Italy reported 189,000 COVID-19 infections earlier that day.
To battle the rising cases due to the Omicron variant, Italy has issued a mandate requiring all 50 and up to be vaccinated. The vaccine mandate is immediately effective until June 15th. Italy is one of the few European countries imposing such strict mandates.
In the past, those over 50 could go to work if they received a COVID test every two days, revealing that they weren’t infected. Now they must be vaccinated, and this applies to those who do not work as well.
According to CBS News, Prime Minister Mario Draghi explained that this decision was based on the concern that older populations are at higher risk for hospitalization.
Those who refuse to get the vaccination will be suspended from work without pay, but not dismissed.
