffee, alcoholic beverage or sandwich while standing at the bar, and can only be served outside.
Booster
The minimum waiting time between the second dose of the covid vaccine and the ‘booster’ shot has been reduced from five to four months.
Masks
The government has reimposed a mask mandate outdoors nationwide, even in Italy’s lowest-risk ‘white zones’, until 31 January 2022.
The more protective FFP2 masks are now required for indoor venues including cinemas, theatres and sports stadiums, as well as on public transport. This measure will be in place until 31 March.
Discos
Dance halls, discos and night clubs will be closed until 31 January 2022, Speranza announced, bypassing the busy New Year period.
For official information about the covid-19 situation in Italy see the health ministry website. C
