Masks and Green Pass: times and methods of the new rules

The goal is to try to contain the upturn, already underway, of infections from Covid-19, in particular for the spread of the Omicron variant. The decree approved on 23 December by the Council of Ministers enters into force with its publication in the Official Gazette. Some provisions of the Festivity decree take effect immediately, others come into force in the coming weeks or months. There are no obligations for private homes, but there is a general call for caution especially for those who meet elderly or frail people.

Outdoor masks

This obligation immediately enters into force throughout Italy, even in the white area.

Ffp2 mask obligation

The masks (filtering face piece particles) that best protect against the Coronavirus and which are however also more expensive must be used by everyone in a series of places at risk of crowding. This obligation applies until the end of the state of emergency, which was extended until March 31, 2022. It applies to cinemas, theaters, entertainment venues and similar (such as museums), stadiums, sporting events, long-distance transport and local public transport. In all other indoor places, surgical masks are sufficient. The Ffp2 protect the wearer and the people around them.

Bars and restaurants

Until March 31, 2022 too drinks at the counter of the bar, including coffee, can only be made with the enhanced Green Pass. The same rule applies to consuming at the table. When getting up from the table it is mandatory to wear a mask. Until January 31, it is forbidden to consume food and drinks indoors, in cinemas, theaters, stadiums and sports halls.

rsa

To enter residential, social welfare, social health and hospice facilities, three doses of vaccine or two doses and a negative swab are required.

Events

Until January 31st, outdoor events with the risk of crowding cannot be held. No New Year’s Eve parties in the squares therefore, for the most part already canceled. “Events, parties and concerts, however named, which involve gatherings in open spaces are prohibited”.

Discos

Discos and all other dance clubs are closed until January 31st. It will not be allowed to organize parties in indoor venues.

Reinforced Green Pass

From 10 January other activities and places require the Green Pass strengthened in all areas: swimming pools, gyms and team sports, museums and exhibitions, indoor wellness centers, spas (except for essential levels of assistance and rehabilitation or therapeutic activities), theme and amusement parks, cultural centers, social and recreational centers (excluding educational centers for children) indoors, gaming rooms, betting rooms, bingo halls and casino. The enhanced Green Pass is already mandatory for: indoor restaurants and bars, cinemas and theaters and stadiums.

Validità Green Pass

From February 1st, the validity of the green certification is reduced from nine to six months.

Third dose

You can take the third dose no longer from the fifth month after the second administration, but from the fourth. For bookings already made the same method should be used as when the interval was decreased from 6 to 5 months. Those who already have a reservation can cancel and rebook it. The booster dose will be extended to young people between 16-17 years and frail adolescents between 12 and 15 years. The administration starts from January 27th. Aifa will decide on all adolescents from 12 years of age by January.

Green Pass

From 1 February 2022 the duration of the vaccination green pass is reduced from 9 to 6 months. Furthermore, by order of the Minister of Health, the minimum period for the administration of the third dose will be reduced from 5 to 4 months from the completion of the primary vaccination cycle.