On Thursday, the Italian government announced that from 6th August, people must present proof of immunity (Green Pass) to access certain services and leisure activities.
The Green Pass is a digital or paper certificate that shows if someone has received a vaccination, tested negative or recently recovered from COVID-19.
From 6th August, access to gyms, swimming pools, sports stadiums, museums, spas, casinos and cinemas is only for those holding a Green Pass. Eating in indoor restaurants also requires a pass.
“The Green Pass is essential if we want to keep businesses open,” Prime Minister Mario Draghi told reporters.
However, divisions within his coalition government meant proposals to include trains, public transport and domestic flights in the pass system are on the shelf for now. The rightist League party warned it would kill tourism.
By contrast, the cabinet agreed that discos should remain closed, even for those with a Green Pass.
Vaccination rate for under 50s slow
Introduced in Italy last month, the Green Pass was only for travel within the EU and to gain access to care homes or large wedding receptions within Italy.
The decision to widen its scope follows a similar move by the French government. There is growing concern around the highly contagious Delta variant.
The number of new coronavirus infections recorded in Italy doubled during the past week. Official figures showed 5,057 on Thursday.
There is also concern the vaccination campaign is slowing. Many under 50s are still not booking jabs.
Currently, 48.2% of Italians are fully inoculated. A further 14.1% are awaiting a second jab, according to latest data. Studies shows double vaccinations are more effective against the Delta variant. The initial dose, meanwhile, offers only limited cover.
Politicians split over vaccination programme
Some rightist politicians, including lawmakers within Draghi’s coalition, have refused to throw their weight behind the vaccination drive. Indeed, some urged people under 40 not to get inoculated. The prime minister denounced such comments.
“Calls for people not to get vaccinated is a call for people to die. If you don’t vaccinate, you get sick, you die or you let other people die,” Draghi said.