The government said on Thursday it sent a new National Pandemic Plan to the State-Regions Conference for regional review and input.
The plan states that, during an “exceptional” pandemic, authorities may impose temporary restrictions on personal freedom.
However, it emphasises that such measures must come through laws approved by parliament, not premier’s office decrees, which were common during COVID-19.
The plan acknowledges vaccines’ role but states they should not be the “sole means” of combating disease.
“The new national pandemic plan was sent to the regions yesterday,” said Health Minister Orazio Schillaci. “They are reviewing it, and we will soon have a response. The budget law now provides economic coverage, which was previously lacking. Freedoms and, above all, citizens will be protected.”
Premier Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing Brothers of Italy (FDI) party opposed many COVID-19 restrictions and vaccination requirements while in opposition.
Last year, the government opened an investigation into the management of the Covid pandemic.
