Italian Government: Healthcare Workers Refusing Vaccination Will Not Receive Salary Until Year-End

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The Italian government has effectively made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for medical and healthcare workers. Those who refuse vaccination will not receive their salaries until the end of the year.

According to ANSA news agency and others, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi approved an administrative order containing these provisions during a cabinet meeting held on the 31st of last month (local time).

Under the administrative order, which takes effect from April 7, workers who refuse vaccination may not receive their salaries until the end of the year. This measure follows recent controversies in Italy where some healthcare and medical workers refused vaccination.

The government explained that the aim is "to protect those exposed to the risk of virus infection as much as possible."

The administrative order also includes regulations requiring in-person classes up to elementary school regardless of the virus risk level. Restrictions such as bans on on-site operations of restaurants and pubs, and closures of cultural facilities like museums and art galleries will continue nationwide until the end of April.

As of the 31st of last month, Italy's cumulative confirmed cases stood at 3,584,899, with 109,346 deaths recorded. The number of people who have completed the second dose of vaccination is approximately 3,192,000, accounting for about 5.3% of the total population.

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