‘Immunosis’ mandatory when going to work in Italy… Unpaid suspension and fine for negligence in case of violation (comprehensive)

From next month, the ‘Green Pass’ system, a certificate of immunity to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), will be applied to all workplaces in Italy.

The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Mario Draghi, unanimously approved the executive order at a cabinet meeting held on the afternoon of the 16th (local time).

Accordingly, all workers, whether public or private, must have a green pass when going to work. The effective date is the 15th of next month. For now, it is scheduled to be implemented until the end of the year, the deadline for the health emergency, but it may be extended depending on circumstances.

Workers who do not hold a green pass will be subject to unpaid suspension.

In addition, if you are caught entering and exiting a workplace without a green pass, you will be fined 600 euros (about 830,000 won) up to 1,500 euros (about 2.07 million won).

Employers should also be fined 400 to 1,000 euros (about 550,000 to 1.38 million won) for negligence in management. However, the absence of a green pass should not be a reason for dismissal.

The number of workers affected by the measure is estimated at 14.7 million in the private sector and 3.2 million in the public sector.

The Green Pass is a certificate issued to those who have received the COVID-19 preventive vaccine or have tested negative, or those who recovered after being infected with the virus.

According to local media, Italy is the first European country to apply the Green Pass system to all domestic workplaces.

Initially, the government considered applying it only to the public sector, but in the course of the discussion, the scope was expanded to the private sector.

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Some labor groups and right-wing politicians strongly opposed it, but it is known that Prime Minister Draghi’s will to implement the Green Pass was very strong.

Labor groups demanded free COVID-19 tests for workers who avoid vaccines, but this was also rejected.

The government set the cost of testing at 15 euros (about 20,000 won) for adults and 8 euros (about 11,000 won) for teenagers and children under the age of 18. However, free tests are available for those who cannot receive the vaccine due to chronic disease or other reasons.

It is analyzed that this measure reflects the policy will of the authorities to further speed up the spread of the COVID-19 preventive vaccine ahead of the winter season when the virus is expected to re-emerge.

As of the 17th, the primary vaccination rate in Italy was 73.1% and the secondary vaccination rate was 67.5%. The vaccination rate for those 12 years and older who can be vaccinated rises to 74.9%.

Health Minister Roberto Speranza said at a press conference immediately after the cabinet meeting that “the green pass is a means to freedom” .

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The Green Pass was originally introduced by the European Union (EU) in June for safe human exchanges between countries in the region, and is also called a ‘vaccine passport’.

However, the Italian government took this as the basis of its quarantine policy and started to introduce it in each sector. Its purpose was to encourage people to vaccinate and to revitalize the economy in a safe environment.

From the 6th of last month, it became mandatory to bring the green pass when entering indoor restaurants and cultural and sports facilities, and from the 1st of this month, it is required to present the green pass when using all long-distance transportation methods such as buses, trains, ferries, and airliners.

On the 1st of this month, the scope is gradually expanding, such as making the Green Pass mandatory for all visitors as well as school staff at each level.

Vaccination is compulsory for health care workers, including nursing home staff.

As of the 16th, Italy had 5,117 new cases of COVID-19 and 67 deaths. The cumulative number was 4,623,157 and 131,167, respectively.

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