Italy has reported more than 130,000 confirmed deaths, the third-highest toll in Europe after Britain and Russia. Italy, once the epicenter of the outbreak in Europe, has fully inoculated 75% of its population ages 12 and older. Health Minister Roberto Speranza says the requirement is aimed at boosting the vaccine campaign while creating safer workplaces. It requires proof of vaccination, a recent negative test, or contracting the virus in the past six months. On Thursday, Italy became the first major European economy to require all workers to present a “Green Pass” to work next month. Italian regions nationwide reported upticks of 20% to 40% for appointments this week to get the shot.
The office of Italy’s coronavirus czar says there’s been a 35% one-week rise in first doses compared to last Saturday. ROME - Italy is reporting up to a 40% increase in the number of people getting a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine following a government decree requiring a health pass for all workers, public and private, starting Oct.
