The health pass came into effect this Friday in Italy, catching some tourists by surprise.

At the Vatican Museums, several people were thus turned away despite tickets booked in advance, because they were unable to provide proof of a Covid-19 vaccine, of a previous infection in the past six months. or a negative coronavirus test.

“We were impatient, so we were a bit disappointed.

But that's how it is, ”said Tereza, 20, on vacation with a friend from the Czech Republic.

However, she admitted to having received an email reminding her of the obligation of a health pass and most visitors queuing to see the Sistine Chapel on Friday morning had it in hand.

Hugo, 48, from Texas, welcomes the new checks, even if they result in longer queues.

“I know there are mixed feelings… But we did it at home and (…) it gives us a bit of peace of mind because we're probably more protected,” he said.

Italians also taken aback

But tourists weren't the only ones caught off guard.

Millions of Italians are still not vaccinated, others had the Covid more than six months ago and they can therefore only get a health pass by taking a test for the coronavirus.

Demonstrations have also taken place, the most recent being Thursday evening, when thousands of people gathered in Turin's main square, Piazza Castello, in a demonstration dubbed “Day Without Fear”.

Most wore no masks and some held signs proclaiming “Freedom” and “State Discrimination”.

Compulsory health pass for teachers

In restaurants in central Rome on Friday, not all employees were asking for the sanitary pass for customers wishing to sit indoors, despite the risk of heavy fines. However, many establishments are concerned about how the pass will work in practice, especially with tourists with tests or vaccination certificates that do not have an easily readable QR code.

On Thursday evening, the government also made the “green pass”, the name given in Italy to the health pass, compulsory for teachers as well as for passengers on domestic flights, ferries and long-distance trains from September 1.

Ministers insist these measures are essential to stem the increase in coronavirus cases, while allowing businesses to remain open.

"I say to all Italians: get vaccinated and follow the rules," Prime Minister Mario Draghi told reporters on Friday, before Parliament's summer recess.

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  • Tourism

  • Covid 19

  • epidemic

  • Coronavirus

  • Health pass

  • Italy

  • Health