Italy looks at implementing COVID restrictions amid Omicron

Italy’s government is considering implementing new COVID restrictions in light of surging cases during the holiday season

Officials in Italy are continuing to seek further information from health authorities in light of the rapidly-rising cases of the new Omicron variant of COVID, with the government right now considering new restrictions as infections rise.

According to local media reports, after holding a meeting with ministers on December 23, Prime Minister Mario Draghi could impose an obligation on the vaccinated to show a negative test to access crowded places, including discos and stadiums.

Negative COVID tests could also be required to enter cinemas and theatres, along with wearing masks outdoors.

Under current rules in Italy, people who have been vaccinated or have recently recovered from the disease have free access to indoor seating at bars and restaurants, museums, cinemas, clubs and sporting events.

“Some measures, such as making masks compulsory even outdoors … could be taken soon,” Franco Locatelli, one of the government’s main scientific advisors, told the newspaper.

Mandatory vaccines

Italy – where vaccination is already mandatory for healthcare workers, school staff, police and the military – could extend the jab obligation to all workers from January, Corriere della Sera reported.

Italy’s National Health Institute (ISS) stated on Saturday that the Omicron variant is spreading quickly within the country and that new cases have been identified in the country’s north and south.

A total of 84 omicron strain infections have so far been identified.

Rome has this week extended a COVID-19 state of emergency until March 31 2022, with authorities ruling that all visitors arriving from EU nations be tested and receive a negative result prior to their departure.