Thu Jan 6, 2022 – 4:22 pm EST
ROME (LifeSiteNews) — The Italian government has decreed that COVID-19 vaccination will be compulsory for all residents over the age of 50 by mid-February, making Italy one of just a few European countries to impose a blanket COVID vaccine mandate for residents.
Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s cabinet approved the measure Wednesday, requiring all workers 50 years old and up to present a health certificate showing that they have been jabbed or have recently recovered from the virus, or face unpaid suspension. Unemployed residents over 50 will also have to be vaccinated, though it is not yet clear what penalties they may face.
The measure comes into force February 15 and is set to last until at least June 15.
28 million of Italy’s 59 million residents are over the age of 50, including 7 percent who remain unvaccinated, according to EuroNews. Around 75 percent of Italians are “fully vaccinated” and another 6 percent have received at least one shot.
Italy already introduced a COVID-19 “Green Pass” in October for workers to show proof of vaccination, COVID recovery, or a negative test every two days to enter the workplace.
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