Italy, where the COVID-19 pandemic first erupted in the West in February 2020, is easing many restrictions over the coming weeks, including requirements for most workplace vaccination and mask-wearing.
Nearly 90% of Italians aged 12 or older have completed the vaccine cycle, and one-third of children aged 5 to 12 have also been fully vaccinated. In addition, some 38 million of Italy’s nearly 59 million residents have received their booster shots. Based on a range of data, Italy has decided to ease some of its COVID-19 restrictions and will not extend the country’s state of emergency.
The latest policy is as follows.
Masks will also still be required until 30 April for indoor venues like restaurants, gyms, pools, theatres, and discos, as well as workplaces. Earlier this year, Italy lifted its requirement for mask-wearing outdoors.
Any unvaccinated citizens over the age of 50 will now be able to work if they have a negative COVID-19 test result.
Health care workers, and those employed in nursing homes, regardless of age, will still be required to be vaccinated through the end of 2022.
People testing positive will still be required to isolate.
