"Fines and Work Exclusion for Unvaccinated Over 50s"... Italy Takes Strong Measures

A citizen walking wearing a mask in Naples, Italy. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The Italian government has made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for workers aged 50 and over to curb the spread of the virus.

According to the Associated Press on the 5th (local time), the Italian government announced that eligible public and private sector workers aged 50 and above must provide proof of vaccination or recovery from infection. This measure comes as Italy, with a population of 58 million, recorded a staggering 189,000 new cases the previous day, marking consecutive days of record-breaking infections.

If those subject to the mandate refuse and do not begin vaccination by the law’s enforcement date of February 15, they will be immediately excluded from work and face fines of up to 1,500 euros (approximately 2.03 million KRW).

Until now, unvaccinated individuals could submit a negative COVID-19 test every two days to go to work, but this option has been removed.

Currently, about 78% of Italy’s population has completed vaccination. The booster shot rate stands at around 36%.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said at a cabinet meeting that day, "I want to encourage those who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated to slow the spread of the epidemic."

Regarding the decision to target those aged 50 and above for mandatory vaccination, he added, "This is the age group with the highest risk of hospitalization," and "We aim to relieve pressure on hospitals and save lives through mandatory vaccination."

Health Minister Roberto Speranza also appealed to the inevitability of mandatory vaccination. He stated, "Two-thirds of COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units are unvaccinated," and "The unvaccinated rate among general patients is also around 50%."

He continued, "This decision was made to limit the activities of the unvaccinated as much as possible," explaining that "(being unvaccinated) is placing a burden on the healthcare system."

Meanwhile, there is a growing movement in Europe to mandate vaccination. Austria announced it will require vaccination for those aged 14 and older starting next month. Greece will also require vaccination for those aged 60 and above beginning on the 16th.

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