Thousands protest in Italy as tough coronavirus ‘green pass’ rules take effect
- All workers must now show proof of vaccination, recent recovery from Covid-19 or a negative test, or face being declared absent without pay
- More than 85 per cent of Italians over the age of 12 qualify for the pass, but up to 3 million workers are estimated to be unvaccinated
Protesters gathered at Italian ports and thousands took to the streets on Friday against the introduction of one of the world’s toughest Covid-19 pass regimes, but fears of widespread economic chaos failed to materialise.
More than 6,500 people demonstrated at the northeastern port of Trieste, according to local officials, although regional president Massimiliano Fedriga stressed “the port is working”.
Delays were reported at the northwestern port of Genoa, where about 300 people blocked an entrance, while small protests were held across Italian towns and cities.
From Friday, all workers must show a so-called green pass offering proof of vaccination, recent recovery from Covid-19 or a negative test – or face being declared absent without pay.
More than 85 per cent of Italians over the age of 12 have received at least one jab, thus qualifying for the pass, but up to 3 million workers are estimated to be unvaccinated.