Italy requires covid-19 pass for all workers

All Italian workers must display a health pass to access their workplaces from October 15 under a decree adopted yesterday by Premier Mario Draghi’s government.

The measures are the first by a major European economy requiring proof of vaccination, a recent negative virus test, or recovery from covid in the previous six months for all categories of workers.

“The Green Pass is an instrument of freedom that will help us make workplaces safer,’’ Health Minister Roberto Speranza told a press conference.

Workers face fines up to 1500 euros and employers up to 1000 euros if they do not comply.

Public sector employees risk suspension if they rack up five absences for failure to show up with a Green Pass; private sector workers can be suspended after the first failure. The measures remain in effect until December 31. –