Italy introduces vaccine mandate for over-50s amid Omicron outbreak

The Italian government has approved a measure requiring people older than 50 to be vaccinated against coronavirus as the country struggles with nearly daily new records of fresh infections fuelled by the Omicron variant.

Earlier in the day, 189,000 new infections were confirmed in the country of some 59 million people.

“We want to put the brakes on the growth of the curve of contagion and push Italians who are still not vaccinated to do so,” Prime Minister Mario Draghi was quoted by an official in his office as telling his ministers at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening.

The Cabinet voted unanimously to impose the mandate, which Public Administration Minister Renato Brunetta said puts Italy in the vanguard in Europe in cracking down on those who refuse to be vaccinated and who now account for the majority of patients in Italy’s rapidly filling ICU beds.

Some 78% of Italy’s population is fully vaccinated against coronavirus. So far, about 36% have received a booster shot, which experts say is a crucial instrument in reducing the possibility that an infection will necessitate intensive care or be fatal.

Mr Draghi said the decision to require vaccination for older persons was taken out of concern that they are at more risk of hospital admission and “to reduce the pressure on hospitals and save lives”.

It was not immediately announced what if any penalty non-vaccinated older persons might face. But Health Minister Roberto Speranza told reporters that anyone 50 or older will be checked to see if they have a “super green pass” before they enter their workplaces.

That certification is reserved to those who are fully vaccinated or who have recently recovered from Covid-19.

The workplace requirement for older workers in both the public or private sector takes effect from February 15. That date would presumably allow time for workers to become fully vaccinated if they are not now.

The Cabinet also decreed that anyone working in universities must be vaccinated, regardless of age. Currently, vaccination is required for school teachers, healthcare workers, members of the military and police forces, regardless of age.

Also adopted was a requirement that anyone working or obtaining services in beauty parlours and similar establishments have a negative virus test if they are not vaccinated or have not recently recovered from Covid.

The same rule will apply to stores in shopping malls and to banks and post offices. Those working or patronising pharmacies or food stores will be exempt.