Jul 22, 2021 - World

Italy to require vaccine proof, negative COVID-19 test for many social activities

Kierra Frazier

Tourists walk along the promenade near Ovo Castle, also known as Castel dell'Ovo, seaside fortification in Naples, Italy, on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. — Tourists walk along the promenade near Ovo Castle, also known as Castel dell'Ovo, seaside fortification in Naples, Italy, on July 21. Photo: Alessio Paduano/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Italy will require people to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status or a recent negative coronavirus test to participate in select social activities, the New York Times reports.

Why it matters: Italy has seen a spike in infections driven by the Delta variant, reporting 5,057 new coronavirus infections Thursday, compared to the 4,259 the day before.

The country's latest requirement follows a similar move in France which newly demands visitors obtain COVID-19 passes to visit tourist venues.

Details: The Italian government is adopting the requirement of a "green certification," to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test.

Starting Aug. 6, people in Italy will have to show their health passes to sit at indoor bars and restaurants, go to museums, swimming pools, gyms, theme parks and more.
About 40 million people have already downloaded the pass, which was previously used to attend weddings or visit nursing homes, per NYT.

What they're saying: "The virus’s Delta variant is menacing," Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Draghi said, per NYT. "We must act on the front of Covid-19."

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Italy to require vaccine proof, negative COVID-19 test for many social activities

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