Italy to require all workers possess a COVID-19 green pass

Italy will today become the first European country to require all workers to possess a green pass health certificate to provide evidence that they have received at least one vaccine dose, tested negative or recently recovered from COVID-19.

Workers without a valid pass will be suspended without pay and fined but retain their jobs. Despite sporadic protests in revolt against the green passes there is a strong consensus amongst political parties to support the passes to avoid further economic lockdowns. This is because advocates believe the pass system will push more people to become vaccinated.

In the short-term, expect a significant increase in the acceleration of inoculations owing to today’s rules. Presently, 74% of Italians have rolled up their sleeves for one shot while 68% are fully vaccinates.

In the medium-term, expect discontent with the passes to increase, as some have suggested the passes lack sensitivity to constitutional issues and intra-state division.

In the longer-term, expect a continued tale of two pandemics regarding interpretation of the appropriate public policy responses, the potential for intergenerational divides and wider anti-vaccination sentiment to spread throughout Europe.