The human rights organization Amnesty International recently called on the governing coalition led by Mario Draghi to end “disproportionate discrimination against the unvaccinated” in Italy.

In fact, no other Western European country has issued such strict corona regulations, no other has penetrated so deeply into the network of constitutional law and ethics in the fight against the pandemic.

In this regard, Italy is seen as a laboratory on which the world looks.

That is why prominent opponents of vaccination particularly appreciate it as a stage for their performances.

Karen Krueger

Editor in the Feuilleton.

  • Follow I follow

In November, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., one of America's leading opponents of vaccination, was a guest in Milan with his crude theses.

Now the French doctor and Nobel Prize winner Luc Montagnier has also done the honors.

The vaccine is harmful, the administration must be stopped immediately, the unvaccinated are the saviors of humanity tomorrow, he said in front of around 2,000 opponents of vaccination on Piazza 25 Aprile in Milan.

Only a few hours later, at the “vaccination night” in the San Giovanni hospital, you could see how the Italian vaccinators worked extra shifts.

Anyone could come without prior notice.

In the evening, people stood in line at zero degrees, and when the tired doctors declared the campaign over the next morning, 1006 people had been vaccinated.

For most it was the third vaccination, for some it was the second vaccination.

And for fifty women and men the first.

"The more we are, the more likely we are to win," promises Italy's vaccination campaign, and perhaps the vaccination novices did indeed feel that it was time to no longer give preference to the "I" but to the "we".

However, it is more likely that the renewed tightening of the corona rules prompted them to take the step.

Fine of 600 to 1500 euros

Since January 10, life for the unvaccinated in Italy has not only lost comfort. Entering the metro, bus, trains and planes is only allowed for those who have been fully vaccinated or have recovered. The same applies to access to cultural and sporting events, museums, cinemas, hairdressers and to staying outside or inside restaurants and cafés. From February 1st, the 2G rule will be extended to shops, malls and banks. If you are still unvaccinated, only pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations, newspaper kiosks and weekly markets are open to you.

The pressure to get vaccinated is enormous. With 228,179 newly infected and 434 dead, the omicron wave is said to have reached a high on Tuesday. But the government will not stop repeating that the "undecided" need to be "convinced". The numbers prove her persuasion right: 75 percent of the population are currently fully vaccinated, and the rate for the first vaccination is 82 percent. Since compulsory vaccination for people over 50 was announced on January 5th, 685,000 primary vaccinations have been carried out in this age group.

Anyone who has not had them vaccinated by February 1 only has to pay a one-off fine of 100 euros for the time being. From February 15, however, the 2-G rule will apply to those over 50 in the workplace. Failure to do so could result in suspension without payment and a fine of 600 to 1,500 euros. If repeated, the penalty is doubled. It is almost impossible to cheat your way through, as Italy set up a national vaccination register at the beginning of 2021, which is centrally located at the state agency SOGEI. It is based in Rome and also manages the tax records of all citizens. You can find out who has not been vaccinated at the touch of a button.

Draghi has not yet responded to Amnesty International's criticism.

People are already wondering what he could come up with next to convince the last stubborn people to vaccinate.

The scope for possible restrictions seems to have been exhausted.

The vaccination campaign for the youngest could provide orientation.

Every child who is vaccinated against Corona receives a discounted ticket for an amusement park and a beautifully decorated personalized certificate.

It says that the child has proven "that it is worthwhile to show an extraordinary commitment against the corona virus".

Perhaps such positive incentives should also be set for other age groups.