Italy Expands Mandatory COVID-19 Testing to UK, Netherlands, and Other Countries Amid Resurgence

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) rapidly shows signs of resurgence, the Italian government has expanded the list of countries subject to mandatory testing. Italy has decided to conduct COVID-19 tests on visitors coming from Belgium, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.

Citizens of Rome, Italy wearing masks [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the 8th (local time), the Italian government mandated COVID-19 testing through a new administrative order, requiring visitors from six European countries to undergo testing. Previously, Italy had required COVID-19 testing for visitors from France, Spain, Greece, Croatia, and Malta, and this is an additional expansion. However, Greece, Croatia, and Malta were excluded from the mandatory list this time.

According to Italy's quarantine rules, even visitors from European countries must take a COVID-19 test at the airport or port immediately upon arrival or within 48 hours at a local health center. Self-isolation is mandatory until a negative test result is confirmed.

This quarantine procedure can be avoided only if a negative COVID-19 test result is confirmed in advance.

Currently, Italy allows entry from 10 non-European Union (EU) countries, including Korea, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.