Unvaccinated in Italy banned from coffee shops, gyms and trains

A new 'super' health pass is to be introduced in the country

Unvaccinated people in Italy are set to face new restrictions to enter everyday venues such as cafes and gyms. A new health pass means that proof of a negative test will no longer be accepted to gain access to services - effectively banning unvaccinated people from entering. Under the new 'super' health pass, only proof of vaccination or recovery from a recent infection will be allowed. This will affect access to public transport, hotels, gyms, coffee shops and other everyday activities. The move comes as covid infections in the country have begun to exceed 100,000 per day. Italy has already introduced a standard health pass for access into workplaces and new outdoor mask mandates. Italians are also required to wear the more FFP2 face masks - aka filtering face masks - on public transport, ABC News reports. Generally, the new measures have been supported by the public. In fact, after the decision to mandate vaccinations for anyone aged 50 or over, the main criticism that has been aimed at Prime Minister Mario Draghi is that the fine for non-compliance is too low. Critics say the fine, which starts at €100 (£83.44), is far too low for make defying the requirement hurt however the fines do rise significantly - up to €1,600 - for those in the over-50 age group who then enter their workplace unvaccinated. On Monday, Draghi defended the vaccine mandate, saying: "The data tells us that those older than 50 run greater risks, and that intensive care units are occupied by two-thirds of those not vaccinated." Italy has fully vaccinated 86 per cent of the over-12 population and nearly three quarters of those who are eligible have received a booster. Still, two million people out of Italy's population of 60 million are currently positive - and as Italians have returned to work and school after Christmas, essential services have felt the impact of soaring infections. Schools have complained they do not have enough teachers to reopen because so many members of staff are self-isolating, while train services have been cancelled over staff shortages. Related links:

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